The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
recently filed an administrative Complaint against
Sunbeam Corporation and its subsidiaries Chemetron Corporation and
Chemetron Investments, Inc., of Boca Raton, Florida, and Grucon
Corporation and its subsidiary Sprinkler Corporation of Milwaukee, Inc.,
of Wisconsin.
The Complaint alleges that Star Sprinkler's model ME-1 fire sprinkler made from 1977 through 1995 presents a substantial product hazard. The Complaint seeks a nationwide
recall of the approximately 700,000 Star ME-1's Star Sprinkler
manufactured during this period.
In its Complaint, the CPSC staff alleges that these sprinklers are
defective and are likely to fail to operate properly in a fire, thus
exposing the public to serious injury or death. The sprinklers have been
installed in
day care centers,
nursing homes, health care facilities,
supermarkets, and other buildings. The CPSC staff is aware of a nursing
home fire in which three Star ME-1's reportedly failed to operate.
The CPSC staff filed the Complaint after discussions with the
companies failed to result in a voluntary recall and replacement plan.
In seeking a recall of the Star ME-1 sprinklers, the Complaint calls for
extensive public notice of the hazard and remedy.
The CPSC previously announced that Mealane Corporation voluntarily
recalled Star ME-1's manufactured from 1975 through 1976. In addition,
Central Sprinkler Company voluntarily recalled Star ME-1's manufactured
from 1996 through 1998. Consumers can obtain information about those
recalls at CPSC's web site.
While the CPSC staff pursues an acceptable recall and replacement
plan, consumers with Star ME-1 sprinklers should be sure to have at
least one fully operational smoke detector on each floor of their home,
especially near bedrooms. The CPSC staff also recommends that consumers
have a well-defined and rehearsed escape plan and an alternate escape
plan in the event of a fire. As always, consumers should diligently
practice fire safety to reduce the possibility that a fire will occur.
If you have been injured or lost property due to a faulty fire suppression system, it may be important to
contact an attorney who can help you protect your legal rights. Please keep in mind that there may be
time limits within which you must commence suit.
See Also
- Miscellaneous Products: Overview
- Burns: Overview
- Lung & Airway Disorders