| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | |
| March 3, 1988 | |
| Release # 88-011 |
Tyrolia Recalls Ski Bindings
WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Tyrolia Freizeitgerate of Austria, makers of ski equipment, today announced the voluntary recall in the United States of 450,000 1982-1986 model Tyrolia ski bindings because of toe and heel lug breakage, which can pose a risk of serious injury to skiers.Generally, should breakage occur, it will happen while the boot is being inserted into the binding. Should the lug break during usage, however, serious injuries associated with loss of control could occur, such as fractures and soft tissue injuries. To date, there have been reports of five injuries in the United States that may be related to a lug failure of this type.
The toe lug is the U-shaped uppermost movable component of the toe of the ski binding. The heel lug is the U-shaped piece at the front of the binding's heel. Their function is to hold the sole of the ski boot to the ski. (See attached illustration)
The recall includes the following models, in the specified toe lug colors, but only those with a production code on the heel either beginning with the letter or ending with the number specified below, or both. The production number is stamped on the right side of the base of the heel piece; it car be seen more readily with a magnifying glass.
PRODUCTION CODE | |||
MODEL |
COLOR OF THE TOE LUG |
FIRST LETTER ON THE SIX-DIGIT CODE ON HEEL PIECE |
LAST NUMBER ON THE FOUR-DIGIT CODE ON HEEL PIECE |
480 |
GREY |
H..... |
|
290 |
BLUE, WHITE |
F..... |
|
280 |
WHITE |
G..... |
|
230 |
GREY |
H..... |
|
220 |
WHITE |
F or G..... |
...4 |
190 |
GREY |
G or H..... |
|
180 |
WHITE |
G..... |
|
177 |
GREY |
H..... |
|
170 |
WHITE |
F or G..... |
...4 |
90 JUNIOR |
WHITE |
|
...4 |
80 JUNIOR |
BLACK |
|
...4 or 2 |
In explaining the recall, Dr. Klaus Holzl, Director of Development Engineering at Tyrolia, said, "Our paramount concern is the safety of all skiers. Because we have high industry standards of quality and reliability, we have always stood behind our products. We therefore urge customers to discontinue us of these models of bindings and see their dealer as soon as possible."
Consumers with any questions may call Tyrolia toll-free at 1-800-343-5999 in the United States, or in Canada, 1-800-265-7252.
