LOS ANGELES – Almost two-thirds of the 35 million defective fire sprinkler heads recalled in 2001 are still being used.
According to USA Today, nursing homes, hospitals, schools and other buildings are still using the Central, Star and Gem brands of sprinkler heads, although no deaths or injuries have been tied to the products.
Tyco, which since 2001 bought all three brands, voluntarily recalled the products under an agreement with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and has replaced 12 million sprinklers. By mid-2007, 6 million additional units are scheduled to be replaced. The replacements and installations are provided by Tyco for free.
This recall is the fourth largest in CPSC history and is considered by the commission to be going very well. It started in 2001 when it was discovered that an O-ring in the valves could corrode, preventing water from being released.