Quarterly Information Update

July 2007

PDF Version of this month's Quarterly Update (PDF, 199 KB)

• SRO Staff Moving

• Changes in BAL

• Sprinkler Recall

• NHs & Quality Assurance Privilege

• White Paper on Pain Management

• Hospital Conference

• Dementia and MI Webcasts

• Immunization Goals

• 80% Club Grows

• Upcoming Education Events

• Fire Safety Cigarettes

• 2000 LSC Clarifications

• CMS Webcasts

• DQA Memos for July

• Latest CMS S&C Letters

• MDS & OASIS Broadband

• OASIS HHA Training

• Patient Safety Alert

• Administrative Rules Update

• Ceramic Heater Recall

• Fire Sprinkler Recall

• Electric Heater Recall

• Fire Extinguisher Recall

SRO Staff Moving

The Division of Quality Assurance issued a memo on June 26, 2007 providing information regarding the move of Bureau of Health Services, Bureau of Nursing Home Resident Care and Bureau of Assisted Living staff from the Southern Regional Office to their new locations. Please refer to this memo for important information on location, mailing addresses, etc. The memo can be accessed at: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/rl_DSL/Publications/07-009.htm.

Beginning July 20, 2007, these new addresses should be used with all mail previously sent to 2917 International Lane Suite 300, Madison, WI 53704.

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Staff Changes in the Bureau of Assisted Living

Effective May 29, 2007, Susan Farmer, the Assisted Living Regional Director for the Southeastern Region Office (SERO), transferred to the Bureau of Nursing Home Resident Care. Her vacancy in SERO was filled with a transfer by Alfred Johnson, the Assisted Living Regional Director in the Northeastern Regional Office (NERO). 

The Bureau of Assisted Living is currently in the recruitment process for the now vacant Assisted Living Regional Director in the NERO. The Bureau of Assisted Living thanks Susan for her years of dedicated service in helping to improve the lives of vulnerable residents in Southeastern Wisconsin; and for her collaborative work with providers, advocates, and other key stakeholders. We welcome Alfred to his new position and wish him the best.

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Sprinkler Recall

NEWS U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs, Washington, DC 20207.

RELEASE DATE: May 1, 2007
Release #07-169

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 871-3492
CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Julie Vallese, (301) 504-7908

August deadline set to end for Central Sprinkler O-Ring Sprinkler Recall. Property owners should act now to request replacement of sprinkler heads.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Central Sprinkler Company are urging residential and commercial property owners who have O-ring sprinklers, covered under the previously-announced recall and who have not yet filed a claim to replace them, to contact Central Sprinkler immediately. 

Home and commercial property owners need to submit their claim within the next 120 days, as the program for receiving free replacement heads will end on August 31, 2007.

The voluntary replacement program (VRP), which was first announced in July 2001, included about 35 million O-ring fire sprinklers manufactured by Central Sprinkler, Gem Sprinkler Company, and Star Sprinkler, Inc., due to a concern that some O-ring sprinklers might not operate in a fire situation.

To participate in the replacement sprinkler program, property owners must submit "Proof of Claim" and "Waiver and Release of Claims" forms to Central Sprinkler Company postmarked by August 31, 2007. Valid claims received prior to the deadline will qualify for free replacement sprinkler heads and installation services.

Consumers can obtain additional information on identifying the sprinklers covered by this recall and instructions on filing a claim by visiting: http://www.sprinklerreplacement.com (exit DHFS) or by calling Central Sprinkler at (800) 871-3492 anytime. For a full list of sprinkler heads involved in the recall, consumers can view CPSC's previous press release at: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml01/01201.html (exit DHFS).

This deadline relates only to the Central Sprinkler O-ring sprinkler recall announced on July 19, 2001. It does not involve additional models of sprinklers other than those named in July 2001. Building owners who already have: (1) had replacement sprinklers installed by Central Sprinkler; (2) submitted a claim to Central Sprinkler that has been deemed complete and installation of the replacement heads is pending; or (3) confirmed that their sprinkler heads are not covered by the Central Sprinkler VRP, need not take any further action under the VRP. 

Building owners who have previously submitted an incomplete claim will be sent a reminder notice requiring them to send in any missing information or materials by the August 31 deadline, or else their claim will be void.

