July 18, 2005
2005-20
Fire Marshal’s Communiqué 2004-28, issued on
December 7, 2004, announced the recall of Globe Mini-Spiral 13W compact fluorescent
light bulbs. It has since come to the attention of the Office of the Fire Marshal
(OFM) that many of these bulbs may still be in use throughout the province. As these
bulbs may pose potential fire and electric shock hazards, consumers are being reminded
to immediately remove these light bulbs from service.
The affected light bulbs were manufactured between January 2002 and April 2003 and
bear an unauthorized Underwriters Laboratories (UL) mark. Corresponding date codes
and additional consumer instructions are given in the attached product safety notice.
The OFM has also received reports of compact fluorescent light bulbs of various
makes and models failing in unexpected ways. The OFM has discussed these reports
with the Electrical Safety Authority, Health Canada, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety
Commission, the Canadian Standards Association (CSA) and Underwriters Laboratories.
At this time, the OFM is monitoring these occurrences and asks that fire departments
forward to the OFM reports of compact fluorescent light bulb failures that involve
smoking, melting and/or charring of the bulb. The reports should be in writing and
include the make and model of the bulb, a description of events, contact information
for the person that experienced the incident, and, if possible, the actual failed
bulb. The OFM will examine all compact fluorescent light bulbs received and will
subsequently forward them to the Electrical Safety Authority.
Compact fluorescent light bulbs offer an energy efficient alternative to incandescent
light bulbs, but, as with other products, may have restricted applications. Instructions
on product usage are generally listed on the packaging and will vary from one product
to the next. Some of these bulbs may not be suitable for use with dimmer switches,
electronic timers, light sensors and motion sensors, or outdoors, in enclosed and/or
recessed light fixtures, in specific orientations, etc. The OFM recommends following
all manufacturers’ instructions and using CSA and/or cUL listed products that have
been purchased from a reputable retailer.
Please forward unusual compact fluorescent light bulb failure reports and actual
light bulbs to:
Trevor Bain
Manager, Operational Support
Fire Investigations Services
Office of the Fire Marshal
2284 Nursery Road
Midhurst ON L0L 1X0
The OFM appreciates your cooperation in this matter.
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