What consumers should do

Health Canada Safety Advisory
2012-142
September 24, 2012
For immediate release
http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/advisories-avis/_2012/2012_142-eng.php#share
The issue:
Consumers are being advised to stop using Majestic brand fireplaces that bear the trade names
Insta-flame or Northern Flame (Models FSDV22, FSDV30 and FSDV32, Series). The relief
dampers may not function properly causing the excess gas to ignite and then the glass to explode
when lighting the fireplace, posing a serious risk to the safety of Canadians.
Who is affected:
Canadians with the natural gas and propane-fired direct vent free-standing fireplaces
manufactured by CFM Inc. (Majestic Fireplace) bearing the trade names Insta-flame or Northern
Flame: Models FSDV22, FSDV30 and FSDV32, Series.
What consumers should do:


Consumers should immediately stop using these fireplaces.
Any affected fireplaces currently in use should have the fuel supply disconnected
immediately. The manufacturer is no longer in business and there is no retro fit kit
available. Contact a licensed gas technician for disconnection.
What industry should do:


Canadian retailers and distributors of these fireplaces should immediately cease sale.
Manufacturers, importers, distributors or retailers that become aware of incidents,
including recalls initiated for human health or safety reasons by foreign entities, related to
this or any consumer product that they supply are required to report the incident to Health
Canada. Guidance on mandatory reporting is available on Health Canada's website.
What Health Canada is doing:
Health Canada is warning consumers to stop using these fireplaces immediately as there is a risk
of the glass exploding, which poses a serious safety risk. This advisory has been issued, instead
of a recall notice, because CFM Inc. is no longer in business.
Background:
Since 2006, there have been six (6) incidents involving these fireplaces reported to the Technical
Standards and Safety Authority of Ontario (TSSA). In these cases, delayed ignition occurred
expelling glass into the living space causing personal injury. Health Canada has received one (1)
report of this fireplace's glass exploding and no injury was reported.
Models FSDV22, FSDV30 and FSDV32, Series bear a Canadian Gas Association (CGA) or
Canadian Standards Association (CSA) certification mark. Delayed ignition tests, per the CSA
standard, were conducted on a sample fireplace by the TSSA and CSA. During testing, the
fireplace's relief dampers did not prevent the glass from blowing out. The concern is that the
relief dampers do not adequately relieve the pressure caused by a build-up of unburned natural or
propane gas when ignition is delayed. If someone tries to light the fireplace when there is a gas
build-up, an explosion could result expelling the fireplace glass into the living space and causing
personal injury.
Products affected:
Natural gas and propane-fired direct vent free-standing fireplaces manufactured by CFM Inc.
(Majestic Fireplace) that bear the trade names Insta-flame or Northern Flame (Models FSDV22,
FSDV30 and FSDV32, Series). The word "Series" includes all suffixes and prefixes associated
with these models. For example, suffixes to the model number such as "N" could mean natural
gas, "T" could be Top Vent and "R" could mean rear vent. These types of variations on the
models, among others, would all be included in this advisory.
For more information
Health Canada would like to remind Canadians to report any health or safety incidents related to
the use of a consumer product or cosmetic. An easy-to-use incident report form is now available
on the Department's website.
How to report problems with consumer products:
E-mail: [email protected]
Mail: Incident Report - Consumer Product Safety Directorate
Health Canada
123 Slater Street
Ottawa, ON, Canada, K1A 0K9
Santé Canada avise les utilisateurs que le verre de certains foyers à gaz
fabriqués par CFM Inc. peut exploser (Majestic Fireplace)
Avis
2012-142
Le 24 septembre 2012
Pour diffusion immédiate
État du problème
Les consommateurs doivent cesser d'utiliser les foyers de marque Majestic qui portent les noms
commerciaux Insta-flame ou Northern Flame (modèles FSDV22, FSDV30 et FSDV32, séries).
