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The Airbags
The airbags are made of strong nylon, lined with polyurethane. Their seams are welded for strength. They are independent so that if one ruptures the other will stay inflated.
Each airbag has a volume of 85 litres although the pressure could vary very slightly depending on the air temperature and the altitude.
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The Airbag Compartments
The airbags are stored in two compartments on either side of the backpack which protect them during normal use. If the system is activated, the Velcro closures on the airbag compartments open with the pressure as the airbags inflate, allowing the airbags to pop out on each side.
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The Suction and release unit
The suction and release unit on each airbag allows the system, once activated, to pull in air automatically from the atmosphere to help inflate the system and also allows the airbags to be deflated. In the centre of the suction and release unit is the release valve button, protected by this red plastic cover.
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The Cartridge
The cartridge contains nitrogen, which is totally harmless. The inside pressure is 300 bar. The piercing of the cartridge should only occur within the piercing unit of the ABS-system. Any manipulation at the closure or at the cartridge can trigger an explosion. High risk of injury and death, even for bystanders.
Each cartridge is designed for temperatures from -40ºC to +50ºC (-40F to +122 F). Empty cartridges can only be filled by ABS.
The exchange can only be done at an ABS retail shop.Avoid impacts such as dropping the cartridge.
The cartridge complies with the guideline 1999/36/EC.
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The Activation Handle Attachment Point
The activation handle is normally attached to the left shoulder strap of the pack. The brass coupler is covered by a plastic flap to protect it keep it clean and stop it getting clogged up with snow or ice.
Never try to pull the pin of the handle while it is not attached to the brass coupler as there is a risk of injury. The Velcro security strap is used to secure the handle in place when there is no danger of an avalanche.
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The Activation Handle
The activation handle must never be attached to the system unless there is a full gas cartridge already correctly screwed in. If it is activated without a full gas cartridge correctly attached the system can be damaged and must be returned for inspection.
The activation handle consists of the handle itself, a pin to connect it to the brass coupler on the shoulder strap of the pack, the pressurized capsule inside and a red line which will not be visible unless the handle has been activated.
The capsule inside the handle can only be activated once, therefore any activation handle where the red line is visible should be returned to an ABS retailer with the cartridge for replacement.
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The Puncture Unit
The puncture unit which the cartridge is screwed in to is housed in a compartment at the top of the backpack.
Make absolutely sure that it stays clean and that no opjects 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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The Carrying System
The various straps of the pack are very important as the ABS system will only be useful in an avalanche if it stays attached to your body.
The carrying system has been fully tested and meets the TÜV guidelines for extreme operational demands.
The carrying system consists of:
• The shoulder straps
• The chest strap
• The waist belt
• And the leg strap
It’s very important that all of these straps are correctly and securely fastened whenever you are in an area where there is a risk of avalanche.
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