March 1999
Volume 63 |
Number 3
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| Product Alert:
Allied Healthcare Products Announces Recall of LSP Oxygen
Regulators |
Allied Healthcare Products, Inc., is recalling all oxygen regulators
sold under the Life Support Products (LSP) brand to replace aluminum
components in the units' high-pressure chambers with brass components.
The action is being taken in response to reports of fires and
explosions, the exact causes of which remain unknown.
The models subject to this recall consist of the LSP 106, LSP
270, LSP 280, LSP 370 and LSP 735 series regulators. LSP Oxygen
Regulator users will be able to have the parts replaced at pre-existing
authorized service centers nationwide.
This recall is being undertaken in cooperation with the U.S.
Food and Drug Administration (FDA) to minimize the potential for
fires and explosions, an inherent risk with any high-pressure
oxygen delivery system. Fires and explosions can occur in the
tanks, post valves and regulators of such systems when virtually
any type of contaminants, including hydrocarbons, metal shavings
or even dust particles, are present or introduced during handling
and maintenance, or when the tanks are refilled with gas.
In May 1997, Allied conducted a recall to add a bronze-sintered
filter to the LSP 270 Series Regulator only. All of the LSP 270
Series Regulators should already be fitted with a sintered bronze
filter. Although the LSP 270 Series Regulator may have already
been retrofitted with the sintered bronze filter, it is essential
that the internal high-pressure parts be replaced with brass components
to enhance safety. All LSP Regulators without a bronze-sintered
filter and all regulators manufactured by LSP's predecessor corporation,
Robertshaw Controls Company, Inc., should be taken out of service
immediately. If the user is unable to determine if a sintered
bronze filter has been installed, Allied should be contacted for
assistance in this determination.
Due to industrywide fires and Allied's understanding that the
FDA is recommending the elimination of all aluminum in oxygen
regulators, Allied has voluntarily initiated the recall to replace
all high-pressure parts with brass parts. This is strictly
an interim measure that will enable the regulators to be used
during the period required to manufacture the new brass regulators.
Allied will issue another notification when the new brass regulators
become available.
Allied is aggressively undertaking development and enhancement
of its new brass regulator series and will be making available
a trade-in program once the new brass regulators are available.
Users can reduce risk during use of any oxygen regulators, keeping
in mind the following precautions:
- The oxygen tank, post valve and regulator should be free
of all contaminants;
- The post valve should be opened slowly whenever the unit
is used to minimize heat of rapid compression in the regulator;
- Users who refill their own oxygen cylinders should take extra
care to avoid the introductions of contaminants during the filling
process.
Allied will have its authorized service centers equipped to
handle the recall within the next few weeks. Customers should
receive a mailing with details about how to have their regulators
serviced.
You may contact the Allied Recall Coordinator Monday through
Friday between the hours of 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CST by telephone:
(800) 231-5273; fax: (888) 216-4624 or e-mail: <RRC@alliedhpi.com>;
or by writing to:
LSP Regulator Recall Center
1720 Sublette Ave.
St. Louis, MO 63110
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