I just spotted a poster about this at the Port of Friday Harbor on San Juan Island. Figured I would pass it along, although it’s a few months old at this point.
While I’m talking about fire extinguishers, though, let me take this opportunity to remind you to take a look at yours next time you’re on the boat. Check to make sure they’re fully charged, but beyond that, removed them from their brackets and examine them for signs of corrosion, and to make sure they haven’t expired.
Also, it’s a good idea to make sure you (and the rest of the crew!) know how to remove and operate them.
Anyway, here’s the release from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:
March 12, 2009
Release # 09-151
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (888) 345-4407
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
Kidde Recalls to Replace Fire Extinguishers Due to Failure to Operate
WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of product: Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers
Units: About 167,000
Distributor: Walter Kidde Portable Equipment Inc., of Mebane, N.C.
Hazard: The pressurized cylinders in the recalled fire extinguishers could lose pressure and fail to operate. In the event of a fire, this failure could put a consumer and property at risk.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves the Kidde XL Fire Extinguishers with model numbers FX340SC, FX340H, FX340GW, XL5MR, FX210R, FX340SC-2, FX210W, XL2.5TCZ-4, E-340-3 and with manufacture dates between October 2007 and April 2008. “Kidde” and the model number can be found on the label on the front of the extinguisher. The manufacture year is on the bottom of the extinguisher. If your extinguisher is one of the listed model numbers and is marked with the year 07 or 08, contact Kidde to determine if you have a recalled extinguisher.
Sold at: Department, home, and hardware stores nationwide from October 2007 through April 2008 for about $35.
Manufactured in: Mexico
Remedy: Consumers should immediately inspect the pressure gauge. If it points to the red zone, contact Kidde to receive a free replacement extinguisher. If the gauge is not in the red zone, but you have questions about an extinguisher within the listed model numbers, please contact Kidde for additional information.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Kidde at (888) 345-4407 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at www.Kidde.com
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It’s also important that all dry chemical extinguishers be shaken regularly to de-cake the powder at the bottom. Boats are particularly prone to causing this because of vibration. You need to be able to feel the powder moving around in the cylinder.