Central Sprinkler urges all other building owners to consult with their fire sprinkler installer, and/or check their system records as soon as possible, to determine whether their sprinkler heads are covered by this program.

To see this press release on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07169.html (exit DHFS)

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Nursing Homes and Quality Assurance Privilege

On October 26, 2006, attorneys representing the Wisconsin Association of Homes and Services for the Aging and the Wisconsin Health Care Association, along with staff of the Division of Quality Assurance, jointly presented a ninety-minute training program titled Quality Assurance Privilege. 

The presentation was delivered via a live web cast to both nursing home provider staff and state survey agency staff. The goals of this program were to define the concept of quality assurance (QA) privilege within the context of the federal regulation for Quality Assessment and Assurance at 483.75(o)(3), and to reach a common understanding and agreement as to what documents are covered by the QA privilege. 

This training program webcast and handouts, including case studies, continues to be available 24/7 through the Division of Quality Assurances' Provider Training Opportunities website located at: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/rl_DSL/Training/index.htm.

DQA encourages everyone who views this webcast to provide feedback to DQA about the program by completing the online evaluation form located at the above website. If you have questions about the Quality Assurance Privilege training program, contact Vicky Griffin, Nurse Consultant/Trainer, at (414) 227-4705, or email griffvl@dhfs.state.wi.us

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WI Board of Nursing Issues White Paper on Pain Management

On April 19, 2007, the WI Board of Nursing issued a white paper titled "Pain Management" that articulates the Boards' position "to support and encourage safe, competent, and high quality nursing care for persons with pain." The white paper is located on the Department of Regulation & Licensing's Board of Nursing - Papers website at: http://drl.wi.gov/boards/nur/pap/index.htm (exit DHFS).

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Hospital Conference

The Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) is pleased to announce a Hospital Conference,"Demystifying Hospital Regulations,"  occurring on October 25, 2007. This will be a day to get answers to your regulatory questions, meet DQA surveyors and management, learn best practices, and discuss recent regulatory changes. 

The conference is for all Wisconsin Hospitals: Acute Care, Critical Access, Psychiatric, and Specialty. Who Should Attend: Clinical Managers, Department Directors, Directors of Nursing, Quality Improvement Managers, Risk Managers, and DQA Staff. The conference location: American Family Training Center, 6000 American Parkway, Building A, Madison, Wisconsin. Online registration will be available August 16. For additional information go to: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/rl_DSL/Training/index.htm

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Serious and Persistent Mental Illness and Dementia Webcasts

DQA, in collaboration with healthcare providers, advocacy groups, Department of Health and Family Services staff, and Dr. Abhilash Desai, has developed a two-part Mental Health webcast designed for nursing home, assisted living, and DQA staff. The presenter of both webcasts is Dr. Desai, a geriatric psychiatrist and Medical Director of the Alzheimer's Center of Excellence, ThedaCare Behavioral Health, in Appleton, Wisconsin. The webcasts are:
          Part One: Serious and Persistent Mental Illness
          Part Two: Managing of Dementia

"Part One: Serious and Persistent Mental Illness" is currently available for viewing. "Part Two: Managing of Dementia" will be available for viewing after July 15, 2007. For a direct link to these webcasts, visit: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/rl_DSL/Training/index.htm.  After viewing the webcasts, a certificate of viewing can be printed from: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/rl_DSL/Training/index.htm.  Please watch for an upcoming DQA memo that provides additional information regarding these webcasts, along with other useful resources.

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WI Nursing Home Immunization Rates Approach Healthy People 2010 Immunization Goals

Healthy People 2010 is a comprehensive, nationwide health promotion and disease prevention agenda developed by the US Department of Health and Human Services. It contains 467 objectives designed to improve the health of all people in the United States. 

Year 2010 objectives are (1) to increase the proportion of adults living in nursing homes who are vaccinated annually against influenza and (2) to increase the proportion of those who have ever been vaccinated against pneumococcal disease to 90%.

Influenza and pneumonia are vaccine-preventable diseases, and yet, combined they are the 5th leading cause of death in the U.S. for patients/residents aged 65 years and older. According to the most current (1999) CDC National Nursing Home Survey, immunization rates for influenza (66%) and pneumonia (38%) are well below the Healthy People 2010 goal of 90%.