Les registres d'évacuation pourraient mal fonctionner causant l'inflammation du surplus gazeux
et l'explosion du verre au moment d'allumer le foyer, ce qui présente un grave danger pour la
sécurité des Canadiens.
Quelles sont les personnes touchées?
Les Canadiens qui possèdent les foyers indépendants au gaz naturel et au propane à évacuation
directe fabriqués par CFM Inc. (Majestic Fireplace) portant les noms commerciaux Insta-flame
ou Northern Flame : modèles FSDV22, FSDV30 et FSDV32, séries.
Ce que doit faire le consommateur


Les consommateurs doivent immédiatement cesser d'utiliser ces foyers.
Le tuyau d'alimentation en carburant des foyers touchés doit être immédiatement débranché.
Le fabricant n'est plus en affaires et il n'existe aucune trousse de réparation. Communiquez avec
un technicien gazier agréé pour le débranchement.
Ce que doit faire l'industrie


Les détaillants et distributeurs canadiens doivent cesser immédiatement de vendre ces produits.
Les fabricants, importateurs, distributeurs ou détaillants qui sont informés d'incidents, y compris
des rappels faits pour des raisons de santé ou de sécurité humaines par toute entité étrangère
liés au présent produit ou à tout produit de consommation qu'ils fournissent doivent déclarer
l'incident à Santé Canada. Les lignes directrices sur la déclaration obligatoire des incidents se
trouvent sur le site Web de Santé Canada.
Ce que fait Santé Canada
Santé Canada avise les consommateurs de cesser immédiatement d'utiliser ces foyers car le verre
risque d'exploser, causant un risque grave pour la sécurité. Cet avis, plutôt qu'un rappel, a été
diffusé parce que CFM Inc. n'est plus en affaires.
Contexte
Depuis 2006, six incidents impliquant ces foyers ont été signalés à la Technical Standards and
Safety Authority of Ontario (TSSA). Dans ces cas, la combustion fut trop lente projetant du verre
dans l'espace ambiant et causant des blessures. Santé Canada a reçu un rapport d'explosion du
verre de ce foyer et aucune blessure n'a été signalée.
Les modèles FSDV22, FSDV30 et FSDV32, séries, portent une marque de certification de
l'Association canadienne du gaz ou de l'Association canadienne de normalisation (CSA). La
TSSA et la CSA ont effectué des tests de combustion lente sur un échantillon de foyer,
conformément aux normes de la CSA. Lors des tests, les registres d'évacuation du foyer n'ont pas
empêché l'explosion du verre. Nous croyons que les registres d'évacuation ne permettent pas de
libérer adéquatement la pression causée par l'accumulation de gaz naturel ou propane non brûlé
lorsque la combustion est lente. Si quelqu'un essaie d'allumer le foyer lorsqu'il y a une
accumulation de gaz, une explosion peut se produire, projetant le verre du foyer dans l'espace
ambiant et causant des blessures.
Produits touchés
Les foyers indépendants au gaz naturel et au propane à évacuation directe fabriqués par CFM
Inc. (Majestic Fireplace) qui portent les noms commerciaux Insta-flame ou Northern Flame
(modèles FSDV22, FSDV30 et FSDV32, séries). Le terme « Séries » comprend tous les suffixes
et préfixes associés à ces modèles. Par exemple, le suffixe « N » dans le nombre du modèle
signifie Natural Gas, « T », Top Vent et « R », Rear Vent. Ces types de variantes dans les
modèles sont tous visés par le présent avis.
Renseignements complémentaires
Pour en savoir plus sur le présent avis, les consommateurs et les professionnels de la santé
peuvent communiquer avec Santé Canada, au 613-957-2991 ou au 1-866-225-0709 (sans frais).
Les médias doivent s'adresser à l'Unité des relations avec les médias (613-957-2983).
Pour signaler un problème
Santé Canada incite les Canadiens à signaler tout incident touchant la santé ou la sécurité causé
par un produit de consommation ou un cosmétique. Un formulaire de déclaration convivial est
maintenant accessible sur le site Web du Ministère.
