Black Diamond Recalls PIEPS DSP Avalanche Transceivers Due to Risk of Loss of Emergency Communications; One Death Reported
Recall 21108 · Apr 12, 2021 · Black Diamond
66,100
units affected
66,100
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 21108
- Date
- Apr 12, 2021
- Company
- Black Diamond
- Units affected
- 66,100
- Product
- PIEPS DSP Pro, DSP Pro Ice, and DSP Sport Avalanche Transceivers
- Remedy
- Repair
- Hazard
- Other or not stated
The product
This recall involves all PIEPS DSP Pro, DSP Pro Ice, and DSP Sport Avalanche Transceivers. The transceivers are worn by skiers so they can be located if they are buried in an avalanche. The units were sold in one size with an LCD display, a slider switch with Off/Search/Send, and are powered by a battery. The devices have a green/yellow, black/yellow, or clear/yellow exterior. The transceivers come with a black neoprene carrying case. The manufacturer's name, PIEPS, is printed in black letters on the front of the unit with the model name DSP Pro, DSP Pro Ice, and DSP Sport. The recall includes PIEPS DSP Sport Avalanche Transceiver MODEL NO. PP1128040000ALL1; PIEPS DSP Pro Avalanche Transceiver MODEL NO. PP1127710000ALL1; and PIEPS DSP Pro Ice Avalanche Transceiver MODEL NO. PP1127700000ALL1. The model name DSP02 can be found on the inside of the battery door, and the model number can be found on the outside of the packaging.
What can happen
The transceiver can switch modes unexpectedly when not locked or installed in the harness. When this occurs, it will prevent the transceiver from transmitting a signal and can make it difficult to locate a skier in an avalanche, which can result in severe bodily harm or death.
The fix
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled avalanche transceivers and contact Black Diamond for a free replacement hardcase carrying system and user guide to be used with the recalled transceivers.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- Black Diamond has received 65 reports of the transceiver modes switching unexpectedly while in use. One death and one instance of a skier getting caught in an avalanche who suffered a broken arm and minor injuries were both reported in British Columbia.
- Sold at
- Liberty Mountain, Recreational Equipment Inc. (REI), and other specialty outdoor stores nationwide, and online at www.backcountry.com from January 2013 through November 2020 for between $300 and $450.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled pieps dsp pro, dsp pro ice, and dsp sport avalanche transceivers?
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled avalanche transceivers and contact Black Diamond for a free replacement hardcase carrying system and user guide to be used with the recalled transceivers.
What is the hazard?
The transceiver can switch modes unexpectedly when not locked or installed in the harness. When this occurs, it will prevent the transceiver from transmitting a signal and can make it difficult to locate a skier in an avalanche, which can result in severe bodily harm or death.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.