Columbia recalls faulty Omni-Heat batteries
US outdoor apparel company Columbia Sportswear is recalling rechargeable batteries sold with 220 of its Omni-Heat jackets, which the company said have a defect that can cause them to overheat.
The brand said the jackets were sold to 220 consumers between July and September 2011.
Columbia spokesman Ron Parham said the company has since found an alternate source for the battery packs. “As a result, all Omni-Heat Electric jackets currently being offered for sale contain the new battery packs,” Mr Parham said.
According to a statement from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, the recall is for 440 batteries, since two were sold with each of the 220 affected jackets. Columbia received one report of an overheated battery that was discovered at its distribution facility in France. No injuries or other incidents were reported in the US.
The battery packs are used as a heating element inside Columbia’s Omni-Heat Electric jackets. Three styles are affected by the recall: Omni-Heat Electric Wader Widgeon, Omni-Heat Electric Big Game and Omni-Heat Gale Warning Interchange. The defective batteries were not included in the company’s Omni-Heat electric gloves or boots.
