07/31/2022
Voluntary Recall for certain Black Diamond and PIEPS avalanche transceivers
Black Diamond announced in a press release on July 28 that the company is conducting a voluntary recall for its PIEPS and Black Diamond branded avalanche transceivers.
The press release states that affected models include the PIEPS Pro BT, Powder BT, DSP Sport, DSP Pro, DSP Pro Ice, Micro Button BT, Micro BT Sensor and Micro BT Race avalanche transceivers and the Black Diamond branded Recon BT and Guide BT avalanche transceivers. Black Diamond is the North American distributor for PIEPS.
A brand representative emphasized that this issue is not related to the problems with PIEPS transceivers in 2021, and that there have been no incidents in the field where anyone has been hurt as a result of this issue.
The manufacturers also state that a simple device check is sufficient to confirm whether the unit is affected (Note: Alpinist has not yet performed these device checks ourselves on these models.) However, Black Diamond recommends that users continue to follow best practices and always check their safety device again prior to use.
According to the manufacturers, the reason for the voluntary recall is related to a material handling / assembly anomaly in manufacturing which results in the avalanche transceiver not being able to switch into SEARCH mode. If this were to occur in the field, the user would potentially be unable to locate a buried victim, which could result in a prolonged burial, and possible injury or death of the victim. While the severity of such potential consequences is high, the manufacturers state that the likelihood is low and that the defect is readily detectable by users performing a standard device check.
For further information about Black Diamond Equipment and PIEPS’ voluntary product recall, contact Black Diamond at 866-306-0865 from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. MT Monday through Friday, online at www.blackdiamondequipment.com/en_US/content/beacon- notification or at www.blackdiamondequipment.com and click on "Safety Recall” at the top of the webpage for more information.
