Foam Fire Extinguishers (Bernzomatic) – Potential Failure (1997)
Hazard assessment based on recall description.
This AI-generated summary is provided for general informational purposes only and is derived from publicly available recall notices. It supplements but does not replace official agency classifications or safety instructions.
Check Your Product
According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC)
Product
Bernzomatic Foam Fire Extinguishers
Brand
Bernzomatic
Lot Codes / Batch Numbers
Not specified in CPSC notice. Check official source for details.
Bernzomatic is recalling Bernzomatic Foam Fire Extinguishers. The hazard is: Explosion/Projectiles. Based on CPSC recall notice.
Summary derived from CPSC notice
The following details were not provided by CPSC: remedy information, UPC codes.
Reason for Recall
As stated by CPSC
Fire Extinguishers Recalled by Bernzomatic NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Responding Firm Name, Location, Phone Number Change. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued January 3, 1977, Revised May 11, 2004 Release # 77-001 CPSC Renews Recall Warning On Certain Outdated Fire Extinguishers WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 3) -- Bernzomatic Corp. (now a brand under Irwin Industrial, located in Wilmington, OH) and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today renewed a recall notice to alert consumers that certain outdated fire extinguishers it produced may rupture. Formerly located in Rochester, N.Y., the company recalled its 1970 model FE18UL disposable foam fire extinguishers August 29, 1974, because of a possible safety hazard. A second recall notice was issued in November, 1975. As the solution in the devices ages the extinguisher tanks may corrode and there is an increased likelihood of rupture leading to possible injury. The company changed the formula in subsequent models. The units being recalled are red with white lettering: "Bernzometic Foam Fire Extinguisher." The dimensions are 2 7/8 inches in diameter by 7 l/2 inches in length. The model number of the recalled units, FE18UL, appears in the center of the rear label of the extinguishers with the date "1970" imprinted in the upper left hand corner. The devices were manufactured in 1970 and sold at retail for about $2.49 each during 1970 and 1971. The devices were sold in variety stores and chain grocery stores mostly in the Northeast United States. The company urges anyone who possesses a Bernzomatic 1970 model FE18UL unit to discharge the contents. A free replacement may be obtained by calling Irwin Industrial (which owns the BernzOmatic brand name) toll-free at 800-654-9011.
Reported concern (CPSC)
Explosion/Projectiles
Recommended Action
Per CPSC guidance
The CPSC advises consumers to stop using the product. Contact the manufacturer or return the product to the place of purchase.
Verify this information on the official source
For complete details and official instructions, check the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) directly.
View official CPSC recall noticePage updated: Jan 6, 2026