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TESTS,
CERTS AND TRANSPORTING
TESTS:
To date two separate tests have been performed on the ABS one in 1995 and
another in 2000/2001. Both tests were done by The Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research in
Davos, a world renowned avalanche research center. Although we support
these tests we feel they only confirm what real world use
has already proven. The ultimate tests are the real people in real
avalanches that have used the ABS. The 98% survival rating in real world
use proves that the ABS functions as it was designed.
Tests may be viewed and downloaded in our download
section.
TÜV
& CE Labels: Within the European Community the Dual System (two airbags) and the Compact
System (mono airbag) both integrated into backpacks are considered "personal safety
equipment" for the prevention of avalanche burial.
In order to carry the CE label, an EC conformity certificate, the product
requires a positive test result by an authorized inspection agency. The ABS-Systems and -
backpacks have undergone tests by the TÜV Product Service, and therefore are in compliance with the EC
standards and carry the CE label.
Air Transport Regulations: Effective
Jan 2003 it is officially permitted by the IATA organization to take your ABS
pack with you when you travel by air worldwide. Please print out the enclosed .pdf
file and present it to the check in personnel at the airport.
As far as we know all European airlines transport the ABS without a problem.
American airlines tend to limit the transportation of the ABS. Please check with
your airline before you book your flight.
click to view and print. Right click to save.
Test Data
The Institute for Snow and Avalanche Research in
Davos, a world renowned avalanche research center, played a leading role in the tests with
the ABS-Avalanche Airbag System. The center also receives and compiles the information on
all actual cases.
"Currently out of the
proven technical devices, the avalanche airbag provides the greatest chances
of survival in an avalanche incident. However, despite all positive
developments and modern technical devices, one must never tolerate any
avalanche incident - if only because of the enormous risk of severe injury."
(Swiss Federal Institute for Avalanche Research)
In March of 1995 tests conducted by the
ELSF generated the following data:
Tests were done using dummies (mannequins,
not dumb people). These were fixed with ABS systems that could be
triggered remotely.
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fracture
line
- co-ordinates 795 140 / 185 260 2,800m above sea level
- northern exposure
- 110 m long
- height 0.10 - 0.93 m averaging approx. 0.5 m
- approx. 45º steepness
- approx. 1,500 m³
Legend:
1 A to 7 A dummies with ABS-Avalanche Airbags
1 B to 7 B Dummies without ABS-Avalanche Airbags
20 - 250 measured depth of avalanche debris
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GENERAL OVERVIEW
- every single inflated airbag was visible on
the surface of the avalanche.
- 1 avalanche airbag wasn’t inflated (technical problem with the trigger system), the
dummy, however, was still only partially buried.
- hip belt on 1 ABS backpack was half torn off.
- Some dummies with inflated airbags were totally buried (head under the snow) and were lying
on their stomachs under the airbags. The airbags were visible on the surface.
- With the exception of the dummy wearing the only half inflated airbag all other dummies
floated further down the avalanche than those without the ABS.
During the winter of 2000/2001 another test
was performed. The results being virtually identical to the one done
in 1995.
- All test dummies with ABS packs were visible on top of the snow.
- Both the dual and mono airbags performed identically.
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