01 March 2016
The Boat Safety Scheme (BSS) is supporting Kidde Safety Europe Ltd to alert any boaters to the immediate product recall on its “Kidde” or “Lifesaver” fire blankets following concerns regarding their effectiveness in the event of an oil pan fire.
Kidde Safety Europe Ltd has identified a potential safety issue with regard to fire blankets sized 1m² which may impact upon the fire blankets’ effectiveness in the event of an oil pan fire. Kidde states that no reports of any adverse incidents have been received to date, however, testing of certain fire blankets has identified a risk that the affected fire blankets may not fully extinguish an oil pan fire and/or may allow the fire to re-ignite very soon after application of the fire blanket. Accordingly, a recall has been initiated on a precautionary basis to ensure end-user safety.
Kidde state that if a boater has one of the potentially affected fire blankets, they must not use it on any oil pan fire.
There is more information on the recall at www.kiddesafetyeurope.co.uk and any boater finding one of these products should remove the fire blanket and contact Kidde Safety Europe Ltd directly on Freephone number 0800 917 0722 to arrange a replacement fire blanket.
Kidde Safety Europe Director Andy Burnett said: ‘Kidde Safety Europe Ltd thanks any affected customers for their understanding, co-operation and it is apologising for any inconvenience caused.
He added: ‘A new fully compliant Kidde branded 1.1 m² blanket, model FB1, has been introduced as a replacement product.
‘If anyone calls our free helpline, we will be able to talk them through how to recognise what blanket they have, or please email admin@kiddesafety.co.uk with any queries.’
The potentially affected fire blankets are 1m² in size and are identified by looking on the website. The fire blanket containers are labelled with the brand name “Kidde” or “Lifesaver” and are marked with the “Kitemark” symbol. The Kitemark Licence Number 35021 is also displayed on the container where marked below.
The BSS welcome Kidde’s initiative to spread the message about this potential problem with its safety equipment
It is important that boaters and boating organisations pay attention to such product recalls and safety alerts
The BSS asks that everyone with a fire blanket, the very next time they are on the boat, to set aside five minutes and check their equipment against the information in the recall.’
Boaters can identify affected fire blankets by using the photographs on the Kidde website (shown below) and if the container looks similar to those pictured, they should contact Kidde using the Freephone number or email (details above).
Kidde Safety manufactures a range of carbon monoxide and fire safety products for the home. This includes carbon monoxide alarms, smoke alarms, fire extinguishers, fire blankets and emergency escape ladders. All of Kidde Safety's products undergo third party agency tests and approvals to the latest European Standards.