Severity
Moderate
ModerateActive
CPSC recall · Reported May 12, 2015
Avalanche Rescue Snow Shovels Recalled by Mountain Safety Research Due to Risk of Failure During Emergency Rescues (Recall Alert)
The lower lock button on the avalanche snow shovel's shaft can fail to secure the blade, causing the shovel's shaft and blade to come apart and render the shovel unable to be used…
The CPSC recalled This recall involves Mountain Safety Research Operator™ T, Operator™ D, and Responder™ av… — a moderate-severity action.
Avalanche Rescue Snow Shovels Recalled by Mountain Safety Research Due to Risk of Failure… was recalled and listed by the CPSC in May 12, 2015. Reason: The lower lock button on the avalanche snow shovel's shaft can fail to secure the blade, causing the shovel's…. Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled shovels and return them to the place…. Verify recall #15732 with the CPSC before acting.
The recall
issued this moderate-severity CPSC recall — The lower lock button on the avalanche snow shovel's shaft can fail to secure the blade, causing the shovel's….
- Moderate
- severity level
- May 12, 2015
- reported
Sourced from official CPSC enforcement records. Verify recall #15732 with the agency before acting. Full product description, hazard, remedy, and related recalls are below.
Recall Insight
This CPSC action (record #15732) was formally reported on May 12, 2015. It is classified under Moderate severity, with a current status of Active. The recalling firm is not specified in the federal record. Federal records list the affected scope as About 4,300 in the United States and 340 in Canada.
The documented reason for this recall is: The lower lock button on the avalanche snow shovel's shaft can fail to secure the blade, causing the shovel's shaft and blade to come apart and render the shovel unable to be used as intended to rescue avalanche victims. Distribution information was not included in the agency filing, so consumers should assume broad potential exposure until the firm publishes point-of-sale details. The remedy documented by the agency is: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled shovels and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or to Mountain Safety Research for a free replacement shaft. — consumers holding this product should act on that instruction rather than relying on general guidance.
Within the same product category the archive holds 6 closely related recalls — clustering in a narrow category often points to a systemic quality-control or supplier issue rather than a one-off defect. Always verify the recall number against the official agency record before acting.
Household Products recalls over time
Where this recall sits in its category — 2,542 household products recalls on record
Where this recall sits in the database
Of 100,165 recalls in the database, 23,668 are high severity, 72,097 moderate, and 4,400 low. This recall is classified moderate severity.
Counts reflect market size and reporting activity, not inherent danger — we do not rank products by risk from raw recall volume.
Affected scope
About 4,300 in the United States and 340 in Canada
Related Recalls
6
0 from same agency
Product description
This recall involves Mountain Safety Research Operator™ T, Operator™ D, and Responder™ avalanche rescue snow shovels. Lock buttons on the lower shaft connect the metal shovel blade to the metal shaft. Recalled shovels have a slit on either side of the lower lock button. The shovels measure about 32 to 34 inches long. The blades are red or yellow in color and the handles are gray. "Mountain Safety Research" is printed on the shaft of the handle. "MSR" is printed on the front of the shovel blade.
Reason for recall
The lower lock button on the avalanche snow shovel's shaft can fail to secure the blade, causing the shovel's shaft and blade to come apart and render the shovel unable to be used as intended to rescue avalanche victims.
Remedy — what to do
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled shovels and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or to Mountain Safety Research for a free replacement shaft.
Recall Profile
| Attribute | Value |
|---|---|
| Agency | U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission |
| Severity class | Moderate |
| Status | Active |
| Recall number | 15732 |
| Date reported | May 12, 2015 |
| Date initiated | May 12, 2015 |
| Recalling firm | Not disclosed |
| Affected scope | About 4,300 in the United States and 340 in Canada |
| Distribution | Not disclosed |
| Official source | CPSC notice → |
Profile values are sourced directly from the official CPSC enforcement record. Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
What to do with this recall
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled shovels and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or to Mou…
- Check the recall number (15732) and product description against the item you own. Search the archive
- Confirm the current status and remedy on the official CPSC notice before acting. CPSC notice
- Follow the documented remedy (refund, replacement, repair, or disposal) rather than general advice. What to do next
This page summarizes the official CPSC record for research and awareness; it is not legal, medical, or safety advice. Verify with the issuing agency before acting.
Frequently Asked Questions
What product was recalled? ▼
This recall involves Mountain Safety Research Operator™ T, Operator™ D, and Responder™ avalanche rescue snow shovels. Lock buttons on the lower shaft connect the metal shovel blade to the metal shaft. Recalled shovels have a slit on either side of the lower lock button. The shovels measure about 32 to 34 inches long. The blades are red or yellow in color and the handles are gray. "Mountain Safety Research" is printed on the shaft of the handle. "MSR" is printed on the front of the shovel blade.. Units affected: About 4,300 in the United States and 340 in Canada.
Why was this product recalled? ▼
The lower lock button on the avalanche snow shovel's shaft can fail to secure the blade, causing the shovel's shaft and blade to come apart and render the shovel unable to be used as intended to rescue avalanche victims.
What should consumers do? ▼
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled shovels and return them to the place of purchase for a full refund or to Mountain Safety Research for a free replacement shaft.
Which agency issued this recall? ▼
This recall was issued by the CPSC on May 12, 2015. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 15732.
How do I check if my product is affected by a recall? ▼
Check the product description and recall number (15732) against your product. Visit the official CPSC website for the most current information. You can also use our Recall Checker tool to search by product name or brand.
How do I report an injury from a recalled product? ▼
Report injuries to the issuing agency: CPSC at SaferProducts.gov, NHTSA at nhtsa.gov/report-a-safety-problem, or FDA via MedWatch. Document the product (photos, model/serial numbers, purchase receipts) and seek medical attention. Injury reports help agencies track hazard patterns and may strengthen enforcement actions.
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Data Sources
Source: FDA, CPSC, and NHTSA federal recall databases. This recall: CPSC, reported May 12, 2015.
- Source: FDA — Food and Drug Administration, openFDA Enforcement API (food, drug, and medical device recalls)
- Source: CPSC — Consumer Product Safety Commission Recalls API (consumer product recalls and hazards)
- Source: NHTSA — National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Recalls API (vehicle safety recalls)
Recall information is sourced from official federal agency databases. Always verify recall details with the issuing agency for the most current status. This information is for research and awareness purposes only.
Every figure on PlainRecalls is rendered directly from official FDA, CPSC and NHTSA recall records — no number is typed in by an editor. Severity classes follow each agency's own taxonomy (FDA Class I/II/III; CPSC and NHTSA by hazard type), and related-recall context is computed across the full archive. See our editorial standards & corrections policy, the methodology behind these numbers, or report a data error. Data current as of June 2026.