In 2005, the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) analyzed data that was collected from the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) 672 form, titled "Resident Census and Conditions of Residents Reports" for all 2005 surveys. 

Immunization rates for influenza (74%) and pneumonia (47%) were above the National Nursing Home Survey rates, but still below the Healthy People 2010 goal of 90%. However, in 2006, DQA analyzed data that was collected from the (CMS) 672 for all 2006 surveys. 

Immunization rates for influenza (80%) and pneumonia (72%) are approaching the Healthy People 2010 immunization goals. DQA created two state maps that identify the percentage of WI nursing home residents who received the influenza and pneumococcal vaccine in 2006.

While significant progress has been made, Wisconsin nursing homes need to be aware that one of the primary ways that CMS has promoted improving immunization rates for nursing home residents is through the annual survey process. State surveyors who conduct annual inspections of nursing homes will focus on the nursing home's immunization and infection control program during every annual survey.

The survey teams have been instructed to target the infection control program of any nursing home with immunization rates below 90%.  DQA encourages all nursing homes to review their immunization program and immunization rates with their Medical Director and Quality Assurance Committee to ensure their program is consistent with current standards of practice and to determine the effectiveness of their program in achieving the Healthy People 2010 goals.

• Percentage of Wisconsin Nursing Home Residents Receiving Influenza Vaccine in 2006 (PDF, 21 KB)
• Percentage of Wisconsin Nursing Home Residents Receiving Pneumococcal Vaccine in 2006 (PDF, 21 KB)

If you have questions, contact Vicky Griffin, Nurse Consultant, at 414-227-4705 or email griffvl@dhfs.state.wi.us.

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80% Club Grows in 2007

Numerous health care providers have contacted the Division of Quality Assurance (DQA) since the article titled "Health Care Facilities Make the 80% Club" appeared in the April issue of the DQA Quarterly Information Update. They reported that they had also achieved the 80% goal of vaccinating staff against influenza as a way to reduce transmission of influenza virus among their patients and residents. One provider appropriately noted that their name was not on the list, but should have been.

Recognizing the significance of this accomplishment and wanting to recognize all health care providers who achieved the 80% goal, DQA is reprinting the list to include all known providers. According to the Bureau of Communicable Diseases and Preparedness' 80% Club, 19 hospitals and 45 nursing homes achieved the 80% employee vaccination level, up from five hospitals and 27 nursing homes during the 2005-2006 influenza season.

The Division is pleased to recognize the following health care organizations that achieved this important patient/resident safety goal (bolded names indicate achievement for both seasons).

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Upcoming Division of Quality Assurance Educational Events

Check out the Division of Quality Assurance online educational opportunity information website at: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/rl_DSL/Training/index.htm for additional information on upcoming events, dates, locations, registration, and webcast viewing links. Below is a list of upcoming educational opportunities.

*Webcasts are available for online viewing up to one year after the date of the live broadcast. For handouts and the online link to view a webcast please go to: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/rl_DSL/Training/index.htm.

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Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes

The Coalition for Fire-Safe Cigarettes is working to save lives and prevent injuries and devastation from cigarette-ignited fires. The Coalition is calling for manufacturers to immediately produce and market only cigarettes that adhere to an established fire safety performance standard, and is working to see that this standard is required in every state in the country.

Fact: Cigarettes are the leading cause of home fire fatalities in the United States, killing 700 to 900 people -- smokers and nonsmokers alike --per year.

Wisconsin legislation has been filed by Senator Judy Robson and Representative Sheldon Wasserman.

More information is available at: http://www.firesafecigarettes.org (exit DHFS).

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2000 Life Safety Code Clarifications

Q1: Can a reception office that has a sliding glass window, common to an egress corridor, be considered a "space open to the corridor?"

A1: If the office and the corridor onto which the office opens meets one of the exceptions outlined in NFPA 101 - 2000 edition, sections 18.3.6.1 (new) and/or 19.3.6.1 (existing), the sliding glass window is not a deficiency.

Q2: NFPA 101 - 2000 edition, section 7.8.1.4, states that: "Required illumination shall be arranged so that failure of any single lighting unit does not result in an illumination level less than .2 ft-candle (2 lux) in any designated areas." Can an exterior exit door having two light fixtures, where each fixture contains a single bulb, be considered compliant?

