Fire safety: Recalls
For recent product recall notices, please see the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) Web site at www.cpsc.gov (external link).
Other helpful product and consumer safety information is included on the CPSC site as well.
Central Sprinkler Company O-Ring voluntary recall program
Many buildings and residences including single family dwellings have the distinct advantage of having a fire protection sprinkler system. Owners and/or managers need to be aware of a voluntary replacement program for fire protection sprinkler heads that were manufactured by Central Sprinkler Company.
In May 2001, the Office of the State Fire Marshal (external link) completed an extensive 18 month investigation into a report of a fire sprinkler head failing to flow water after the glass bulb was broken out.
Chief Lowell Porter announced that after viewing the results of the investigation, the Washington State Patrol - Office of the State Fire Marshal believes there is a significant life safety risk to the occupants of buildings utilizing these sprinkler heads for fire protection. The O-ring sprinkler heads, manufactured from 1989 to 2000 by Central, Star or Gem, are used in a wide range of applications, from homes, to schools to hi-rise apartments.
Due to the results of this investigation, and corresponding data from Underwriter’s Laboratories (U.L.), the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Tyco Corp LP, on July 19, 2001, announced a nationwide Voluntary Recall Program (VRP) of 35 million O-ring type fire sprinklers.
Since the VRP was announced, 800,000 of the estimated 1 ¾ million O-ring type sprinkler heads in Washington State have been identified, and claims filed, for free replacement by the manufacturer.
“We are pleased with the progress of the VRP, but believe many O-ring sprinkler heads are likely to remain in hospitals, nursing homes, prisons, schools and other high risk occupancies in which the occupants and residents are living and working under a false sense of security. Because of that, we remain committed to continue our investigation in identifying the remaining O-ring sprinkler heads within our State, and in assisting the facilities through the process of getting the heads replaced” said Acting Assistant State Fire Marshal Anjela Foster.
If anyone needs assistance in determining whether their sprinkler heads are part of the Voluntary Recall Program, or in obtaining a VRP claim form they should contact:
- Central O-ring Sprinkler Recall Customer Service Hotline at 866-505-8553, or www.sprinklerreplacement.com
- Washington State Fire Marshal, Deputy State Fire Marshal Larry Glenn at 360-570-3133 or larry.glenn@wsp.wa.gov.