Safety Bulletin 9: Emergency escape breathing device - product recall
Published 3 April 2017
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The MCA was made aware of a series of Hwayan Emergency Escape Breathing Devices (EEBDs) which have an inherent blockage and do not fulfil the required rate for delivery of breathing air to the user.
The affected product is the Hwayan EEBD TH15B.
The affected units are those produced in July 2013 with Lot numbers B132361-B132860 inclusive and B132861-B133060 inclusive, totalling 700 units.
The manufacturer has initiated a voluntary product recall of the affected EEBDs as described below.
Summary of issue
The MCA has been made aware of potential concerns over the Hwayan EEBD (TH15B) regarding the ability to deliver sufficient breathing air to the wearer. After various tests, the results highlight that units within the affected lots have an inherent blockage which is likely to be attributed to manufacturing discrepancies.
The blockage is observed in the pressure reducer connector which attaches to the air bottle as seen in the image below.
Testing results further show that the affected units do not fulfil the required delivery rate of air, even once the blockage has been cleared with a fine pin or needle head. The required airflow rate is specified in the Hwayan Instruction manual as 38+/-2 l/min.
The manufacturer has highlighted the affected batch of EEBDs as those produced in July 2013 with Lot numbers B132361-B132860 inclusive and B132861-B133060 inclusive.
If a ship operator discovers that they have one or more of the affected units they should take immediate action as detailed below to ensure the safety of life during an emergency when required to use an EEBD.
Actions to take
Ship operators should check the EEBDs they have on board. If an affected unit(s) are held, the operator should immediately contact the manufacturer for a replacement unit at no further cost.
The lot number of the EEBD can be found on the side of the orange cover which houses the air bottle.
Owners are reminded that EEBDs should be serviced in accordance with the manufacturer’s requirements. This will include an airflow test for this type of EEBD.
Further information
For further information and to arrange a replacement unit, the manufacturer should be contacted at the following details:
Tel: 0086 511 55035528 Fax: 0086 511 88035508 Email: sales@huayandy.com
Further information can be seen on the manufacturer’s website.