Avalanche Rescue Snow Shovels Recalled by Mountain Safety Research Due to Risk of Failure During Emergency Rescues (Recall Alert)
CPSC recall 15732 · announced May 12, 2015 · Cascade Designs · 4,300 units affected
The product
This recall involves Mountain Safety Research Operator™ T, Operator™ D, and Responder™ avalanche rescue snow shovels. Lock buttons on the lower shaft connect the metal shovel blade to the metal shaft. Recalled shovels have a slit on either side of the lower lock button. The shovels measure about 32 to 34 inches long. The blades are red or yellow in color and the handles are gray. "Mountain Safety Research" is printed on the shaft of the handle. "MSR" is printed on the front of the shovel blade.
The hazard
The lower lock button on the avalanche snow shovel's shaft can fail to secure the blade, causing the shovel's shaft and blade to come apart and render the shovel unable to be used as intended to rescue avalanche victims.
What to do (per CPSC)
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled shovels and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or to Mountain Safety Research for a free replacement shaft. Remedy type: Refund Repair
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): None reported
Sold at: Outdoor recreation stores, including Bass Pro Shops, REI and others, nationwide and online at Amazon.com and other websites from October 2014 through January 2015 for between $60 and $70.
Consumer contact: Mountain Safety Research at (800) 531-9531 from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT, email consumer@cascadedesigns.com or online at www.msrgear.com and click on "Have You Purchased an MSR Snow Shovel" for more information.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.