Columbia Sportswear Recalls Batteries Sold With Jackets Due To Fire Hazard
CPSC recall 12705 · announced November 16, 2011 · Columbia Sportswear · 220 units affected
The product
This recall involves battery packs that power heating systems in jackets. Two battery packs were included with the following Omni-Heat™ Electric jacket styles: Omni-Heat™ Electric Wader Widgeon, Omni-Heat™ Electric Big Game and Omni-Heat™ Gale Warning Interchange. The black battery packs are 3.25 inches long by 2.3 inches wide by 0.7 inches deep and marked with "Columbia" on the top and "OMNI-HEAT™" on the bottom of the pack. "Part: 054978-001" is printed on the side label.
The hazard
The batteries have a cell defect which can cause overheating, posing a fire hazard.
What to do (per CPSC)
Consumers should immediately remove the battery pack from the jacket and contact the firm for instructions to return both battery packs to Columbia for free replacements. Remedy type: Replace
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): The firm has received one report of a battery overheating that was discovered at its distribution facility in France. No incidents or injuries have been reported in the United States.
Sold at: Columbia online retail for $79. The recalled battery packs were included with the jackets sold by Columbia online retail and outdoor and sporting goods dealers nationwide from July 2011 to September 2011 from $900 to $1200.
Consumer contact: For additional information, contact Columbia Sportswear Company between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT at (800) 622-6953, email Columbia@custhelp.com, or visit the firm's website at www.Columbia.com/Recall Firm Media Contact: (503) 985-4584
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.