One of the Black Diamond AvaLung packs
A gear manufacturer has issued a recall notice on a series of specialised rucksacks that offer a breathing system for avalanche victims.
Utah-based Black Diamond said it has discovered that the intake tubing on some of its AvaLung packs may crack under extremely cold conditions.
The tubing is a crucial element for the system that offers the chance of better survivability when buried by avalanche, by separating exhaled carbon dioxide from available oxygen.
The recall affects only packs sold since 1 January 2010. The company said: “Any AvaLung Pack that falls within the criteria is part of the recall and potentially defective and contains an AvaLung unit that should be immediately returned to Black Diamond for inspection and possible replacement. The anticipated replacement time is March 2011. Once inspected, the returned and replaced AvaLung unit will bear a mark confirming that the product has been inspected and fixed.”
Black Diamond said user analysis of the AvaLung units is not possible, and only its staff can determine which equipment is at risk.
It said AvaLung II sling units are not affected.
Full details of the models affected and how to remove and return the AvaLung units are on the Black Diamond website.
