A voluntary recall of the Grab ‘n Go Vantage portable oxygen cylinder units has been announced by Praxair, Inc. because of the risk for fire inside the cylinder which may cause the unit to break and release oxygen.
The recall is classified as a Class 1, which is the most serious type of recall, involving “situations in which there is a reasonable probability that use of these products will cause serious adverse health consequences or death,” the recall notice states. The recall was initiated November 26, 2012 and involves products manufactured and distributed between June 17, 2009 and November 16, 2012.
Fires inside the cylinders are self-extinguishing and may be caused by a physical impact such as dropping or knocking over the cylinder, the announcement notes. “If a fire occurs, users may experience burns or lack of oxygen (hypoxia).”
The Grab ‘n Go Vantage Portable Oxygen Cylinder unit consists of an oxygen container and pressure regulator (valve). The pressure regulator, or valve, is intended for medical use and is used to convert a medical gas pressure from a high variable pressure to a lower, more constant working pressure.
In the recall notice, the FDA notes that Praxair sent medical device correction letters to customers and distributors describing the product, problem, and actions to be taken in November. Customers were also reminded to store these systems indoors in a safe area, not to store them in an elevated location, and handle the systems safely, avoiding jarring or dropping them.
Praxair is replacing a ring within affected units as they come in for regular servicing, but the company says unmodified tanks are still safe for use so long as customers store them properly.
Healthcare professionals and patients are encouraged to report adverse side effects relating to use of these products to the FDA’s MedWatch Safety Information and Adverse Event Reporting Program at 1-800-332-1088.
“Customers were also instructed to send Grab ‘n Go Vantage Portable Oxygen Cylinder units to Praxair, Inc. for servicing and refilling after use in accordance with their normal processes,” the FDA recall notice states.
Praxair, Inc. is the largest industrial gases company in North and South America, and one of the largest worldwide, with 2011 sales of $11 billion. The company produces, sells and distributes atmospheric, process and specialty gases, and high-performance surface coatings.
Great care must be taken when using and storing these units. There are serious risks involved, including death. If you or a loved one suffered damages from the use of a Praxair Grab ‘n Go Vantage Portable Oxygen Cylinder, contact one of our Gacovino Lake attorneys at 1-800-246-HURT (4878).
