Call for retrofit of supplied-air respirators
DEPARTMENTS
Dispatches
Due to a possible defect in the secondstage regulator, Survivair has initiated a retrofit of certain of its Hip Pac combination SCBA and supplied-air respirators. These units are used in chemical and industrial applications, primarily at hydrogen sulfide drilling sites, and possibly in confined-space rescue operations.
Model numbers 9881-02 and 9881-22 may contain a faulty solvent bond between the facepiece nozzle and the second-stage regulator assembly and should be removed from service immediately.
According to a company spokesman, if the bond ruptures, the user will work out of a backup air system (a fiveminute escape system). If the bond breaks completely free, the positivepressure air will exhaust to the atmosphere and the user will suffer a total loss of respiratory protection. Unfortunately, the problem cannot be detected unless failure occurs.
Users of Hip Pac should also inspect the white lot number labels on the second-stage regulator. Suspect lot numbers are 224250, 224920, 224930, and 228430. Second-stage regulators having factory-engraved serial numbers on them are not affected by the retrofit and can be returned to service.
There are 11 authorized Survivair retrofit centers that will inspect and, if necessary, replace the equipment free of charge. For their locations and/or more information, contact: Survivair headquarters, P.O. Box 25018, Santa Ana, CA 92799; call 1-800-821-7236.
The United States Fire Administration (USFA) conducted a sprinkler trailer demonstration on February 20 In order to illustrate how quickly sprinklers detect, contain, and extinguish fires.
Attending the demonstration (and pictured above from left to right) were: Senator Slade Gorton of the State of Washington, USFA Administrator Clyde Bragdon, Jr., and General Julius Becton, Jr., director of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA).
Also present on the scene, but not pictured, were International Association of Fire Chiefs (IAFC) First Vice-President Robert Ely and USFA Deputy Administrator Ed Wall.
Following the demonstration, there was a Senate hearing on reauthorizing the USFA, where Robert Ely and others gave favorable testimony on the organization’s contributions to fire prevention, education, and suppression.
USFA is currently supporting the research and development of low-cost residential sprinklers, promoting their use, and developing standards for installation and retrofitting.
Developing the widespread use of residential sprinklers is one of many commitments USFA has made to continue to reduce the high incidence of fire and fire death throughout the country.