Courriel : [email protected]
Par la poste : Rapport d'incident - Direction de la sécurité des produits de consommation
Santé Canada
123, rue Slater
Ottawa (Ontario) Canada K1A 0K9
Contenu connexe sur le site de Santé Canada
Restez branché et recevez les plus récents avis et rappels de produits de Santé Canada grâce aux
médias sociaux suivants :
Fuels
Safety Program
Ref. No.:
Rev. No.:
FS-195-12
Date:
DIRECTOR’S SAFETY ORDER
Date:
th
September 14 ,
2012
IN THE MATTER OF:
THE TECHNICAL STANDARDS AND SAFETY ACT, 2000,
S.O. 2000, c. 16
- and ONTARIO REGULATION 212/01 made under the
Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000
(Gaseous Fuel)
Majestic Fireplace.– Direct Vent Free Standing Gas Fireplace
Models: FSDV22, FSDV30 and FSDV32, Series
CSA International
Office of the Fire Marshal
TSSA natural gas and propane councils
TSSA natural gas and propane risk reduction groups
Natural gas utilities registered with TSSA
Propane distributors registered with TSSA
Natural gas and propane contractors registered with TSSA
Health Canada
Standards Council of Canada
Interprovincial Gas Advisory Council
Hearth, Patio & Barbecue Association of Canada
Heating Refrigeration and Air Conditioning Institute of Canada
Canadian Propane Association
Independent Propane Retailers Associations
Ministry of Consumer Services
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Posted on TSSA website
Subject:
Sent to:
Pursuant to section 14 of the Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000, the Director requires the
following:
1. The following Gas Fireplaces manufactured by CFM Inc. (Majestic Fireplace) and bear the
trade names Insta-Flame or Northern Flame shall not be sold, leased, rented, installed or
used in Ontario:
(a)
Natural Gas Fired Direct Vent Free Standing Fireplace – Model FSDV22, FSDV30
and FSDV32Series,
and
Further information may be obtained by contacting: Director – Fuels Safety Division, Technical Standards and Safety Authority,
14th Floor – Centre Tower, 3300 Bloor St. West, Etobicoke ON., M8X 2X4 Ph:416 734 3300 Fx:416 231 7525
Director's Safety Order Majestic FSDV Series-08-29-2012 (FINAL) (September 14, 2012).doc 1/4
(b)
Propane-Fired Direct Vent Free Standing Fireplace – Model FSDV22, FSDV30
and FSDV32 Series,
2. This Safety Order is effective immediately.
Dated at Toronto this 14th day of September, 2012.
Additional Information:
Refer to attachment #1 for important notice regarding the above fireplaces.
For more information please contact 1-877-682-8772.
ORDERED BY:
_____________________________
John R Marshall
Director, Fuel Oil and Gaseous Fuel Regulation
Technical Standards and Safety Act, 2000
Further information may be obtained by contacting: Director – Fuels Safety Division, Technical Standards and Safety Authority,
14th Floor – Centre Tower, 3300 Bloor St. West, Etobicoke ON., M8X 2X4 Ph:416 734 3300 Fx:416 231 7525
Director's Safety Order Majestic FSDV Series-08-29-2012 (FINAL) (September 14, 2012).doc 2/4
Attachment #1 – Director’s Order FS-195-12
September 14, 2012
IMPORTANT NOTICE
Re: Natural Gas and Propane-Fired Direct Vent Free Standing Fireplace
Manufactured by CFM Inc. (Majestic Fireplace) and bear the trade names Instaflame or Northern Flame: Models FSDV22, FSDV30 and FSDV32, Series.
Attention Owner/User:
The Technical Standards and Safety Authority (“TSSA”) delegated to enforce the Technical Standards
and Safety Act, 2000 (the “Act”) and its regulations. The Fuels Safety Program of the TSSA regulates the
storage, transmission and utilization of fuels (e.g. propane, natural gas and fuel oil) and includes the
installation and maintenance of associated equipment. The Act and Appropriate Regulations can be found
on our web site at www.tssa.org.
