Owner`s manual
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Why do I need an avalanche airbag?
Preventing or minimizing burial depth is the key to reducing avalanche fatalities. That’s because the
majority of time in an avalanche rescue is spent on excavating the victim. An airbag is designed to
keep you at or near the surface, minimizing excavation time.
How does a pack reduce burial depth?
Inverse segregation, more commonly referred to as the “Brazil nut effect,” is the science behind why
airbags work. The turbulent movement sorts different shaped objects by size (similar to the way large
Brazil nuts will rise to the top when a bowl of mixed nuts is shaken). Smaller objects are more likely
to fall into the voids created by the turbulence, while larger objects move to the top. In addition to
increasing your overall buoyancy, the Float 30 avalanche airbag is designed to make a backcountry
user “bigger” than the surrounding pieces of debris in an avalanche. The Float 30 uses compressed
air in the cylinder to fill the bag and make the user’s volume larger, reducing—or eliminating—burial
depth and increasing your chances of survival.
Disclaimer
The Float 30 avalanche airbag system is designed to improve your chances of surviving an
avalanche by reducing your likelihood of getting buried. The Float 30 must be used correctly,
following the guidelines in this manual. Do not modify any aspects of this product or perform any
operations not described in this manual.
The Float 30 cannot prevent the release of an avalanche or guarantee survival under any conditions.
While the Float 30 will provide some protection from impact, no airbag system can completely
prevent injury from trauma. The Float 30 must be used in conjunction with a beacon, shovel, probe,
and helmet to provide the best chance of survival. As with other avalanche rescue tools, the Float 30
should not promote taking more risks.
You have invested in lifesaving technology. Be sure you have also invested your time in acquiring
the necessary skills to avoid avalanche situations before heading into the backcountry. Take an
avalanche awareness course, practice good snow safety skills, and keep your eyes and ears open in
the mountains. Prevention is always the best protection!
Warranty
The manufacturer, Backcountry Access, Inc. (BCA), expressly warrants the workmanship and
components of the Float 30 for three years after the date of retail purchase. All parts will be either
repaired or replaced free of charge, including labor, by the manufacturer. This warranty does not
cover damage to the product caused by improper use or excessive wear and tear. Direct all warranty
claims to BCA or your retailer. All claims must include proof of purchase and a return authorization
number. To ensure warranty protection and periodic technical updates please register online at
www.backcountryaccess.com/warranty.
Equipment Check
ejector assembly
release valve cover
air hose
quick connect tting
coupler gauge
trigger cable
air cylinder
pressure gauge
trigger cover
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Theory of Operation / Disclaimer / Warranty
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