“We have become aware that insufficient lubrication may have been applied to the bypass valve assemblies on FireHawk M7XT air masks when manufactured,” MSA officials said, noting that a lack of sufficient lubricant could cause the bypass assembly to become difficult to operate or possibly inoperable.
The notice includes all FireHawk M7XT air masks shipped from MSA since their introduction in April 2014 through November of last year. Also affected are replacement FireHawk M7XT bypass assemblies shipped during this time period. No other air masks or replacement parts are affected.
Also, affected air masks have a second-stage regulator with any of the following 10-digit serial numbers (the serial number is etched on the underside of the regulator body):
BZAG + any six digits CBAG + any six digits
BZAH + any six digits CBAH + any six digits
CAAG + any six digits CCAG + any six digits
CAAH + any six digits CCAH + 001 through 335 + any three digits
While no injuries have yet been reported as a result of the issue, the company has asked owners of the masks to be aware of any degradation in how easily the bypass valve operates when performing pre-use functional tests. If degradation is apparent, that M7XT should be removed from service until the issue is corrected.
MSA said it has arranged for CARE-certified SCBA repair technicians to inspect, clean and re-lubricate the bypass valve assembly on all FireHawk M7XT air masks, free of charge, to correct the issue.
“If during the inspection, there are signs of wear due to lack of lubrication, the valve and bypass assemblies will be replaced free of charge,” the company noted, adding that each inspected unit will be marked to identify them as having completed their review.
MSA is urging all mask owners to contact a local authorized MSA fire service distributor to schedule a free repair service as soon as possible. MSA Customer Service in the U.S., Canada and U.S. territories is 1-877-672-3473, or email at ProductSafetyNotices@MSAsafety.com.
