The main obstacle for a successful rescue is when the burial
depth is one meter or more . Often the time it takes to shovel
these victims out of such snow depths exceeds their survival
time . Therefore it is absolutely vital to prevent a burial as good
as possible . One pull of the activation handle and within seconds
the ABS Avalanche Airbag provides the physical prerequisites
for this to happen .
The moving snow
flushes large volume
objects to the sur-
face . If these objects
have a smaller
dimensional weight
than the surroun-
ding snow, they will
stay at the surface .
The additional airbag volume of 170 liters helps that you will
stay on top of the moving snow . The weight, shape as well as the
attachment of the airbags, also contribute to this . A large surface
area combined with a flexible attachment that fits close to the
body convert the flow force into buoyancy . The ABS Avalanche
Airbag System has already prevented hundreds of snow enthusi-
asts from being buried .
7. Maintenance
7.1 Self check
• The ABS Avalanche Airbag is virtually maintenance free if the
following points are observed .
• Unfold both airbags at least once a year . We also recommend
a yearly practice activation, preferably at the beginning of the
season . The activation can easily be practiced on a safe site .
• Check the release valve in the black suction and release unit .
Push the red button several times . It has to completely click
back into place each time .
• Inspect the condition of the backpack straps, buckles, airbag
compartments and Velcro closures on a regular basis .
• Check whether the puncturing unit which holds the cartridge
is free of dirt
• The activation handle should easily fit into the coupler . You
can add a drop of ABS oil to the coupler if you have problems
removing the handle . A sample tube of ABS oil is included and
can be ordered from ABS .
• Make sure that the full cartridge is screwed in tightly each time
before using the ABS Avalanche Airbag .
7.2 Post-avalanche check
Every use can negatively affect the material . Often the damage
is not visible with the naked eye . We therefore recommend
sending the ABS-backpack and empty cartridge to your service
centre for a prophylactic inspection . Please fill out the online
form for the avalanche accident database in full and submit it to
the Österreichisches Kuratorium für Alpine Sicherheit (Austrian
Alpine Safety Board) .
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You can find all the key information at
www.abs-airbag.com/en/avalanche-accident/
If you are unable to send the ABS Avalanche Airbag in right away
we recommend to check the following:
– check the airbags visually for punctures
– check the airbag fastening straps for tears
– check the shoulder, waist and chest straps as well as the
seems for tears
– check all buckles (adjustment buckles at the shoulder straps,
waist and chest strap)
– check buckles as well as leg straps for tears and deformation
Send your ABS Avalanche Airbag System to your local
Service Center for inspection .
7.3 Customer service
After three seasons the manufacturer recommends a general
inspection . The ABS Avalanche Airbag including cartridge and
activation handle has to be sent to your respective service
center . The ABS customer service will charge for this inspection .
The customer service includes a much more extensive inspection
of all ABS parts than the practice activation or self check .
The appropriate ABS customer service for each of the
countries is listed on our web page
www.abs-airbag.com
under
Company/Contact
.
8. Components
8.1 Airbags
Each of the two airbags has a volume of 85 liters when inflated .
They are inflated simultaneously but have separate closure and
suction valves . If one of the airbags is damaged the other one will
remain inflated for a sufficient amount of time . The inner pressure
equals approx . 0 .1 bar .
8.2 Suction and release valve
This combination part is attached directly to the airbag . The
button for the release valve is located in the middle of the black
suction and release unit . It is protected from unwanted pressure
by a red plastic cover .
The net cover over the suction and release valve prevents snow
entering the airbag when it is being filled . Damaged nets can be
replaced at any time .
8.3 Puncture unit
The puncture unit, into which the cartridge is screwed, is housed
at the top of the backpack . Make absolutely sure that it stays
clean and that no objects can damage it . Therefore always close
the cover . A screwed in cartridge can be unscrewed from the
puncture unit at any time . Only the pull on the attached handle
will activate the cartridge . We generally recommend to always
leaving the cartridge attached .
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