Potentially affecting 40.5 million units in the United States and Canada, the Kidde fire extinguisher recall has repercussions in Wrangell, too, with one at the Sentinel office among those to be returned. Residents are advised to check extinguishers at home, work and even on board vessels to see whether theirs may likewise be impacted.
A wide-ranging recall of fire extinguishers produced by Kidde has been issued, after a device failure led to a death and multiple injuries.
Announced last week by the United States Consumer Product Safety Commission in conjunction with its Canadian counterpart, the recall involves 134 different models of extinguisher manufactured domestically and in Mexico between January 1, 1973, and August 15, 2017. The extinguishers were sold in red, white and silver, and are either ABC- or BC-rated. In all, around 40.5 million devices sold in both countries are included in the recall.
The common feature among them is their plastic handles, which can fail to activate in instances where excessive force is required to discharge, such as when extinguishers become clogged. Additionally, the models' nozzles can detach with enough force, posing an impact hazard. Also, push-button Pindicator fire extinguishers are among those being recalled.
CPSC reports the North Carolina-based firm is already aware of a 2014 death involving a car fire following a crash. Emergency responders at the time could not get the recalled Kidde fire extinguishers to work. There have also been approximately 391 reports of failed or limited activation or nozzle detachment with the affected models, resulting in 16 injuries that include smoke inhalation and minor burns, and approximately 91 reports of property damage.
Fire extinguisher owners are advised to inspect their models to see whether they might be subject to the recall. A comprehensive list of affected models are available on the CPSC site at http://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/2017/kidde-recalls-fire-extinguishers-with-plastic-handles-due-to-failure-to-discharge-and, as well as where and what identifiers to look for.
Consumers should immediately contact Kidde to request a free replacement fire extinguisher and for instructions on returning the recalled unit, as it may not work properly in a fire emergency. Those whose models are subject to the recall can get their replacement unit from the company by calling Kidde toll-free at 855-271-0773 during weekday working hours, Eastern Standard Time, or between 9 a.m. and 3 p.m. on the weekend. A recalled device can also be reported through the http://www.kidde.com website, under its "product safety recall" tab.
Reader Comments(0)