A2: If both fixtures are on emergency power, resulting in an overlapping illumination level of .2 ft-candle or greater, and if each bulb is functional, then this arrangement is not a deficiency.

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CMS Webcasts

Listed below are the CMS webcasts that were produced from April - June 2007. They will be available for one year after the date of broadcast. You may access these webcasts at: http://cms.internetstreaming.com/ (exit DHFS).

5/4/07    From Institutional to Individualized Care Part II:
               Transforming Systems to Achieve Better Clinical
               Outcomes

5/18/07  From Institutional to Individualized Care Part III:
               Clinical Case Studies in Culture Change

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DQA Numbered Memos July 2007

Access these memos via: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/rl_DSL/Publications/BQAnodMems.htm, or from individual providers' publications pages via: http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/rl_DSL/.

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Latest CMS Survey & Certification Letters

Listed below are selected Survey and Certification (S & C) Letters distributed by CMS during the last quarter. If you have questions about individual letters, contact Jan Eakins of DQA at (608) 266-2055 or email her at: eakinjl@dhfs.state.wi.us. Please note that the CMS Internet site for all S & C memos is: http://www.cms.hhs.gov/SurveyCertificationGenInfo/PMSR/list.asp. (exit DHFS).

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MDS and OASIS Broadband Connection Available

Beginning in July, CMS will begin switching from AT&T's dial-up service for MDS and OASIS assessment submissions and reports, to broadband on a state-by-state basis. Wisconsin nursing homes and home health agencies can begin using broadband in July. 

In order to use the broadband service it will be necessary to update to AT&T's Global Network Client to version 7.0, version date 5/24/07. Version 6.9 will work on Microsoft operating systems other than Vista. You can check which version of the AT&T Global Network Client you have by launching the client, left mouse click "Help" on the top menu bar, and select "About." The version number and date will be displayed.

You can obtain a copy of the new AT&T Global Network Client software by logging onto: http://www.qtso.com (exit DHFS) and clicking the MDCN Information link in the blue outlined box on the right-hand side of the page. The new client is much larger than the older clients, and it may take a long time to download. As an alternative to downloading, you can request a CD version be mailed to you by emailing a request to: mdcn.mco@palmettogba.com

The use of broadband may involve some adjustments, depending on your particular computer environment. For example, if you are on a corporate wide area network (WAN) or a local area network (LAN), your network administrator will probably have to configure your network to allow access to the network's broadband connection through the new client. Installation instructions, including network configurations, are available on the QTSO website.

If you are in an area where there is no broadband service available, you will have to submit a waiver request to CMS to continue using the dial-up modem method. The waiver form is also on the QTSO website.

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OASIS Automation Home Health Agency Training

DQA will be presenting a training opportunity for home health agency staff who are involved with the transmission of OASIS records to the CMS State OASIS System. This program will be held on August 29, 2007, at the Howard Johnson Plaza Hotel in Madison.

Training brochures and registration forms have been mailed to all home health agencies. The training brochure and online registration are also available on the DQA online educational opportunity information website at:  http://dhfs.wisconsin.gov/rl_DSL/Training/index.htm.

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Patient Safety Alerts

In an effort to promote safer healthcare for consumers, public safety announcements are made available for both providers and consumers from a variety of sources. The public is alerted when known or potential safety issues arise concerning certain food products, drugs, medical devices, fire hazards, etc.

DQA refers providers to the below website resources for safety information, as well as notices of recall. By accessing these websites, providers can also have active safety announcements or alerts sent directly to them free of charge.

U.S. Food and Drug Administration (drug products, medical devices, biological products) http://www.fda.gov/medwatch (exit DHFS).

The Joint Commission (sentinel event alerts)
http://www.jointcommission.org/SentinelEvents/SentinelEventAlert/(exit DHFS).

U.S. Pharmacopia (prescription and over-the-counter medications, dietary supplements, and other healthcare products) http://www.usp.org/hqi/patientSafety/newsletters/ (exit DHFS).

Patient Safety Authority (medical errors) http://www.psa.state.pa.us/psa/site/default.asp (exit DHFS).

Agency for Healthcare Research and Quality (patient safety) http://psnet.ahrq.gov/signForNews.aspx (exit DHFS).

Patient Safety and Quality Healthcare (safety and quality) http://www.psqh.com/index.html (exit DHFS).

