What began as an internal, preventive recall by Mammut to replace the pressure gauges in all first generation SnowPulse avalanche airbag packs has now been officially mandated by US Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recall is aimed at replacing pressure gauges (v1.0) that could leak.

The defect was found by Mammut Sports Group AG after acquiring the Swiss airbag pack company Snowpulse AG on July 1, 2011. The was a known potential defect that Mammut determined had not been properly addressed so a notice was sent out to Snowpulse dealers to notify customers to have all v1.0 cartridges returned and replaced. Version 1.0 cartridges were manufactured prior to the 2011/12 season.

From USNewswire:
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.  It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Notice from CPSC
Name of product: Snowpulse Avalanche Airbags
Units: About 1,200 in the United States and 2,600 in Canada
Importer: Mammut Sports Group Inc., of Shelburne, Vt.
Manufacturer: Snowpulse SA, of Martigny, Switzerland
Distributor: Mountain Sports Distribution, of Golden British Columbia, Canada
Hazard: A leak in the airbag’s cartridge can result in the airbag not deploying, posing a risk of death and injury in the event of an avalanche.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves Snowpulse Avalanche airbags with inflation-system 1.0 air cartridges. The airbags are used for skiing, snowmobiling and mountain climbing to help keep the user above the surface if an avalanche occurs. Model year 2008 to 2010 airbag cartridges are included in this recall. The packs are between 15 and 45 liters and have the “Snowpulse” logo printed on them. The metal cartridge is inside the pack and unscrews from the airbag. Cartridges using inflation system 1.0 gauges can be identified by the pin inside the threaded fitting on the side of the cartridge.  If this gauge does not have an “A” or a “B” on the dial then it is included in the recall.
Sold by: Specialty outdoor and motorsports stores nationwide from September 2008 through April 2012 for between $900 and $1,200.
Manufactured in: Switzerland
Remedy:  Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled airbags and contact Snowpulse for a replacement cartridge.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Snowpulse at (800) 451-5127 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.snowpulse.com.

© 2012