ABS GBA15 Instructions For Use Manual - page 13
1. Welcome
Congratulations on your purchase of the ABS Avalanche Airbag
System .
This manual provides you with information about the function
and use of the ABS Avalanche Airbag System . It applies to every
out of bounds snow sport enthusiast .
Please read this manual carefully before you use this equipment .
Pay special attention to the warning notices and strictly adhere
to the information within . In order to be able to easily consult this
user manual we suggest that you keep it in a convenient location .
Make sure you include it if you choose to pass this equipment
on .
Sections in the manual that are marked with this
symbol identify risks which, if not observed will lead
to serious consequences .
The ABS Avalanche Airbag System is an emergency equipment,
which under certain conditions can prevent a total burial if
activated. It cannot prevent the release of an avalanche. An
element of deadly risk remains even if the user doesn’t get
buried. Every avalanche is absolutely life threatening regard-
less of any equipment. Therefore the ABS Avalanche Airbag
System should not encourage you to take greater risks.
For the functioning of the ABS Avalanche Airbag you need an
activation unit (cartridge + handle) . Each ABS system is tested
prior to delivery . The extreme situation of an avalanche requires
a practiced approach to the ABS system . ABS therefore highly
recommends a training activation as part of your personal
training .
Please read the user manual before you complete the warranty
form online under
www.abs-airbag.com
(under
Service/Warranty
Card
) . Your warranty claim will then be extended to 4 years .
•
Do not attach the activation handle to the ABS-System
unless you have attached a full cartridge first.
•
Always change the activation handle and cartridge after
an activation of the system!
•
The system is ready for use again when both parts
have been exchanged.
•
Remove the activation handle when airbag is not in use.
Always use the ABS Avalanche Airbag System in combination
with an avalanche transceiver, shovel and probe .
The ABS-System is Made in Germany .
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2. Warning notices and appropriate use
The ABS Avalanche Airbag cannot prevent an avalanche .
Every avalanche is always absolutely life threatening,
with or without an ABS Avalanche Airbag .
The ABS Avalanche Airbag should not in any way increase
your willingness to take risks .
The function and action of the ABS-System is limited solely to
preventing the total burial of an avalanche victim . However,
there may be situations when this is only partially or not at all
possible .
The ABS-System has to be activated . It is important to
practice this in order to be able to react properly in case of
emergency . For your own safety you should practice the
activation once a season .
The ABS-System requires careful handling and proper
inspection before each use .
Activation handle and cartridge are refillable .
Only attach the activation handle if a full cartridge has been
attached . Activation without a cartridge or with an empty
one will damage the system and render it non-functional .
It will have to be sent to your respective service center for
inspection .
If the red line is clearly visible the activation handle is not
charged and therefore not functioning!
Do not use damaged handles as there is a danger that they
could burst while releasing!
Do not try to pull the pin outside the brass quick coupler
located at the backpack strap . You will risk injury .
It is essential that the pin is protected from dirt . Should the pin
have come in contact with dirt, do not clean it yourself . Send it
to your respective service center for an exchange instead .
Dose the coupler with a drop of ABS oil at regular intervals so
that the handle can be attached and detached easily .
This prevents accidental activations .
Pay attention to the expiration date of the activation handle .
Only use original ABS cartridges, refills, parts or spares .
Do not alter, change or perform any repair on the system .
Only an authorized ABS Service Center should perform any
work or repair on the system . Any unauthorized work will void
your warranty as well as make the system inoperable .
The cartridge should screw in easily right to the back stop .
If you experience any resistance or if it is really hard to turn
the cartridge right up to the back stop, then this cartridge
cannot be used!
The full cartridge cannot be exposed to heat (stove, sun etc .) .
Do not throw or stress the cartridge . Risk of explosion! Max .
temperature is 50ºC (+122 F) .
When packing the airbags make sure that nothing can damage
the airbags and that the airbags are able to open up freely .
This applies especially to attachable parts like ice picks,
poles, skis, etc .
Fold the airbags according to the instructions . Improper folding
inhibits the opening of the airbags, can lead to malfunctioning
and damage the backpack .
Keep children away from the ABS System .
Be careful not to endanger other people when practicing the
activation of the airbag .
In order to avoid an unwanted or inadvertent activation
where other people could be harmed by such an accidental
activation, it is recommended that you remove the handle,
especially on chairlifts, in gondolas, in or around a helicopter,
the bus, train, automobile, etc .
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