CSE Corporation Imposes Recall on SR-100 for Evaluation
Recall to affect less than one percent of units manufactured
MONROEVILLE, Pa., Feb. 26 /PRNewswire/ -- CSE Corporation (CSE) has issued a voluntary recall and suspended production on the SR-100, a self-contained, self-rescue unit used in mining operations. The recall is specific to a small segment of recently manufactured units and is related to an issue with the oxygen starter mechanism, company officials confirmed today.
"CSE has a rigorous and thorough, continuous testing process and is committed to the safety of all miners using its products," said Scott Shearer, CEO, CSE Corporation. "During a routine quality control test on the SR-100 units, CSE discovered an issue with the primary starter mechanism. We immediately suspended production to determine the cause and extent of the situation and reported the incidents to NIOSH and MSHA."
The voluntary recall includes withdrawal and replacement of the entire production lot even though this issue may only affect as little as one percent of those units. Production of the units will remain suspended until NIOSH and MSHA approve resumption. CSE has submitted an action plan for review and approval to the agencies on February 23. Following plan approval, CSE representatives will visit the affected mines to replace the units and provide additional training support and outreach.
About CSE Corporation
Established in 1969, CSE Corporation produces self-contained self-rescuers (SCSRs) designed to be worn on a miner's belt or stored in an approved area for access in emergency situations. In the early 1980s, CSE introduced the first available one-hour oxygen self-contained self-rescuer (SCSR) when federal regulations began requiring underground miners have access to a 60-minute breathing apparatus. In 1980 CSE introduced the first belt-wearable SCSR. CSE is a world leader in SCSR development and technology, earning some of the most prestigious awards available in the industry. Today the SR-100 will provide 60 minutes of breathable air. The company is also the maker of portable and machine-mounted gas monitoring instruments for detecting, measuring and monitoring toxic or combustible gases and oxygen. The ultimate goal of all CSE products is to protect and preserve human life.
----- Frequently Asked Questions ------------------------------
SR-100 Recall
February 2010
Why did CSE issue a voluntary recall?
During a routine, quality-control test on February 17, 2010, CSE Corporation discovered an issue with the SR-100’s primary starter mechanism. CSE immediately suspended production of the units and notified officials with the National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) of the test results. After consulting with officials from both agencies, CSE agreed to voluntarily recall the portion of units that could potentially have this issue.
What CSE product was recalled?
The only CSE product impacted by the recall is the company’s SR-100 self-contained self-rescuer.
What units are affected by the recall?
SR-100 units produced by CSE Corporation with serial numbers A174164 - A180052 have been recalled.
Has CSE identified the problem with the units?
Yes. The problem has been traced to the SR-100’s primary starter mechanism.
If the primary starter mechanism fails, what should the user do?
If the primary starter mechanism does not work, the user should use another unit, if one is available. If another unit is not available, the unit’s manual start can be used. Instructions on the manual start are included in the SR-100 user manual and training materials and are part of the required quarterly training for users.
How many units are affected by the recall?
CSE is being proactive and withdrawing the entire production lot of over 4,000 SR-100s from the field but estimates that less than one percent of this production lot may be affected.
What should I do if I think I have a unit affected by the recall?
If you believe that your SR-100 unit is included in the recall, your company representative should contact CSE at 1-800-245-2224 and the company will arrange for a local CSE representative to assist you.
Where were the recalled units sold?
The recalled units were sold to mining companies with mines in Pennsylvania, West Virginia, Virginia, Kentucky, Alabama, Ohio, Colorado, Utah, Wyoming and New Mexico.
How will CSE remove the recalled units from the field?
CSE will be contacting customers to locate the recalled units, remove them from the field and replace them.
What is the SR-100?
The SR-100 is a breathing apparatus worn on the belt to allow for the quickest possible access to oxygen in emergency situations. The SR-100 is not a traditional oxygen tank. Rather the SR-100 is a chemical-based re-breather, which recycles the user’s exhaled breath, chemically scrubs the carbon dioxide from the air and replenishes it with oxygen.
Who is CSE Corporation?
Headquartered in Monroeville, Pa. since 1969, CSE Corporation produces self-contained self-rescuers designed to be worn on a miner’s belt or stored in an approved area for access in emergency situations. The company is also the maker of portable and machine-mounted gas monitoring instruments for detecting, measuring and monitoring toxic or combustible gases and oxygen.
SOURCE CSE Corporation
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