Models FSDV22, FSDV30 and FSDV32, Series bear a CGA or CSA certification mark. Since 2006 there
has been six (6) reported incidents involving the above fireplace where a delayed ignition occurred
expelling glass into the living space causing personal injury. In April 2012 delayed ignition tests per the
CSA standard were conducted on a sample fireplace. During the testing the relief dampers on the fireplace
did not prevent the glass from blowing out.
The concern is with the relief dampers not adequately relieving the pressure in the event of a delayed
ignition as a result of a buildup of un-burnt gas. This could result in an explosion expelling the fireplace
glass into the living space causing personal injury. These explosions occur when someone tries to light
and in the process ignites natural or propane gas that has accumulated inside a fireplace. The resulting
overpressure causes the glass front to break and expel glass fragments into the living space
Further information may be obtained by contacting: Director – Fuels Safety Division, Technical Standards and Safety Authority,
14th Floor – Centre Tower, 3300 Bloor St. West, Etobicoke ON., M8X 2X4 Ph:416 734 3300 Fx:416 231 7525
Director's Safety Order Majestic FSDV Series-08-29-2012 (FINAL) (September 14, 2012).doc 3/4
Effective September 14, 2012:
1. Director’s Safety Order, Reference No. FS-195-12, dated September **, 2012 prohibits the sale,
leasing, renting, installation or use of Natural Gas and Propane Fired Models: FSDV22, FSDV30
and FSDV32, Series manufactured by CFM Inc (Majestic Fireplace);
2. Any affected fireplaces currently in use shall have the fuel supply terminated immediately. Since
the manufacturer is no longer in business no retro fit kit is available; and
3. Distributors, certificate holders and fireplace owners shall consider operation of the affected
fireplaces to pose immediate hazards and shall follow the directions prescribed in section 13 of the
Ontario Regulation 212/01
Further information may be obtained by contacting: Director – Fuels Safety Division, Technical Standards and Safety Authority,
14th Floor – Centre Tower, 3300 Bloor St. West, Etobicoke ON., M8X 2X4 Ph:416 734 3300 Fx:416 231 7525
Director's Safety Order Majestic FSDV Series-08-29-2012 (FINAL) (September 14, 2012).doc 4/4
Excerpted from Ontario Regulation 212/01, and referenced in TSSA Director’s Safety
Order FS-195-12
ONTARIO REGULATION 212/01
made under the
TECHNICAL STANDARDS AND
SAFETY ACT, 2000
Made: June 20, 2001
Filed: June 22, 2001
Printed in The Ontario Gazette: July 7, 2001
GASEOUS FUELS
Unacceptable condition — immediate hazard
13. (1) In this section and in section 14,
“unacceptable condition” means,
(a) with respect to an appliance, container or work, that it is being used for a purpose other than
that for which it was approved,
(b) with respect to an appliance, container or work, that any alteration to it or any deterioration of
it, is likely to impair its safe operation, or
(c) with respect to an appliance or work, that the condition of piping, tubing or hoses, the venting
of products of combustion, the supply of air for combustion or the clearance from adjacent
combustible matter is likely to impair its safe operation or that the appliance or work does not
meet the requirements of this Regulation or, where it was installed before this Regulation came
into force, that it does not meet the requirements of the predecessor to this Regulation as it
existed when the appliance or work was installed.
(2) Where a distributor finds that an appliance or work is in an unacceptable condition and that it
constitutes an immediate hazard, the distributor shall,
(a) immediately shut off the supply of gas to the appliance or work;
(b) promptly notify the user in writing of the unacceptable condition, including a direction that
the appliance or work not be used until the condition is corrected; and
(c) affix a notice containing the information referred to in clause (b) to the appliance or work.
