ALERT: Recall of More than 40 Million Kidde Fire Extinguishers
This Kidde Fire Extinguisher equipment recall includes models supplied with boats and PWC from 1973 to 2017.
By Charles Plueddeman
Note: Based on the following media release from BoatUS on Nov. 6 regarding an important recall of Kidde fire extinguishers, many of which may be on boats. I used the information and discovered that each of the three Kidde extinguishers in my household are subject to this recall. We urge readers with Kidde extinguishers on their boat or in their home or shop to take action.
ANNAPOLIS, Md., November 6, 2017—More than 40 million Kidde fire extinguishers equipped with plastic handles, some on the market for more than 40 years, have been recalled. According to the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), “The fire extinguishers can become clogged or require excessive force to discharge and can fail to activate during a fire emergency. In addition, the nozzle can detach with enough force to pose an impact hazard.”
A recall for Kidde Fire Extinguishers has been issued for 134, ABC- or BC-rated models manufactured between January 1, 1973, and August 15, 2017.
CPSC says there have been approximately 391 reports of failed or limited activation or nozzle detachment, including one fatality; approximately 16 injuries, including smoke inhalation and minor burns; and approximately 91 reports of property damage.
The BoatUS Foundation for Boating Safety and Clean water is urging recreational boat owners to check their boats for the recalled extinguishers and get a free metal-handled replacement by going to the CPSC recall website.
The recall affects both plastic-handle and push-button Pindicator Kidde fire extinguishers, including 134, ABC- or BC-rated models manufactured between January 1, 1973, and August 15, 2017. The extinguishers are red, white or silver and were sold in the US and Canada through a wide range of retailers, from Montgomery Ward to Amazon. The CPSC recall website shows how to easily identify the affected extinguishers.
In the recall, Kidde also acknowledged the free replacement push-button extinguisher being sent to personal watercraft owners is similar in size to the recalled model but may not fit in the same location as the old fire extinguisher. “This may require a slightly different mounting orientation or location,” said BoatUS Foundation Assistant Director of Boating Safety Ted Sensenbrenner.
Kidde may also be contacted toll-free at 855-271-0773 from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday. The company offers additional recall information online at kidde.com by selecting “Product Safety Recall.”