The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. of Salt Lake City, Utah, announced a voluntary recall of about 3,500 Avalung backpacks today.
Hazard: The air intake tubing can crack under cold temperatures, causing the unit not to function as intended, posing a suffocation hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: The company has received one report of an air intake tubing cracking. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This recall involves the following Black Diamond 2010 Avalung backpacks (see chart below). These backpacks have an air intake system that the company states extracts air from the snow, allowing the victim of an avalanche to breathe while buried under the snow. The model name and color are printed on the side of the backpack. The PO number is printed on a white label inside the backpack.
Sold at: Specialty outdoor and ski shops nationwide from January 2010 through December 2010 for between $180 and $280.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using these recalled backpacks and contact Black Diamond Equipment to receive a free replacement product or a full refund.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Black Diamond collect at (801) 278-5533 anytime or visit the company's website at www.BlackDiamondEquipment.com.
Note: Health Canada's press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1228.