DQA is also in the process of developing an Internet Alert Page. This website will contain a one-stop listing of safety-related resources. Stay tuned.

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Administrative Rules Update

HFS 83 - Community Based Residential Facilities

The HFS 83 Rewrite Workgroup completed the initial draft of the proposed rules for Chapter HFS 83. The goal of the workgroup was to eliminate excessively prescriptive language and improve readability and organization. The proposed rule clarifies medication administration requirements and revises staff training standards, establishing a more cost-effective system for providers. Currently, the proposed rule is under review by the DHFS Office of Legal Counsel. For more information, you may view the Statement of Scope on the Wisconsin Administrative Rules website at:  http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov/ (exit DHFS).

HFS 83 - Community Based Residential Facilities, HFS - 88 Adult Family Homes, HFS 89 - Residential Care Apartment Complexes, HFS 132 - Nursing Homes, HFS 134 - Facilities for the Developmentally Disabled

On December 15, 2006, the Wisconsin Administrative Register published a Statement of Scope of proposed rules to amend Chapters 83, 88, 89, 132, and 134; relating to involuntary administration of psychotropic medication. 

2005 Wisconsin Act 264 created s. 50.02 (2) (ad), Stats., which directed the Department to promulgate rules that require the above named facilities to provide information to determine a facility's compliance with s. 55.14, Stats. 

The advisory committee met and reviewed the proposed rule language drafted by Department staff and provided comments. For more information, you may view the Statement of Scope and proposed rule on the Wisconsin Administrative Rules website at: http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov/ (exit DHFS).

HFS 85 - Non-Profit Corporation as Guardian

On September 19, 2006, the Wisconsin Administrative Register published a Statement of Scope of proposed rules to amend Chapter HFS 85, Non-profit Corporation as Guardian. Through this initiative, the Department proposes to make the rule reflect current standards of practice, recognizing the increase in the number of adults in need of guardianship, and the increase in the complexity of their needs. 

An advisory committee including advocates, providers, registers in probate, and county adult protective services staff, meets regularly to review proposed rule language and make recommendations for revision to the rule. For more information, you may view the Statement of Scope on the Wisconsin Administrative Rules website at: http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov/ (exit DHFS).

HFS 124 - Hospitals

On April 1, 2005, the Wisconsin Administrative Register published a Statement of Scope of proposed rules to amend Chapter 124. The Department is planning to update Chapter HFS 124 to eliminate overly prescriptive regulations, clarify the Department's enforcement authority, and make the rule more consistent with the federal Medicare requirements. 

For more information, you may view the Statement of Scope on the Wisconsin Administrative Rules website at: http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov/ (exit DHFS).

HFS 129 - Certification Programs for Training and Testing Nurse Assistants, Home Health Aides, and Hospice Aides

On March 31, 2006, the Wisconsin Administrative Register published a Statement of Scope of proposed rules to amend Chapter HFS 129. Through this initiative, the Department proposes to make the rule more consistent with federal regulations, to include the feeding assistant and medication aide training and testing program requirements, and to reflect the Department's decision to standardize administration and operation of nurse aide competency evaluation by contracting for this service. 

An advisory committee, including advocates, educators, association representatives, workforce development specialists, and representatives from private industry, meets regularly to review the proposed revisions to the rule and make changes, as necessary. For more information, you may view the Statement of Scope on the Wisconsin Administrative Rules website at:  http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov/ (exit DHFS).

HFS 132 - Nursing Homes

DQA drafted proposed revisions to HFS 132 to eliminate duplicative state regulations that are already contained in other State law or federal nursing home regulations. The intent is to streamline the code by eliminating regulations that provide unnecessary specificity and to adopt the applicable federal regulatory language. 

Public hearings were held the last week of July, 2006 in Milwaukee, Eau Claire, Rhinelander, Green Bay, and Madison. For more information, you may view the Statement of Scope and proposed rule on the Wisconsin Administrative Rules website at:  http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov/ (exit DHFS).

HFS 133 - Home Health Agencies

The HFS 133 Rewrite Workgroup, working with the advisory committee (including providers, consumers, and association representatives), has completed the draft of the proposed rules for Chapter HFS 133. The goal of the committee was to make the rule consistent with federal regulations and to reflect current terminology and practice. 

