Document NE2kvnxNx7J7Dm3Rx2d4YR08p

DEPARTMENT OF HEALTH & HUMAN SERVICES 5// 0 \<hc Public Health Service Centers for Disease Control National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health -- ALOSH 944 Chestnut Ridge Road Morgantown, WV 26505--2888 May 9, 1984 RESPIRATOR USERS NOTICE Robertshaw RAM-5 Combination Self-contained and Supplied-air Respirator MSHA/NIOSH Approval Number TC-13P-64 Manufactured by Robertshaw Controls Company Anaheim, California Robertshaw Controls Company has voluntarily instituted a recall of the RAM-5 Combination 5-minute Emergency Escape Self-contained Breathing Apparatus and Supplied-air Respirator (MSHA/NIOSH Approval Number TC-13F-64). Robertshaw has advised users known to it of this problem by telephone and a recall notice dated January, 1984. However, Robertshaw Controls Company has only been able to recover or account for 117 out of 700 possible units. The National Institute for Occupational Safety and Health (NIOSH) encourages all users of the RAM-5 to comply with this recall request if they haven't already done so. During audit testing of two RAM-5 respirators, one unit was found to have a leak in the bulkhead disconnect which connects the hose from the start valve assembly to the hose leading to the mask assembly. Investigation, by Robertshaw, has shown that the leak is caused by inadequate engagement between the internal hose fitting and the bulkhead disconnect. Subsequently, three other RAM-5 respirators have been found to have leakage in this area. This problem will result in shortened service time of the self-contained air supply and could also malfunction when used with supplied air. In view of the critical nature of this failure, this respirator should not be used until it has been thoroughly tested by an authorized representative or the manufacturer. All owners of Robertshaw RAM-5 respirators should contact Robertshaw Controls Company (Ray Rateike, 333 North Euclid Way, Anaheim, California 92803, 714-535-8151) for further information. John B. Moran Director Division of Safety Research