AGING AND DISABILITY SERVICES ADMINISTRATION

June 4, 1999

AASA: BH #99-009

SUBJECT: RECALL OF OMEGA BRAND FIRE SPRINKLERS

Dear Boarding Home Provider:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the Central Sprinkler Company have jointly recalled Omega brand fire sprinklers. The CPSC believes Omega fire sprinklers are defective and could fail in a fire, exposing the public to bodily injury or death.

You are urged to have your sprinkler system inspected to determine if your facility is equipped with Omega brand fire sprinklers. Enclosed is a sprinkler identification packet prepared by Central Sprinkler Company to assist you in determining if your facility has Omega brand fire sprinklers. Additionally, you may call 1-800-896-5685 to request a Notice Packet that contains information on how to identify an Omega fire sprinkler. If you have any questions regarding the type or model of sprinkler, please call Central Sprinkler at 1-800-927-5291.

Also enclosed is an Omega Recall Fact Sheet and answers to Commonly Asked Questions about the Omega Recall, found on the website WWW.OMEGARECALL.COM.

According to this website:
"Central is offering consumers free replacement glass bulb sprinklers and reimbursement to help pay for the cost of installing the new sprinklers. To request replacement sprinklers and to receive reimbursement, customers must submit Proof of Claims and Waiver and Release Forms (both found in the Notice Packet) no later than August 1, 1999 to participate fully in the settlement. If you submit your claim postmarked after August 1, 1999, but by November 1, 2001, you will receive free replacement sprinklers but you will not receive any reimbursement toward installation costs."

Forms and additional information are available over the Internet at WWW.OMEGARECALL.COM.

Aging and Disability Services Administration is working closely with the Washington State Fire Marshal to address this important regulatory issue. However, it is the licensee's responsibility to ensure your facility is safe.
Therefore, it is strongly recommended you immediately address this issue and take necessary actions to protect residents in your facility. You may contact Chief Deputy Fire Marshal Larry Glenn at (360) 753-0470 if you have additional questions regarding this matter.

Sincerely,

Patricia Lashway, Director
Residential Care Services

Enclosures
cc: Mary Corso, Washignton State Fire Marshal