who is affected: what consumers should do: what industry

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.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/indust/2011ccpsa_incident-lcspc/index-eng.php

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

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/advisories-avis/incident/index-eng.php

mailto:[email protected]

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.

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/indust/2011ccpsa_incident-lcspc/index-fra.php

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/pubs/indust/2011ccpsa_incident-lcspc/index-fra.php

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

http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/advisories-avis/incident/index-fra.php

mailto:[email protected]

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 :

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

Fuels

Safety Program

Ref. No.: Rev. No.:

FS-195-12

DIRECTOR’S SAFETY ORDER Date: Date:

September 14th,

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)

Subject: Majestic Fireplace.– Direct Vent Free Standing Gas Fireplace

Models: FSDV22, FSDV30 and FSDV32, Series Sent to: 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

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




(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




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 Insta-

flame 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




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

(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

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)

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



FRM-1128-05 (2011-10-18)

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 Date: September 25th, 2012 Provincial Safety Manager – Gas Technical Programs

SAFETY ORDER



FRM-1128-05 (2011-10-18)

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

who is affected: what consumers should do: what industry

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