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.
How do I receive reimbursement
for the cost of installing the new sprinklers?
You must do two things in order to qualify for reimbursement. First,
you must complete and return the Proof of Claim and Waiver and Release
of Claims Forms found on this web site or in your Notice Packet
and return them to Central Sprinkler postmarked no later than August
1, 1999. The forms must be accompanied by a photograph of each model
of Omega sprinkler that you have. The second thing you must do is
complete a Verification Form after you have had your new sprinklers
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