The producer and filler of ABS steel cartridges has detected problems in the filling process, and it is possible that steel cartridges that have already been delivered may have been contaminated during filling. The contamination residues could block the airbag system during subsequent activation. So far three instances of this problem, caused by the supplier, have occurred during training activations.
We are working very hard to return your ABS backpack to you as soon as possible. The recall is important to be able to guarantee a reliable activation. The current processing time is around 2 weeks. We would like to ask for your understanding and apologise for the inconvenience caused.
TO "FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS"
The following products are affected by the recall:
Products not affected by the recall:
If you have products affected by this recall, please follow these instructions:
ABS Protection GmbH
Rückruf
c/o Nitro AG
Bösch 104
6331 Hünenberg
Schweiz
No personal drop off or pickup possible.
Intersurf A/S pays the return shipment to you. In case of any questions please contact Intersurf A/S directly under +45 (0) 75 - 220 211 or via email at info@intersurf.dk.
The empty cartridge is not considered as a dangerous good and can therefore be forwarded with every parcel service. The refilling charges are to our expenses.
Current status:
Up to the end of September 2015, we carried out mechanical and visual checks on approx. 40.000 ABS systems, of which 90 were covered by the recall and were duly exchanged.
Avalanche airbag manufacturer ABS is responding to a fault caused by a supplier with an immediate recall action: all European steel cartridges (black) currently in use with a filling date of before 3 December 2014 must be replaced. It is possible that, during the supplier’s filling process, machining residues could have entered the cartridge which would prevent the airbag system from functioning in future. All backpacks with ABS TwinBag systems (dual airbags) that have been activated with a steel cartridge are therefore to be returned to ABS for checking. ABS carbon cartridges and ABS Mono airbags are not affected.
The producer and filler of the steel cartridges used in airbag systems has informed ABS that the steel cartridges supplied may have been contaminated with machining residues during the filling process. These particles could block the ABS system during activation. So far three instances of this problem, caused by the supplier, have been found.
ABS places great emphasis on the quality and safety of its products. The Bavaria-based company is therefore recalling all European steel cartridges with a filling date of before 3 December 2014 for replacement. The filling date is located together with the weight on a round sticker on the cartridge.
Owners of ABS TwinBag systems that have ever been activated with a European steel cartridge (e.g. for training purposes) must now return their avalanche backpacks to ABS for checking. A system check is required because previous activation of the ABS system may have caused the machining residues to have entered the system which might thus hinder or even prevent subsequent activation. Backpacks fitted with ABS TwinBag systems that are still in their original packaging or have never been activated with a steel cartridge are not affected and do not have to be returned, only the steel cartridges must be replaced. ABS Mono airbags and ABS Carbon cartridges are equally unaffected.
ABS promptly informed the trade and the company has in addition set up a hotline for end consumers and dealers.
(PDF 112KB)
Dealers who check ABS backpacks
(PDF 222KB)
