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 National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) and Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) approve resumption.
CSE has submitted an action plan for review and approval to the agencies on February 23, 2010. Following plan approval, CSE representatives will visit the affected mines to replace the units and provide additional training support and outreach.
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.
Scott Shearer, CEO of CSE, said: “CSE has a rigorous and thorough, continuous testing process and is committed to the safety of all miners using its products. 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.”
Reportedly, in the early 1980s, CSE has introduced the available one-hour oxygen self-contained self-rescuer (SCSR) when federal regulations began requiring underground miners have access to a 60-minute breathing apparatus. The purpose of all CSE products is to protect and preserve human life.