(3) Where a holder of a certificate or ROT finds that an appliance or work is in an unacceptable
condition and that it constitutes an immediate hazard, the holder shall,
(a) immediately shut off the supply of gas to the appliance or work;
(b) promptly give oral notice of the shutting off of the gas to the distributor;
(c) promptly give a written notice to the user,
(i) describing the condition that constitutes the immediate hazard, and
(ii) directing that the appliance or work not be used until the condition is corrected;
(d) within 14 days of finding the condition, give written notice of the condition to the distributor,
including notice that the supply of gas has been shut off; and
(e) affix a notice containing the information required in clause (c) to the appliance or work.
(4) An owner or user of an appliance or work to whom notice is given that there is an
unacceptable condition that constitutes an immediate hazard shall not use the appliance or work
or cause or permit the appliance or work to be used until the condition is corrected.
(5) Where the unacceptable condition is corrected, the owner or user shall notify the distributor
of the correction within 14 days of the condition being corrected.
(6) Where a notice is affixed to an appliance or work under clause (2) (c) or (3) (e), no person
shall remove the notice unless the person holds a certificate for that purpose and on removing the
notice the person shall endorse his or her certificate number, name and address on the notice and
send it by prepaid registered mail or deliver it to the distributor.
SAFETY ORDER
Installation or Use of Majestic Fireplace – Direct Vent Free Standing Gas Fireplace ‐ Prohibited NO: SO-GA 2012-01
Date of Issue: September 25th, 2012
This safety order is issued pursuant to section 31 of the Safety Standards Act. A person affected by this safety order may appeal
this order in writing to the Safety Standards Appeal Board within 30 days. The appeal process is set out on the Safety Standards
Appeal Board's website at http://www.housing.gov.bc.ca/ssab/.
Failure to comply with a safety order is an offence under section 72 of the Safety Standards Act.
Part 1: Details of Regulated Work or Regulated Product
This safety order is being issued in relation to (circle or highlight one):
Regulated Work – General
Regulated Products – General
Regulated Work – Specific Class
Regulated Product – Specific Class
Specific Regulated Work
Specific Regulated Product
Part 2: Requirement(s) of this safety order
The following Gas Fireplaces manufactured by CFM Inc. (Majestic Fireplace) that have the alternately
labeled trade names Insta-Flame or Northern Flame shall not be sold, leased, rented, installed or
operated in the province of British Columbia:
(a) Natural Gas Fired Direct Vent Free Standing Fireplace – Model FSDV22, FSDV30
and FSDV32Series,
(b) Propane-Fired Direct Vent Free Standing Fireplace – Model FSDV22, FSDV30
and FSDV32 Series,
Part 3: Details of Issue (if applicable)
This safety order is being issued to the following:
All - Owners/Users/Installers/Retailers:
For models FSDV22, FSDV30 and FSDV32, series that bear a CGA or CSA certification mark.
As of 2006 there were six (6) reported national incidents involving the above fireplace where a delayed
ignition occurred expelling glass into the living space causing personal injury. In April 2012 delayed
ignition tests per the CSA standard were conducted on a sample fireplace. During the testing the relief
dampers on the fireplace did not prevent the glass from blowing out.
Safety Order No: SO-GA 2012-01
Page 1 of 3
505 SIXTH STREET, SUITE 200, NEW WESTMINSTER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA V3L 0E1
Toll Free: 1-866-566-7233 Fax: 778-396-2064 Web Site: www.safetyauthority.ca E-mail: [email protected]
FRM-1128-05 (2011-10-18)
SAFETY ORDER
The relief dampers not adequately relieving the pressure in the event of a delayed ignition as a result of a
buildup of un-burnt gas is of an immediate concern. This delayed ignition may expel fireplace glass into
the living space possibly causing personal injury.
These explosions can occur when an individual attempts to light the appliance after natural or propane
gas has accumulated inside the fireplace unit. The resulting overpressure could cause the glass front to
break and expel glass fragments into the living space.
