Control call: Mammoth re-calls for control of avalanche backpacks Airbag 3.0

Mammut asks customers to check the correct fixation between the airbag and the airbag inflation system. Affected are avalanche airbags of the generation 3.0. As early as the beginning of 2018, Mammut called for a check on the Airbag 3.0 model (details below).

Mammoth ask its customers, who have Mammut 3.0 generation avalanche airbags, to check the fixation of the airbag balloon on the airbag inflation system to ensure proper functioning of the Avalanche Safety gear.

All customers in possession of an 3.0 (neon color trigger) avalanche airbag of the winter 16 / 17 winter, winter 17 / 18 or winter 18 / 19 season are asked to check it or refer to the Mammut customer service turn. Avalanche airbags of earlier seasons (red trigger handle) are not affected.

It is easy to identify whether the mentioned fixation has been mounted correctly (see review instructions). If the fixation of the airbag balloon on the airbag inflation system has not been carried out correctly, the airbag may in some cases lose too much volume after release. As a result, the functionality of the airbag may be compromised in the event of avalanche burial.

If the fixation assembly error described in the manual is determined, the affected airbag system must not be used and must be returned immediately to Mammut Customer Service for replacement. If you have any questions, Mammut customer service is always available.

1. Determine if your avalanche airbag is affected by the control call

The affected Airbag systems of the generation 3.0 have a neon orange trigger handle. The Mammut RAS and PAS systems as well as the products under the brand Snowpulse Highmark with the Mammut airbag system 3.0 are to be checked. Not affected are all Mammut and Snowpulse systems of the generation 2.0 with red handle.

2. If it is a 3.0 system, please open the airbag compartment of the backpack 

Please open the airbag compartment carefully with the Velcro fastener without unfolding the airbag balloon. Note: If the airbag balloon unfolds when the airbag compartment is opened, it must be folded up again after the security check according to the user manual -https://ch.mammut.com/service/user-manuals/avalanche-airbags/

3. Carefully lift the folded airbag balloon on its side so that the clamping ring (green circle in figure) between the balloon and the airbag inflation system is clearly visible

4. Check the fixation of the clamping ring between the airbag balloon and the airbag inflation system

Please check the fixation of the clamping ring by trying to move the clamping ring with your thumb and forefinger.Important: The clamping ring must be tight and must not turn or move with your fingers!

5. Assessment of precautionary security clearance
Clamping ring is tight!

If the clamping ring is stuck and can not be turned or moved by the thumb and forefinger, the fixation between the airbag balloon and the airbag inflation system is correct. Your airbag will be ready for use once the airbag has been stowed in the airbag compartment of the backpack.
Note: For correct folding and the installation of the airbag balloon, see Airbag user manual

Clamping ring can be turned, moved

If the clamping ring can be turned or moved by the thumb and forefinger, then the fixation between the airbag balloon and the airbag inflation system is NOT correct and there is an assembly error. The affected airbag system may no longer be used and must be returned immediately to the Mammut customer service for replacement!

If you have any questions about the correct fixation between the airbag balloon and the airbag inflation system, please contact the Mammut customer service. 

6. Check with the control that the balloon is not hung twisted around

Important: The balloon may not be mounted twisted at the outlet of the inflation system (see sketch)

Frequently asked questions

1. What can I do if I can not control myself?
   Please contact our customer service. You can have the airbag sent in and checked out for free.
2. What exactly is the problem and the security risk?
   In the event of a faulty fixation between the airbag balloon and the airbag inflation system, the airbag balloon will be correctly inflated after the deployment, but the pressure of the balloon can not be maintained. Due to the loss of pressure, the airbag can not effectively protect the user against partial burial or spillage in the event of an avalanche.
3. Were there fatal accidents related to this assembly error?
   Currently, we are not aware of any fatalities due to the assembly error. In order to exclude any risk for our customers, we have decided on a precautionary inspection call. The assembly error was discovered during a routine quality and warehouse inspection.
4. Can my airbag system be permanently damaged by the assembly error?
   No - if the fixation between the airbag balloon and the airbag inflation system is correct, the system will work properly. Mammut replaces air bag systems that detect the assembly error with new airbag systems.
5. Can the fixation between the airbag balloon and the airbag inflation system resolve after the use of the airbag?
   No, this is impossible. Please pay attention to the user manual carefully when assembling or mounting the system in another backpack. Please follow Mammut's instructions for regular and periodic care and maintenance of the airbag system, as per the user's manual at mammut.com.
6. Can the assembly error only occur in the production of mammoth or even during the self-assembly of the system?
   Routine checks have revealed that isolated assembly errors have occurred in the production of mammoth. The error should not occur during self installation if the user manual is followed correctly.
7. Are the airbag backpacks of the licensee brands Evoc, Dakine, Jones, Thule, Rip Curl and Norrona also affected?
   Yes, the 3.0 airbag systems used in the licensee brands can also be affected, even if these backpacks are delivered without a fitted airbag system. Please check your airbag system that you are using in an airbag backpack, a mammoth licensee brand.
8. Avalanche airbags from various brands have been remarkably affected by recall and control calls in recent years. Is this technology safe at all? Avalanche airbags are based on a relatively young, complex technology that is constantly evolving. However, the avalanche airbags have saved many lives in the overall balance and accidents have been prevented precisely by the corrective measures.

For further questions please contact our customer service.
Contact customer service

PDF Mammut Airbag 3.0 inspection call

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Already in February 2018 came to a control call. Please also note this in connection with the control of your avalanche airbag.

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Credits: picture and text Mammoth