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This issue of the
Safety Network
is sponsored by:
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| The following are recent news articles that may affect your organization. Thank you for your continued interest in staying safe!
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Globe Fire Recalls Model J Fire Sprinklers
 The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Globe Fire Sprinkler Corporation, announced on June 12, 2007 a voluntary recall of the Model J Dry Fire Sprinklers. The recall is a result of a failure to operate.
Globe has received five reports of sprinklers that failed to operate as intended during a fire. The hazard was caused by sprinkler head deterioration over time and failure 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.
The Model J Series were sold by fire protection contractors nationwide from January 1990 through December 1999 for between $27 and $36 per sprinkler head.
Contact Globe immediately to arrange to receive replacement sprinkler heads at a reduced cost of $9 per sprinkler head.
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 web site at www.globesprinkler.com and click on the "Recall" link.
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Work Zone Penalties In Indiana Increased July 1 
The Indiana Department of Transportation (INDOT) is reminding motorists that breaking the law in Indiana's highway work zones will result in stiff fines and possible jail time beginning July 1.
Under the new work zone law, the first time a driver is cited for speeding in a work zone, they'll face a $300 fine. If drivers still don't get the message to slow down, they'll be fined $500 for a second offense and $1,000 for a third offense within three years. Motorists who drive recklessly or aggressively through a work zone face fines up to $5,000. Drivers who injure or kill a highway worker may find themselves paying a $10,000 fine or serving up to eight years behind bars. Fines generated from the new work zone law will be used to fund additional work zone patrols.
"Every year, Hoosier motorists and highway workers lose their lives in Indiana's highway work zones," said INDOT Commissioner Karl B. Browning. "With record-breaking highway construction going on around the state thanks to Major Moves, work zone crashes are more of a concern now than ever before. Indiana's new law sends drivers the message that driving recklessly and speeding in our state's work zones is extremely dangerous and simply unacceptable."
To alert drivers to the new law, signs will be posted around the state warning motorists of the tougher penalties. The signs will read "Speeding Max $1,000, Reckless Driving Max 8 Years." The signs will be posted in advance of state highway work zones, state maintenance work zones and municipal work zones.
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Michigan Construction Zone Speed Limits
 Motorists in Michigan are required to reduce their speed to 45 mph in any work zone where workers are present. If no workers are present, motorists should maintain the posted speed limit. When traveling through work zones, motorists are advised to remember the three L's:
When approaching "Road Work Ahead" signs, maintain the posted speed limit, Look for workers, Locate workers, and Lower speed to 45 mph where workers are present. This means that work zones will have two types of speed limit signs - the posted speed limit and a sign that says "Where Workers Present 45."
As always, work zones will have additional signs regarding the approaching road work, such as: "Reduced Speed Zone Ahead," "Work Zone Begins," "End Road Work," and lane closure signs as applicable.
What Michigan's Tough Work Zone Laws Could Cost You
In Michigan, you now risk more than just a speeding ticket if you go too fast. You also face the following penalties:
- Doubled fines
- More points
- Increased insurance rates
- Jail and fines
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August Deadline For Central Sprinkler
O-Ring Recall
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 have not yet filed a claim to replace them, to contact Central Sprinkler immediately. Home and commercial property owners need to submit their claim soon, 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 www.sprinklerreplacement.com 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 www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml01/01201.html
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.
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