Public hearings are scheduled on July 18 in Eau Claire and on July 19 in Waukesha. For more information, you may view the Statement of Scope, public hearing notice and proposed rule on the Wisconsin Administrative Rules website at:  http://adminrules.wisconsin.gov/ (exit DHFS).

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Ceramic Heaters Recalled by Lasko: Heaters Could Cause a Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Lasko announced a voluntary recall of their ceramic heaters. The heater's cord can overheat where it enters the base of the unit, which could pose a fire hazard to consumers. 

This recall involves Lasko ceramic heaters manufactured in 2005. Model numbers included in the recall are: 5132, 5345, 5362, 5364, 5420, 5532, 5534 and 5566. Model numbers are located on the bottom of the unit or at the rear of the base of the heaters. Consumers should immediately stop using the heaters and contact Lasko to receive a free replacement heater.

For additional information, contact Lasko at (800) 984-3311 anytime, or visit the firm's website at: http://www.laskoproducts.com/recall/recall_heater07.html (exit DHFS).

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Globe Fire Sprinkler Corp. Recalls Dry Fire Sprinklers; Model J Heads Can Fail to Operate During a Fire

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Globe Fire Sprinkler Corp, announced a voluntary recall of the Globe Model J Series Dry Fire Sprinklers. The sprinkler heads can deteriorate over time and fail to operate in a fire.

Model J Series dry fire sprinklers come in pendent, upright and sidewall configurations. The name "Globe", the letter "J" and the year of manufacture (1990 through 1999) are embossed on the frame of each sprinkler. These dry sprinklers were designed to be installed in areas of buildings where the sprinklers or water supply pipes may be subject to freezing, such as unheated attics, freezers and coolers, parking garages, porches and warehouses. Contact Globe to arrange to receive replacement sprinkler heads.

For additional information, contact Globe at (800) 248-0278 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at: http://www.globesprinkler.com (exit DHFS) and select on the "recall" link.

The Holmes Group Recalls Oil-Filled Electric Heaters Due to Fire Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the Holmes Group, announced a voluntary recall of the Holmes® Oil-Filled Electric Heaters. A poor electrical connection within the heater can lead to overheating. This poses fire and thermal burn hazards. 

The recall involves Holmes oil-filled electric heaters with model number HOH2505 and HOH2520. The model number and "Holmes®" are printed on the side of the unit near the bottom.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled heaters and contact the Holmes Group to receive a free replacement heater. For additional information, contact the Holmes Group at (800) 306-2471 anytime, or visit the firm's website at: http://www.holmesoilfilledheaterrecall.com (exit DHFS).

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ANSUL® Recalls Fire Extinguisher that Could Fail to Operate

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Ansul Incorporated, announced a voluntary replacement program for the K-GUARD®, SENTRY® and FLAG FIRE® Model Fire Extinguishers. If the fire extinguisher is dropped horizontally from a height of approximately 2 to 3 feet, the pick-up tube could crack at the threads between the pick-up tube adaptor and the stainless steel tube. If a pick-up tube is cracked, the extinguisher can fail to discharge properly when activated, which can put users at risk during a fire.

The recall involves K-GUARD® Wet Chemical, FLAG FIRE® KITCHEN ONE Wet Chemical, FLAG FIRE® Water and SENTRY® Water Fire Extinguishers manufactured and shipped between May 2003 and September 9, 2005. The recall program involves pick-up tube replacements in the following extinguishers:

 Model numbers can be found on the fire extinguisher labels. Affected models meet the following criteria: The year 2004 or 2005 is stamped on the hanger hook attachment on the shell. 

For 2003 models, information on specific serial numbers included in the recall can be found at:  http://www.ansul.com (exit DHFS) for the K-GUARD Wet Chemical and SENTRY Water extinguishers, or at: http://www.pyrochem.com (exit DHFS) for the FLAG FIRE and KITCHEN ONE Wet Chemical extinguishers. Contact the firm to determine if your extinguisher is included in this replacement program.

For more information call your ANSUL® or PYRO-CHEM® distributor or Ansul Incorporated's and PYRO-CHEM's Quality Assurance Department at (800) 906-3575 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. Alternatively, you can find additional information by visiting the ANSUL® website at:  http://www.ansulcom (exit DHFS) or the PYRO-CHEM® website at:  http://www.pyrochem.com (exit DHFS).

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