Black Diamond Recalls PIEPS DSP Avalanche Transceivers Due to Risk of Loss of Emergency Communications; One Death Reported

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.

Remedy

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.

Repair

Incidents & injuries

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.

Product description

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.

Sold on

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.

Contact the company

Black Diamond at 866-306-0865 from 9 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, email at [email protected], online at www.blackdiamondequipment.com and click on "Safety Recall" located at the top of the webpage or https://www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/content/dsp-recall/ for more information.