Wm. Haycook
OCTOBER/2001 |
The US Consumer Product Safety Commission and Central Sprinkler Company, an affiliate of Tyco Fire Products LP, have announced a voluntary replacement program. The company will provide free parts and labor to replace 35 million Central first sprinklers with O-ring seals. This program also includes a limited number of O-ring models sold by Gem Sprinkler Company and Star Sprinkler, Inc.
My agency's assumption is that Central Sprinkler Company [CSC] will notify all of their customers in writing. If one of the affected sprinkler systems is installed in your theatre, then you will probably receive written notification regarding their replacement program.
However, if the mail distribution system at your theatre is like so many others, it is very possible that the appropriate people have not actually received CSC's notification. Therefore, my agency is taking this unusual step by providing this general announcement.
CSC initiated the voluntary replacement program because it was discovered that performance of the O-ring sprinklers can degrade over time. These sprinkler heads can corrode or contaminants in the water can affect the rubber O-ring seals.
These factors can cause the sprinkler heads not to activate in a fire.
CSD will provide replacement sprinkler heads and the labor needed to replace the sprinklers with newer sprinkler heads that do not use O-ring seals.
According to the press release from the US Consumer Product Safety Commission, the parts and labor will be provided by CSC at no cost to their customers.
This replacement program includes both "wet" and "dry" sprinkler systems.
CSC manufactured 35 million sprinklers with O-rings from 1989 until 2000.
For more information on how to identify sprinklers subject to CSC's voluntary replacement program and to learn how to participate in this program, call the Notice Packet Request Line at 1-800-871-3492 or access the program's website at www.SprinklerReplacement.com
If the sprinkler system in your theatre is manufactured by CSC, Gem Sprinkler Company or Star Sprinkler, you should call or access their website just to be on the safe side.
Speaking of the safe side, your sprinkler system, regardless of manufacturer, needs to be maintained, tested and inspected on a regular basis. Most companies also recommend that certain parts be replaced from time to time. Contact your manufacturer for assistance in these matters.
In addition, no theatre group should rely exclusively on a sprinkler system. A sprinkler system should be part of an integrated safety program that includes smoke detectors, a rehearsed evacuation plan and regular loss control inspections.
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