CPSC recalls rechargeable batteries sold with jackets

Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Omni-Heat Lithium-Polymer Rechargeable Batteries

Units: About 66 batteries (33 jackets with two battery packs each)

Importer: Columbia Sportswear Company, of Portland, Ore.

Hazard: The batteries have a cell defect which can cause overheating, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm received one report of an overheating battery in Europe. No incidents or injuries were reported in the U.S.

Description: This recall involves battery packs that power heating systems in jackets. The black battery packs are 3.25 inches long by 2.3 inches wide by 0.7 inches deep and marked with "Columbia" on the top and "OMNI-HEAT" on the bottom of the pack. Part number 054978-001 is printed on the side of the battery label.

Two battery packs were included with styles from:

Fall 2011 Mens: Electro Amp Jacket (SM7864) and Circuit Breaker Softshell (SM7855)

Fall 2011 Womens: Circuit Breaker Softshell (SL7856); Snow Hottie Jacket (SL7866), and Snow Hottie Parka (SL7853).

Consumer Product Safety Commission