Product Recall Number: 91-080
Why was Fire Extinguishers recalled?
The plastic valve and nozzle assembly of the three models of fire extinguishers could blow off with enough force to cause serious injury, due to a defect in the threads connecting the nozzle assembly to the red cannister.
Product Recall Number: 91-080
Product Safety Warning Number:
Date: 1991-05-29
Product Safety Warning Date:
Name Of Product: Fire Extinguishers
Description: WASHINGTON, DC -- Two models of American LaFrance fire extinguishers and one model of BECO fire extinguishers, which were manufactured from May 1985 through December 1985, are being recalled by Badger-Powhatan of Charlottesville, VA in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The plastic valve and nozzle assembly of the three models of fire extinguishers could blow off with enough force to cause serious injury, due to a defect in the threads connecting the nozzle assembly to the red cannister. Badger-Powhatan has received reports of 100 explosion incidents. While there have been only three injuries reported by the manufacturer, there have been several incidents in which the nozzle assembly blew off with sufficient force to imbed it in a wall or ceiling. Approximately 84,000 American LaFrance and BECO fire extinguishers, models P-250MA and P-275RA, are being recalled. The model numbers and serial numbers of these recalled extinguishers are printed on the cannister label and include the following: American LaFrance Serial Numbers Model P-250MA FS024000 through FS087500 FZ650001 through FZ656500 Model P-275RA FS834501 through FS836000 FZ638001 through FZ647500 BECO Model P-250MA FM947501 through FM949500 FZ780001 through FZ781500 The fire extinguishers were sold nationwide in retail stores for approximately $9 to $15 each, or were installed by contractors and manufacturers in buildings, boats, or mobile homes. Badger-Powhatan advises its customers to check all American LaFrance and BECO fire extinguishers for the model numbers and serial numbers identified above. Consumers are cautioned to handle the fire extinguisher carefully with the nozzle assembly pointing to the ground and return it to the nearest authorized American LaFrance or BECO distributor. For the location of the nearest distributor, consumers may call Badger-Powhatan at 1-800-922-3499 Monday through Friday from 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (Eastern Time). A free replacement fire extinguisher will be given to consumers by the American LaFrance or BECO distributor in exchange for any recalled extinguishers. CPSC learned of the fire extinguisher problem from Georgia Fire Department personnel, who reported five explosion incidents involving the defective models. The CPSC is announcing this recall program as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The CPSC is the Federal agency responsible for product safety. Some 15,000 different kinds of consumer products fall within the Commission's jurisdiction and each year these products are involved in an estimated 29 million injuries and 22,000 deaths.
Hazard Description: The plastic valve and nozzle assembly of the three models of fire extinguishers could blow off with enough force to cause serious injury, due to a defect in the threads connecting the nozzle assembly to the red cannister.
Consumer Action: None Listed
Original Product Safety Warning Announcement: None Listed
Remedy Type: Replace
Units: Approximately 84,000
Incidents: Badger-Powhatan has received reports of 100 explosion incidents. While there have been only three injuries reported by the manufacturer, there have been several incidents in which the nozzle assembly blew off with sufficient force to imbed it in a wall or ceiling.
Remedy: A free replacement fire extinguisher will be given to consumers by the American LaFrance or BECO distributor in exchange for any recalled extinguishers.
Sold At: The fire extinguishers were sold nationwide in retail stores for approximately $9 to $15 each, or were installed by contractors and manufacturers in buildings, boats, or mobile homes.
Importers: None Listed
Manufacturers: None Listed
Distributors: None Listed
Manufactured In: None Listed
Custom Label: None Listed
Custom Field: None Listed