RECALL / Swivel commonly used on AGA mask affected

[BladesRobinson]

Pete Gannon at Dive Rescue International contacted OTS today and this evening the following recall was issued. The affected recall dates may be expanded too.

Blades Robinson, Executive Director
International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists
www.IADRS.org

-----------------------------

FROM THE OTS WEBPAGE ...
http://www.oceantechnologysystems.com/mj-recall-1.shtml

M & J Engineering Safety Notice
SW-3000 Swivel

Emergency Recall Notice


Recall Notice - M & J Swivel - 8/11/05

M & J Engineering has issued a Recall notice for all Swivels
manufactured during the time period of October 2004 through January
2005. This notice is for the Interspiro Divator MKII full face mask
swivels only.

DO NOT DIVE ANY M & J swivel if you have doubt of the date of
manufacture or if you have noticed the swivel unscrewing during
normal use.

You will find manufacturer's information stamped on the swivel
located on the main body (see the picture right). The date is stamped
on the bottom. In this case the date is 10/04.

OTS Unofficial Test: We have received 4 reports from the field that
swivels have come loose causing divers to take emergency actions.
Upon receipt of a defective swivel, we conducted a test. We connected
a supply hose to the swivel and connected the swivel to a Divator
MKII 2nd stage. We found that it worked fine moving in all
directions. The first appearance was they were OK. After applying
pressure (turn on the air supply) to the system the connections
become stiff. After moving the supply hose around, the swivel began
to start a ratchet type action. It actually start unscrewing with
each movement.

At this point, we are waiting for M & J Engineering to get back to
OTS with a solution and action. If you have experienced a problem or
concern with a M & J Engineering connector, please contact OTS
immediately.

(714) 754-7848
....................

ALSO, PLEASE COPY YOUR CORRESPONDENCE TO:
brobinson@iadrs.org

 

[DIVEMASTERROB]

Thanks for the info!!! Our dive team uses the agamask and we have that swivel on them.

 

[BladesRobinson]

THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION RELEASED A RECALL THIS PAST WEEK REGARDING M&J OMNISWIVELS. THIS APPEARS TO BE A "SECOND NOTICE" ISSUED ON THIS PRODUCT. IF YOUR TEAM IS USING SWIVELS ON AGA MASKS, PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO VISIT THE WEBPAGE AT:
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml07/07293.html

M&J Engineering Recalls Swivels for Scuba Diving Masks Due to Drowning Hazard

August 29, 2007
Release #07-293 Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 794-8351
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: AGA Swivels for Scuba Diving Masks

Units: About 1,500

Manufacturer: M&J Engineering, of Poway, Calif.

Hazard: The swivel, which is attached to a diving mask, could separate while diving. This will result in a sudden loss of the diver’s air supply, causing the diver to engage in emergency ascent. This poses a risk of decompression sickness due to rapid ascent or drowning.

Incidents/Injuries: M&J Engineering has received one report of swivels separating from the masks while diving. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves all SW-3000 2nd stage 360-degree swivels for scuba diving masks manufactured between January 2004 and February 2005. The swivel has the date stamped on its body, below the patent number. Swivels that are already repaired have an arrow stamped on the top right corner of the swivel body.
Sold at: Diving retail stores nationwide between January 2004 and February 2005 for about $60.

Manufactured in: USA

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the scuba diving masks with the swivel attached and contact M&J Engineering to receive a free repair.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact M&J Engineering toll-free at (888) 794-8351 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. PT, e-mail sales@omniswivel.com, or visit the company’s Web site at www.mj-engineering.com


FROM THE AUG 15, 2005 POST...

Pete Gannon at Dive Rescue International contacted OTS today and this evening the following recall was issued. The affected recall dates may be expanded too.

-----------------------------


FROM THE OTS WEBPAGE ...
http://www.oceantechnologysystems.com/mj-recall-1.shtml

M & J Engineering Safety Notice
SW-3000 Swivel

Emergency Recall Notice


Recall Notice - M & J Swivel - 8/11/05

M & J Engineering has issued a Recall notice for all Swivels
manufactured during the time period of October 2004 through January
2005. This notice is for the Interspiro Divator MKII full face mask
swivels only.

DO NOT DIVE ANY M & J swivel if you have doubt of the date of
manufacture or if you have noticed the swivel unscrewing during
normal use.

You will find manufacturer's information stamped on the swivel
located on the main body (see the picture right). The date is stamped
on the bottom. In this case the date is 10/04.

OTS Unofficial Test: We have received 4 reports from the field that
swivels have come loose causing divers to take emergency actions.
Upon receipt of a defective swivel, we conducted a test. We connected
a supply hose to the swivel and connected the swivel to a Divator
MKII 2nd stage. We found that it worked fine moving in all
directions. The first appearance was they were OK. After applying
pressure (turn on the air supply) to the system the connections
become stiff. After moving the supply hose around, the swivel began
to start a ratchet type action. It actually start unscrewing with
each movement.

At this point, we are waiting for M & J Engineering to get back to
OTS with a solution and action. If you have experienced a problem or
concern with a M & J Engineering connector, please contact OTS
immediately.

(714) 754-7848
....................

