Brookdale International Systems Inc.
Brookdale International Systems Inc. Announces Recall of Respiratory Protection Escape Devices
Vancouver, Canada (ots/PRNewswire)
Brookdale International Systems Inc., based in Vancouver, Canada, is voluntarily recalling the following emergency escape smoke hoods:
- EVAC-U8(TM) Emergency Escape Smoke Hood
- EVAC+(TM) Emergency Escape Smoke Hood
These products were purchased to provide respiratory protection in a structural smoke/fire emergency. The recall involves approximately 290,000 of these devices.
"The decision to recall these products is a demonstration of our commitment to the safety of our customers, and is in follow-up to our mid- March suspend-use advisory," said Derrick Russell, Brookdale's president.
Recent tests confirmed that the emergency escape smoke hoods could fail to work properly, exposing the user to harmful carbon monoxide which could seriously compromise their ability to escape the fire threat. Therefore, these products should not be used. The company is not aware of incidents where a user of these products was exposed to harmful levels of carbon monoxide.
This recall extends to all the above products currently in the marketplace worldwide that have not reached their expiration date (printed on the side of each canister, along with a serial number). Customers returning products will receive a prorated refund based on the remaining shelf life, as indicated by the expiration date. Units that reached their expiration date prior to March 2006 are not eligible for refund. (As set out in the user's manual, all expired units should be discarded). Brookdale does not anticipate having replacement products available in the near future.
Within the United States, Brookdale is working with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) on this matter. The CPSC will be monitoring the effectiveness of the recall. Brookdale will be working with regulatory agencies in other regions of the world where these products have been sold.
Specifics of the recall program for the United States and Canada, including detailed instructions on returning these products for refund, are available on the Brookdale website at www.evacsafety.com, or by calling the Brookdale Recall Hotline at +1-866-823-4416 between 8:00 a.m. and 9:00 p.m. (ET) Monday through Friday, or 8:00 a.m. to 8:00 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Products from US and Canadian customers must be returned, with supporting documentation as outlined in these instructions, by June 16, 2006 to be eligible for refund.
Specifics of the recall program for other countries are being finalised, and will be available on the Brookdale website shortly.
A recall is also in effect for the following SCBA emergency escape respirators:
- EVACpro(TM) for Scott Emergency Escape Respirator
- EVACpro(TM) for Drager Emergency Escape Respirator
- Survivair SmokeEater(TM) Air-Purifying Escape Canister
"Brookdale sincerely regrets any inconvenience created by this product recall," said Mr. Russell. "We are working diligently to rectify the situation in a safe, thorough and responsible manner."
Contact:
Tony Smithbower, Communications Manager, Brookdale International
Systems Inc., +1-604-324-3822 ext.258