NORTH AMERICA — Two avalanche transceiver distribution companies have announced a voluntary recall for DSP avalanche transceivers.
Austrian-based snow safety equipment company, PIEPS, and North American distributor, Black Diamond, announced a voluntary recall for its DSP avalanche transceivers on March 2.
The “voluntary product correction program” aims to improve the slide switch and the locking mechanism on all DSP series transceivers. All DSP models have the same slide switch and locking mechanism to switch the device to transmit mode.
According to the companies website, “PIEPS has comprehensively examined the safety and functionality of the affected products both internally and by external parties. The results show that the devices meet international standards, are properly designed and function as intended.”
To combat the issue, PIEPS has developed a hard case carrying system for the DSP PRO, the DSP PRO ICE, and the DSP SPORT. This ensures that the devices can only be used when the slide switch is set to the “SEND” position and locked.
Black Diamond Equipment issued a statement on their Instagram saying, “As the North American distributor for PIEPS, we have also started the process for a voluntary product recall for DSP avalanche transceivers (this specifically pertains to the PIEPS DSP Pro, DSP Pro Ice, and DSP Sport avalanche transceivers) in the U.S and Canada. We are in the process of finalizing approval and details with the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, and will update our community with next steps as soon as we can.”
According to their website, PIEPS has received inquiries about the DSP PRO, DSP PRO ICE, and DSP SPORT avalanche transceivers. These inquiries are related to two avalanche accidents in 2017 and spring 2020. After these accidents, allegations were made that the slide switch and the locking mechanism of the DSP PRO and the DSP SPORT did not withstand the stresses of the avalanches. Subsequent investigations have shown, however, that the slide switch and lock of the DSP PRO, the DSP PRO ICE, and the DSP SPORT meet all applicable safety standards.
