Improperly Assembled Relief Valves on certain Drager OXY K Plus SCSRs

NIOSH Respirator User Notice

Issue Date: October 4, 2001

From: Richard W. Metzler, Acting Director, National Personal Protective Technology Laboratory

Subject: Improperly Assembled Relief Valves on certain Drager OXY K Plus SCSRs

The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH or the Institute) jointly with the Mine Safety and Health Administration (MSHA) wish to inform users of the Drager OXY K Plus, 60-minute self-contained self-rescuer (approval number TC-13F-289) of the potential for certain OXY K Plus SCSRs to have improperly assembled breathing bag relief valves. Drager Safety, the manufacturer of the OXY K Plus SCSR, has determined that a number of SCSRs have been produced with the breathing bag relief valve assembled backward. If such an SCSR were needed for use in an emergency, it is possible that breathing gas could leak through the relief valve. This condition is not detectable prior to opening and donning the SCSR.

The Institute, along with MSHA and the manufacturer, Drager Safety, are currently investigating the extent of this potential problem. It is believed that 561 SCSRs have been delivered to North America that potentially contain this defect. Any OXY K Plus SCSR within the serial number ranges ARRC 0001 through ARRC 0200 and also ARRD 0001 through ARRD 0400 should be considered suspect. The serial number is located on the metal backplate of the unit as shown on the diagram on page 2.

Due to the nature of this potential defect, both NIOSH and MSHA recommend that these affected SCSRs be removed from service immediately. Drager Safety is initiating a replacement program to replace affected OXY K Plus SCSRs. Drager Safety can be contacted by calling Mr. Chuck McGowan, Manager of Draeger Service at 412-788-5658.

Thank you for your assistance and please contact Jeff Kravitz of MSHA at 412-386-6923 or Tim Merinar of NIOSH at 304-285-5907 for more information.