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Certain customers of Orion Safety Products (or Orion’s predecessor Olin) utilize a metal “converter” to launch 12-gauge aerial signals out of a 25MM launcher. In 1996 the converter was altered slightly to allow for a larger star to increase brightness and improve flight dynamics. In 2005 Orion introduced the 12-gauge HP which was a longer shell designed to improve altitude. While all converters sold since 1996 accept the 12-gauge HP shell, it has recently come to the attention of Orion that converters manufactured before 1996 (whether by Orion or Olin) will not accept the 12 gauge HP shell.
If you possess a 25MM converter for firing 12-gauge shells and such converter was or may have been manufactured before 1997, Orion wants to send you a new converter at no charge to assure you have all the equipment you need to fire your aerial signals. Please send a letter requesting your new converter with your address to Orion Safety Products, Attn: Converter Request, 3157 North 500 West, Peru Indiana 46070. Alternatively, email us at mcustomerservice@orionsignals.com with your request and mailing address.
Orion Safety Products, manufacturer of the Skyblazer hand-launched red aerial flare (“Skyblazer”), previously received a report from the field indicating the safety sleeve on the Skyblazer may become detached from the launch tube body during ignition (see diagram below for visual depiction of parts). A Safety Notice and Product Quarantine relative to the Skyblazer signal was issued on September 26, 2008 (the “Safety Notice”) until investigation and testing of the product could be completed. Based on test information supplied to the USCG by Orion and an independent USCG approved lab, it has been determined that product in stock and in the field can be sold and used. The USCG product status designation of the Skyblazer product has been reissued as a “May Use” classification.
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| Assembled Skyblazer |
Disassembled Skyblazer |
Since issuing the Safety Notice, Orion has tested hundreds of Skyblazer signals from a variety of manufacturing lots and determined the product functions as intended without injury to the user if the product is held properly in accordance with the use instructions on the product. Specifically, the user must hold the Launch Tube Body (not the Safety Sleeve alone) tightly in the upper hand during launch.
Anyone with product on their boat should read the revised instructions set forth below and print a copy to store with their signals. Orion will supply new labels to any customer who contacts Orion customer service at: mcustomerservice@orionsignals.com
Additionally, Orion will make every effort to sticker product in the field with new use instructions and a label notifying customers about the change. Orion will also be working with retailers and dealers to post notices at checkout and supplying new use instruction labels which can be affixed to existing product.
View safety notice and product quarantine here |
