SAFETY ALERT: Kidde fire extinguisher recall

The following is a marine safety alert from the U.S. Coast Guard:

(WASHINGTON) — This safety alert provides information related to Kidde brand fire extinguishers. Nearly 40 million extinguishers involving 134 different models have been recalled. These fire extinguishers were manufactured between Jan. 1, 1973 and Aug. 15, 2017, including models that were previously recalled in March 2009 and February 2015. The extinguishers were sold in red, white, and silver cylinder colors and are rated as either ABC or BC.

The Coast Guard strongly recommends that all persons owning fire extinguishers to read the following information and access the appropriate hyperlinks for specific recall information.

This product recall involves two styles of Kidde disposable fire extinguishers: plastic handle fire extinguishers and plastic push-button fire extinguishers. This recall does not include Kidde Professional or Badger branded fire extinguishers. Units with metal handles/valve assemblies are not included in the recall.

Read the full announcement on the Consumer Product Safety Commission website

Frequently asked questions

View the following fire extinguisher ID guide links to determine if you have an affected model:

Plastic handle fire extinguishers
Push-button fire extinguishers

If you believe that you may have an affected model, use the fire extinguisher ID guide to locate and collect your model number, serial number, and date code (if applicable). The date code is a 10-digit number printed on the side of your fire extinguisher, near the bottom. Digits five through nine represent the day and year of manufacture, and these five numbers are what you will need to proceed. When you are ready to proceed, select your unit. Note: If you have a push-button model used on a personal watercraft such as a Jet Ski, be sure to select the personal watercraft option.

Plastic handle
Push button
Push-button watercraft

Please note the images below for extinguisher identification guidance.

This safety alert is provided for informational purposes only and does not relieve any domestic or international safety, operational or material requirement. Developed and distributed by the Office of Investigations and Casualty Analysis, Washington, D.C. Questions may be sent to HQS-PF-fldr-CG-INV@uscg.mil.

By Professional Mariner Staff