Avalance tranceiver recall!

“FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
September 15, 2005
Release #05-271
Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 215-3131
CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Ortovox USA Announce Recall of Avalanche Transceivers

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm
below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately
unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Ortovox M1 and M2 Avalanche Transceivers - A device
worn to help locate a buried avalanche victim.

Units: About 15,500

Manufacturer: Ortovox USA, of Hopkinton, N.H.

Hazard: The batteries in these devices can become dislodged when the
transceiver is struck sharply. The transceiver could fail to function
properly in the aftermath of an avalanche, and result in the buried
victim not being found in time to avoid serious injury or death.

Incidents/Injuries: There have been three reports by consumers of the
batteries in these devices becoming dislodged. No injuries have been
reported.

Description: Both models of avalanche transceivers are plastic and
measure 5.5-inches by 2.5-inches by 1-inch. The M1 has a navy blue
body and a yellow volume control switch. The M2 avalanche transceiver
comes in two colors: glacier white (grey) with a red volume control
switch, and orange with a grey volume control switch. The model name
and "ORTOVOX" are written on the front of the transceivers.

Sold at: Outdoor specialty stores nationwide from January 1997
through July 2005 for about $300.

Manufactured in: Germany.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled avalanche
transceivers and contact the firm to receive a new battery door that
will help prevent the batteries from becoming dislodged.

Consumer Contact: Call Ortovox USA toll-free at (888) 215-3131
between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the
firm's Web site at www.ortovox.com

To view this recall online, please visit our website at: https://
www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml05/05271.html”

“I think this is what is known as a "bad thing".”

“Yeah, I guess there might be a difference between burying one of those things in the snow as part of a training course and actually getting hit by umpteen tons of snow going 50 mph!!”