CPSC, Kidde Announce Recall of Industrial Fire Extinguishers

The nylon valves on these extinguishers can separate from the steel cylinder during the 6-year recharge service or shortly afterwards, creating a safety hazard to fire extinguisher service personnel and consumers.

Fire Extinguisher Distributors and Service Organizations must immediately stop servicing all units covered under this Alert. Kidde has instituted a Fire Extinguisher Replacement Program (“Replacement Program”) for all units covered by this Alert. If you are a Fire Extinguisher Distributor or Service Organization and you have not already received a copy of the Replacement Program, as outlined in Service Bulletin 007, please contact Kidde. Only professional Fire Extinguisher Distributors and Service Organizations should remove the affected units and the steps as outlined in the Replacement Program must be followed.

This Alert involves all Kidde 10 lb. dry chemical fire extinguishers manufactured with a black plastic Zytel® nylon valve assembly and a steel cylinder, between 1991 and 2000. These units were the subject of Kidde Service Bulletin 007 issued on July 21, 2004. These units were designed for commercial and industrial applications, and the majority of these units were placed into service in factories, plants, businesses and other commercial locations, as they require service by a qualified Fire Extinguisher Distributor or Service Organization every 6 years. Some of these units are in use in residential settings. The affected extinguishers have a steel cylinder with a welded neck ring and are between 19 to 21 inches tall, as depicted in the image below. This Alert does not apply to Kidde’s smaller 2 1/2 and 5 lb. residential fire extinguishers.

About 470,000 units, as CPSC gives them.

Kidde 10 lb. industrial dry chemical fire extinguishers with black plastic Zytel® nylon valves in steel cylinders manufactured between 1991 and 2000.