Omega Sprinkler Head Recall

Many of these sprinkler heads have been recalled. For a complete list go to omegarecall.com

OMEGA RECALL FACT SHEET

WHAT: Nationwide recall of 8.4 million Omega brand fire sprinklers

WHO: Joint recall by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Central Sprinkler Company

WHY: The CPSC believes Omega fire sprinklers are defective and could fail in a fire, exposing the public to bodily injury or death.

WHERE: Omega fire sprinklers are located in a wide variety of buildings - homes, office buildings, schools, nursing homes, hotels - across the nation.

WHAT TO DO: Building and homeowners with sprinklers are urged to find out if they have Omegas. They should call 1-800-896-5685 to request a Notice Packet that contains information on how to identify an Omega.

TERMS OF RECALL: 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.

COMMONLY ASKED QUESTIONS ABOUT THE OMEGA RECALL

What is an Omega sprinkler?
Omega sprinklers are fire safety sprinklers that were manufactured by Central Sprinkler Company from 1983 to 1998. Sprinklers are commonly installed in buildings to offer protection in case of a fire.

What Omega sprinkler models are being recalled?
All Omega sprinkler models are being recalled, including those Omegas manufactured after May 1, 1996.

Why are Omega sprinklers being recalled?
The Consumer Product Safety Commission believes Omega sprinklers are defective and could fail in a fire.

Can I identify an Omega just by looking at it?
You may be able to. Omegas have certain key characteristics that you may be able to see, just by looking at the sprinkler.

How can I tell if my fire sprinklers are Omegas?
All Omega sprinklers contain one, two or three small, circular discs at the base of the sprinkler. These discs may be as small as the head of a pencil eraser or as large as a dime. The discs are very flat and thin and are spaced closely together. They may be white, chrome or brass depending upon the finish of the sprinkler. If the sprinklers in your building do not contain these discs, they are not Omegas. If your sprinklers do have these discs, they may be Omegas.

Are there any other things I should look for to tell if my sprinklers are Omegas?
All Omega sprinklers contain the word "Central" or the letters "CSC" somewhere on the daisy-like device. Please be extremely careful in attempting to identify your fire sprinkler and never attempt to unscrew the sprinkler yourself.

Are there any other places I can learn more about Omega fire sprinklers?
Yes. omega.comPacket. If you would like a copy mailed to you, please call 1-800-896-5685. For more information or call the Omega Sprinkler Customer Service Line at 1-800-927-5291.

I'm having trouble identifying what kind of sprinklers are in my building. Is there anyone who can help me?
Yes, you can call your building contractor, sprinkler contractor, builder, or architect. Whoever was responsible for installing the sprinklers in your home or building should be able to tell you what kind of sprinklers are installed.

What should I do if I have Omega fire sprinklers in my building?
We encourage you to take advantage of Central Sprinkler's free replacement program. You can do this by completing and returning the Proof of Claim and Waiver and Release of Claims Forms that can be downloaded from this web site. These forms are also found in the Notice Packet.

Is there a deadline by which I need to respond?
Yes. All Proof of Claim and Waiver and Release of Claims Forms must be postmarked no later than August 1, 1999 in order for you to receive reimbursement that will help offset the cost of installing your new replacement sprinklers. In addition, you must complete and return the Verification Form within 365 days after receiving the replacement sprinklers. Should you file the Proof of Claim and Waiver and Release of Claims forms postmarked after August 1, 1999, but before November 1, 2001, you still qualify to receive replacement sprinklers (though not reimbursement).

What Kind of replacement sprinklers is Central providing?
Central is providing a free replacement Quick Response Glass Bulb sprinkler with a Belleville type seal for every Omega sprinkler head.

How do these replacement sprinklers look compared to the Omega sprinkler?
The replacement Glass Bulb sprinkler has a glass ampule that is red in color, with a recessed frame. The Glass Bulb sprinkler heads are smaller in size that the Omega, and the deflector may protrude further down from the finished ceiling than the Omega.

How do I install the replacement sprinklers?
Sprinklers should be installed by a licensed, trained sprinkler contractor. Each Omega owner is responsible to arrange for the removal of their Omega sprinklers and the installation of the replacement sprinklers. Central has established a Trust, which will provide a reimbursement towards this cost.