This Safety Order, prohibits the sale, leasing, renting, installation or use of Natural Gas and Propane
Fired Models: FSDV22, FSDV30 and FSDV32, Series fireplaces manufactured by CFM Inc (Majestic
Fireplace)
All affected fireplaces currently installed shall have the fuel supply terminated immediately according to
the CAN/CSA B149.1 Installation Code; this is required as the manufacturer is no longer in business and
no retro fit kit is available.
Distributors, certificate holders and fireplace owners shall consider operation of the affected fireplaces to
pose an immediate hazard and shall follow the directions prescribed in Gas Safety Regulation Sections
54 (1) and (2):
(1) A person who finds any appliance or gas equipment beyond repair or in an unsafe condition
must:
(a) place the appliance or gas equipment out of service, and
(b) promptly notify a safety officer of its condition and location.
(2) If the initial notification under subsection (1) (b) is verbal, it must be promptly confirmed by a
written statement setting out the facts.
Part 4: Details of Ordering Safety Manager or Safety Officer – Please read following page
I certify that I am authorized to issue this safety order in accordance with section 15 (d) of the Safety Standards Act or
that I have been delegated this power under section 15 (g) of the Safety Standards Act.
Eric Skehor
Provincial Safety Manager – Gas Technical Programs
Safety Order No: SO-GA 2012-01
th
Date: September 25 , 2012
Page 2 of 3
505 SIXTH STREET, SUITE 200, NEW WESTMINSTER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA V3L 0E1
Toll Free: 1-866-566-7233 Fax: 778-396-2064 Web Site: www.safetyauthority.ca E-mail: [email protected]
FRM-1128-05 (2011-10-18)
SAFETY ORDER
Safety Standards Act:
Safety Orders
31
(1) To prevent, avoid or reduce risk of personal injury or damage to property, a provincial safety manager may, in writing, issue
a safety order.
(2) A safety order may be issued to any person in relation to any of the following:
(a) regulated work or regulated products generally;
(b) a specific class of regulated product or regulated work;
(c) a specific regulated product or regulated work.
(3) For certainty, a safety order issued under this section may apply to
(a) regulated work that meets the requirements under this Act,
(b) regulated work that previously met the requirements under this Act or a former Act but does not meet the current
requirements under this Act,
(c) regulated products that meet the requirements under this Act, or
(d) regulated products that previously met the requirements under this Act or a former Act but do not meet the current
requirements under this Act, including a regulated product that bears a certification mark.
(4) A safety order may specify any requirement that is intended to prevent, avoid or reduce the risk of personal injury or damage
to property and may include any of the following orders:
(a) that an existing regulated work or regulated product must be made safe in compliance with the safety order;
(b) that a regulated product must be
(i) disconnected from a power source,
(ii) uninstalled, or
(iii) modified before continued use;
(c) that a regulated product must be operated, installed, manufactured or disposed of only as specified or that a regulated
product must not be moved;
(d) that current or future regulated work or a regulated product must conform to the terms or conditions of the order;
(e) that a person take or refrain from taking any action that a safety manager considers necessary to prevent, avoid or
reduce a risk of personal injury to persons or damage to property;
(f) that the manufacturer make reasonable efforts to recall the regulated product.
(5) The provincial safety manager must give written notice of the safety order to the following persons:
(a) the manufacturer of the regulated product;
(b) an owner of the regulated product if the identity of the owner is known to the provincial safety manager;
(c) the person in charge of the regulated work.
(6) The notice must state the reasons for the decision and that the person has the right to appeal the decision to the appeal board.
(7) Despite section 54, a safety order may not be stayed during an appeal.
References:
Safety Standards Act
Gas Safety Regulation
For more information on the British Columbia Safety Authority, please visit our website at:
www.safetyauthority.ca
Safety Order No: SO-GA 2012-01
Page 3 of 3
505 SIXTH STREET, SUITE 200, NEW WESTMINSTER, BRITISH COLUMBIA, CANADA V3L 0E1
Toll Free: 1-866-566-7233 Fax: 778-396-2064 Web Site: www.safetyauthority.ca E-mail: [email protected]
FRM-1128-05 (2011-10-18)