PIEPS Issues Voluntary Corrections Program for DSP Avalanche Transceivers
It’s not a recall, but PIEPS is taking steps to address allegations of a faulty locking mechanism in their no-longer-current DSP PRO, DSP PRO ICE and DSP SPORT transceivers that could potentially allow the device to accidentally and unintentionally be switched out of send mode.
The company, which is owned by Black Diamond, has issued a voluntary product correction program that will “enhance the product safety of its DSP avalanche transceivers”. The correction program is not a recall, and DSP transceiver models will not be replaced. However, program participants will instead receive a hardcase carrying system that, when used properly, will physically prevent the transceiver from accidentally switching out of send mode while being worn.
To register for the correction program, a form is provided on the PIEPS website for users in Europe, Asia-Pacific and Latin Americas effective March 3. More information will be coming for DSP users in North America as soon as possible. The delay in North America is due to processes involving U.S. regulatory authorities.
The voluntary product correction program comes several months after PIEPS offered DSP users an upgrade to their latest generation of avalanche transceivers.
The following is from the PIEPS website:
PIEPS has conducted extensive evaluations of the safety and performance of the affected products, including internal and third-party testing. The results conclude that the products comply with international standards, are properly designed, and perform as intended.
Nevertheless, PIEPS has recently developed a hardcase carrying system to be used with the DSP PRO, DSP PRO ICE and DSP SPORT that the transceivers can only be used when set and locked in the “send” position.
Voluntary product correction program of DSP avalanche transceivers
PIEPS announces a voluntary product correction program to better secure the lock and switch mechanism of its DSP avalanche transceivers. The correction consists of a new hardcase carrying system to ensure that the DSP PRO, DSP PRO ICE and DSP SPORT avalanche transceivers are set to “send” mode before use, and remain locked in “send” mode during use. This new hardcase carrying system replaces the neoprene carrying system that was supplied with the DSP avalanche transceivers, which should now be discarded. The DSP products affected were manufactured between 2013 and 2020.
Pieps has received inquiries relating to the DSP PRO, DSP PRO ICE and DSP SPORT avalanche transceivers. These models all use an identical mechanical lock-and-switch mechanism to set the product to “send” mode. We believe these inquiries were prompted by two avalanche accidents: one in 2017 and one in spring 2020. Following these accidents, there were allegations that the security lock/switch mechanism of the DSP PRO/SPORT had malfunctioned during the avalanches. However, tests have shown that the lock/switch mechanism on the DSP PRO, DSP PRO ICE and DSP SPORT meets all relevant safety standards.
Markus Eck, Managing Director PIEPS and UIAGM certified Mountain Guide“We apologize for the inconvenience and thank you for your patience.”
PIEPS is committed to product safety and to its users, and upholds exacting product excellence across all its backcountry products.
Consumer confidence in our products is paramount, which is why the PIEPS R&D Team has now developed a new hardcase carrying system for all DSP transceivers, to replace the neoprene carrying system supplied with the DSP transceivers. The design of the new hardcase carrying system provides extra safety to ensure the transceivers are locked in the “send” position when in use, and remain securely in the “send” position during use. We consider the hardcase carrying system to be a “game changer” that helps ensure the safety and performance of the DSP transceivers for all users.
Consumers should stop using the DSP transceivers immediately and contact PIEPS for the new hardcase carrying system. DSP transceivers should only be used with the new hardcase carrying system.
This Voluntary Product Correction Program only affects the PIEPS DSP PRO, DSP PRO ICE and DSP SPORT avalanche transceivers. Please find instructions on how to identify your product here.
The Voluntary Product Correction Program does not affect any other avalanche transceiver or product from the PIEPS product line.
PIEPS urges users of all PIEPS avalanche safety equipment to follow product instructions closely, including conducting a thorough safety and performance check before each use.
If you have further questions, please contact us directly or use our FAQ section.