Transportation Guidelines - bca FLOAT Manuel D'utilisation

Maintenance / Storage / Transportation
No scheduled maintenance is required as long as the system is stored in a cool, dry place. Do not expose
a charged Float cylinder to temperatures exceeding 130°F (55°C) or below -22°F (-30°C). If subjected to
adverse conditions, check that all connections are free of contaminants. Pack can be cleaned with warm
soapy water and connections can be cleaned with a damp cloth. Do not use lubricants.
Periodic Deployment
BCA recommends deploying your Float airbag at least once per year, both to make sure the system is
operating correctly and to be sure the user knows how to operate the equipment efficiently. Put it on, pull
the trigger, repack the airbag and refill the cylinder before the season starts. Your Float airbag is designed
to undergo a minimum of 20 deployments and is warranted for three years. With proper care, it should last
five years or more.
Discharging Compressed Air Cylinder
v
If the compressed air cylinder is pressurized but the pressure is below 2500 psi (172 bar) at 70°F
(21°C), it should not be used in the backcountry, but it may be used for a practice deployment. Simply
deploy the airbag by pulling on the trigger handle.
DO NOT POINT CYLINDER OUTLET PORT (COUPLER) AT ANYONE OR ANYTHING, AS IT
COULD CAUSE DAMAGE OR INJURY. DISCHARGING A COMPRESSED AIR CYLINDER IS
LOUD – PERSONAL EAR PROTECTION IS RECOMMENDED.
Shipping a Compressed Air Cylinder
DISCHARGE CYLINDER BEFORE SHIPPING.
Compressed air cylinders may not be shipped pressurized without proper (Hazmat) certification.
Empty or full compressed air cylinders must be shipped in original packaging to prevent damage.
Please return protective covers. When shipping unpressurized cylinders in their original packag-
ing, please make sure you remove any Hazmat labels or markings that were used when they were
shipped pressurized.

Transportation Guidelines

While the International Air Transport Association (IATA) has specifically approved avalanche airbags
with pressurized cylinders for airline travel, the Transportation Security Administration (TSA) does
not allow them on flights to and from North America. If you are traveling in countries outside of North
America, contact your airline in advance for permission to check through your pressurized Float cylinder.
If permission is granted, then pack the pressurized cylinder in your checked baggage. Make sure it is
packed with the following document: www.backcountryaccess.com/IATAdoc .
If you are traveling to or from North America, then TSA will not allow your pressurized cylinder on board.
Discharge the compressed air cylinder before entering the airport. Once empty, unscrew the cylinder
head from the cylinder and put both in clean, re-sealable plastic bags. Carry them through the TSA
security checkpoint so they are visible to TSA personnel. Afterward, the cylinder head can be screwed
back on the cylinder by hand. When you reach your destination, locate a Float Refill Center and
exchange or refill your empty cylinder. For a list of Float refill/exchange locations, visit our site at
www.backcountryaccess.com/refillcenters .
18