Fire Risk Forces Oxygen Tank Recall

The manufacturer of a portable oxygen cylinder unit has recalled the product after discovering that fires could occur inside it, the FDA said.

Praxair of Danbury, Conn., recalled all units of its Grab ‘n Go Portable Oxygen Cylinder manufactured from June 17, 2009, through Nov. 16, 2012.

According to the FDA, fires within the cylinder unit may occur as a result of physical impact such as dropping or knocking it over. Although the fires are self-extinguishing, they may expose patients to burns or deprive them of oxygen.

In a statement, Praxair said it had been informed of “a few isolated incidents of ignition” and that they appeared to involve units with a certain type of O-ring that acts as a seal between the cylinder and the pressure-regulating valve.

Praxair notified customers of the recall in a letter sent Nov. 26, 2012. It is being handled as a “field correction” with the device undergoing inspection and modification during regular servicing.

“The unit is being inspected and, if necessary, the O-ring that sits between the valve and the cylinder is being replaced. To date, over 50% of the units in the U.S. already have been modified. Modified units have a decal with a ‘T’ affixed to their green shroud,” Praxair said.

Praxair’s recall notice also reminded customers of safe handling practices, such as avoiding storage of the devices on elevated shelves.

Source: http://www.medpagetoday.com/Pulmonology/GeneralPulmonary/36721?utm_content=&utm_medium=email&utm_campaign=DailyHeadlines&utm_source=WC&xid=NL_DHE_2013-01-07&eun=g514381d0r&userid=514381&[email protected]&mu_id=