| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE | |
| October 27, 1987 | |
| Release # 87-066 |
CPSC Warns of Potential For Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Involving Blueray "BLUE FLAME" Furnaces And Boilers
WASHINGTON, DC -- In voluntary cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Blueray Systems, Inc., of Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, has initiated a program to alert oil heat service technicians, oil heat distributors and home owners of the importance of strict service and maintenance of the Blueray "blue flame" furnace or boiler. A total of nearly 21,000 of such furnaces and 14,500 boilers were produced between 1974 and 1983.According to the Commission, since 1979 there have been seven deaths from carbon monoxide poisonings that have been linked to improper maintenance or servicing of the Blueray "blue flame" furnaces or boilers.
The firm is working through oil heat distributors and organizations servicing these distributors, to notify all persons living in homes where these furnaces have been installed, Consumers are being reminded that annual maintenance of the equipment is necessary for safety and efficiency. The need for this specialized maintenance is due to the design of the equipment for high-efficiency heating which requires annual servicing. Each household is also being supplied with a label to permanently attach to the furnace/boiler which alerts the home owner and the servicer of the necessity for strict adherence to all service and maintenance procedures prescribed by the firm.
Consumers can determine if their furnace/boiler is one involved in this alert program by looking for a blue and white label on the equipment which reads "BLUERAY by Blueray Systems, Inc." The model number, BR 60/75, appears on a white label. Consumers having these furnaces should immediately contact Blueray Systems, Inc., to receive their free safety label, as well as copies of publications which describe the proper procedures for maintenance and service. Blueray can be reached by calling collect on 215-789-6224 or by writing to: Blueray Systems, Inc., 8301 Lansdowne Avenue, Upper Darby, Pa 19082.
To report unsafe consumer products or to receive safety information, call the CPSC toll-free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is 800-638-8270.
