Climbers with Index ascenders need to check their gear

A major gear manufacturer is warning climbers to stop using some of it models.

Black Diamond has issued a voluntary recall on certain ascenders, via ferrata lanyards and climbing cams.

The company is urging those who have these products to inspect their gear to see if they are affected by the recall.

Black Diamond said: “In 2014 Black Diamond began the process of bringing our manufacturing back to Salt Lake City, Utah from Zhuhai, China.

“After having uncovered quality issues with a low percentage of our carabiners manufactured in the United States, Black Diamond recently initiated a comprehensive quality audit of our manufacturing operations.

“As a result of this quality audit, we are issuing a voluntary recall for inspection of Easy Rider and Iron Cruiser via ferrata lanyard sets, Index Ascenders, Camalots and Camalot Ultralights, along with previously announced recalls of select carabiners and nylon runners.

“The number of affected units found is extremely small and no incidents have been reported. As an example, tens of thousands of Camalots have been produced in our Salt Lake City factory since repatriation, and we have found only one unit that did not meet our critical quality requirements.

“However, our legacy of excellence and commitment to the climbing community compels us to take extraordinary measures to ensure products in the field meet all necessary safety requirements.

“As a company of climbers, we know the paramount importance of trusting your equipment. We are proactively mobilising our entire global organization to ensure the quality of our product.”

For the Index ascenders, the recall concerns both the right and left versions manufactured between 22 December, 2014 and 25 February, 2016, with manufacturing codes between 4356 and 6015.

Black Diamond said: “In some Index Ascenders, the rivet attaching the toothed cam to the ascender body may not be properly finished. This could cause the cam to become detached, allowing the ascender to disconnect from the rope.

Certain via ferrata sets are subject to the recall

“There is also the potential that the rivet attaching the plastic safety catch to the cam may not be properly finished, increasing the likelihood that the ascender could become detached from the rope.

“No accidents have been reported; however, in the interest of customer safety, Black Diamond has decided to voluntarily issue a recall, subject to user inspection, of Index Ascenders.

“If you own Index Ascenders that fall within the scope of this recall, Black Diamond is requesting that you stop use immediately and inspect them. If they fail inspection, please contact Black Diamond, and we will replace your ascenders free of charge.”

Easy Rider and Iron Cruiser via ferrata lanyard sets are also subject to the recall because of the possibility of defects in the stitching that could cause the lanyard to fail, potentially resulting in serious injury or death.

The Easy Rider Via ferrata set and the Iron Cruiser via ferrata set manufactured between 26 October, 2015 and 18 January, 2016, with manufacturing codes between 5293 and 5350 are affected. Iron Cruiser via ferrata packages are also affected.

“In a very small number of via ferrata lanyards, the security stitching (three orange bar tacks that attach the carabiners to the lanyards) may not be present, which would result in immediate failure of the lanyard under body weight,” the company said.

“No accidents have been reported; however, in the interest of customer safety, Black Diamond has decided to voluntarily issue a recall, subject to user inspection.

As with the ascenders, if you have a via ferrata lanyard that falls within the scope of the recall, you should stop using it.

Similarly anyone with a Camalot or Camalot Ultralight spring-loaded camming device, affected by the recall should stop using them, because some units may have been improperly assembled and may fail during use, potentially resulting in injury or death.

Certain models of Camalots need to be checked

Black Diamond said: “This recall concerns all sizes of Camalots (.3 to 6) produced between 18 May, 2015 and 9 March 9, with manufacturing codes between 5133 and 6067.

“This recall also concerns all sizes of Camalot Ultralights (.4 to 4) produced between 10 November, 2015 and 4 March, 2016, with manufacturing codes between 5309 and 6061.

“In a very small percentage of Camalot and Camalot Ultralights, the axles connecting the cam lobes to the stem may not be properly riveted. This could cause the device’s strength to be compromised, and it could possibly come apart during use.”

Instructions on how to inspect and contact the manufacturers are on the Black Diamond website.

In February, Black Diamond issued a similar recall notice for some of its slings and carabiners.