Recall: Avalung Backpacks Recalled by Black Diamond Equipment Due to Suffocation Hazard


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
January 5, 2011
Release #11-084
Firm's Recall Hotline: (801) 278-5533 collect
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983

Avalung Backpacks Recalled by Black Diamond Equipment Due to Suffocation Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. 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: Avalung backpacks

Units: About 3,500 units

Importer/Manufacturer: Black Diamond Equipment, Ltd. of Salt Lake City, Utah

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.

Backpack Model Color Size PO Number
Anarchist Black M/L 101153, 101254
S/M 101104
Bandit Black One Size 101052, 100981
Green Olive One Size 100957
Seth Plaid Red One Size 101030
Seth Plaid Orange One Size 101254
Outlaw Black M/L 101104, 101271, 101254
Green Olive S/M 100981, 101052
Agent Black M/L 101104, 101153
Ocean Print S/M 101104
Covert Black M/L 101104, 101254, 101330, 101287
S/M 101030
Revelation Black M/L 101254, 101104, 101287
Chili M/L 101213, 101254, 101030, 101052
S/M 101104
Bandit Avalung Package Black One Size 101322, 101330, 101052

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/AvaLungRecall

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



Picture of Recalled Revelation Avalung Backpack
Revelation



Picture of Recalled Agent Avalung Backpack
Agent



Picture of Recalled Anarchist Avalung Backpack
Anarchist



Picture of Recalled Bandit Avalung Backpack
Bandit



Picture of Recalled Covert Avalung Backpack
Covert
Picture of Recalled Outlaw Avalung Backpack
Outlaw