ALSO, PLEASE COPY YOUR CORRESPONDENCE TO:
brobinson@iadrs.org

 

[BladesRobinson]

ADDITIONAL RECALL INFORMATION FROM THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION REGARDING A SWIVEL DISTRIBUTED BY A DIFFERENT COMPANY WITH DIFFERENT MODEL NUMBER. VISIT: http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml07/07200.html


Release #07-200
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 472-2740
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908


Innovative Scuba Concepts Recalls Diving Regulator Components Due to Drowning Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Swivel for a Scuba Regulator

Units: About 170

Importer: Innovative Scuba Concepts Inc., of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Hazard: The swivel, which is attached to a diving regulator, could separate while diving. This will result in a complete and sudden loss of the diver's air supply, causing the diver to engage in emergency ascent procedures. This poses a risk of decompression sickness due to rapid ascent, and air embolism or drowning if the diver panics or the emergency ascent procedure fails.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report where the swivel separated during a dive and caused the diver to ascend using the buddy breathing technique. No injury was reported.

Description: The recall involves the HO110 Swivels sold as an aftermarket regulator component. There are no markings such as a date or production code embossed on the unit. Contact Innovative Scuba Concepts for information on where the recalled units were sold.

Sold at: Specialty retail dive stores nationwide from January 2006 through March 2007 for about $40. They also could have been installed by a dive shop regulator technician.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using regulators with the swivel attached and contact the dive store where purchased for a refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Innovative Scuba Concepts Inc. at (800) 472-2740 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.innovativescuba.com

 

[james croft]

Thanks Blades. I had heard of problems with swivels from other sources for the past couple of years and have advised users not to use swivels. Did not know which manufacturer had problems however. Thanks for the notice.-Jim

 

[BladesRobinson]

On Friday I was invited to the DUI dry suit demo for public safety divers. While one diver was underwater, he experienced an out of air emergency when the low pressure swivel unscrewed from his full face mask. He was aware of the initial recall of the swivel and did not know that the recall dates were expanded and another brand of swivel was also affected. There are a total of FOUR recalls.

In the recent incident, the well trained diver was able to make an emergency swimming ascent to the surface and thankfully he was NOT injured.

The International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists (IADRS.org) has worked to hard to notify IADRS members and ALL members of the public safety diving community about these faulty swivels. We have posted information on our member discussion forum, in the bi-monthly IADRS newsletter and on our website at: http://www.iadrs.org/index.php?pr=RECALLS


Additionally, I have posted information to this Scuba Board forum and the SAR-Diver Forum at:
SAR-Diver : Water Rescue & Recovery and PSD Forum


If your team is using swivels please review the information below to make certain your teammates to do not have an out of air emergency!

Regards,

Blades Robinson


NOTE: If you are a public safety diver and interested in joining the International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists, please visit: International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists - IADRS

Posted on Mon Aug 15, 2005 7:31 pm
Yahoo! Groups​

Pete Gannon at Dive Rescue International contacted OTS today and this
evening the following recall was issued. The affected recall dates
may be expanded too.

Blades Robinson, Executive Director
International Association of Dive Rescue Specialists
www.IADRS.org

-----------------------------

FROM THE OTS WEBPAGE ...
http://www.oceantechnologysystems.com/mj-recall-1.shtml


M & J Engineering Safety Notice

SW-3000 Swivel

Emergency Recall Notice

M & J Engineering has issued a Recall notice for all Swivels
manufactured during the time period of October 2004 through January
2005. This notice is for the Interspiro Divator MKII full face mask
swivels only.

DO NOT DIVE ANY M & J swivel if you have doubt of the date of
manufacture or if you have noticed the swivel unscrewing during
normal use.

You will find manufacturer's information stamped on the swivel
located on the main body (see the picture right). The date is stamped
on the bottom. In this case the date is 10/04.


OTS Unofficial Test: We have received 4 reports from the field that
swivels have come loose causing divers to take emergency actions.
Upon receipt of a defective swivel, we conducted a test. We connected
a supply hose to the swivel and connected the swivel to a Divator
MKII 2nd stage. We found that it worked fine moving in all
directions. The first appearance was they were OK. After applying
pressure (turn on the air supply) to the system the connections
become stiff. After moving the supply hose around, the swivel began
to start a ratchet type action. It actually start unscrewing with
each movement.

At this point, we are waiting for M & J Engineering to get back to
OTS with a solution and action. If you have experienced a problem or
concern with a M & J Engineering connector, please contact OTS
immediately.

(714) 754-7848
....................

ALSO, PLEASE COPY YOUR CORRESPONDENCE TO:
brobinson@iadrs.org

Posted on Tue Jun 12, 2007 4:30 pm
Yahoo! Groups​

FROM OmniSwivel International

June 11, 2007

It has come to our attention that there has been a recall issued by
Innovative Scuba Concepts Inc. of Colorado Springs CO. for the 2nd Stage
regulator Swivel Manufactured in Taiwan. CPSC website:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07200.html
<http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07200.html>

We at OmniSwivel International (formally known as M&J Engineering) are
the original inventor and patent holder for the 2nd stage regulator
swivel commonly known as the "OmniSwivel". (Patent # 5,275,444)
OmniSwivel International and all of its representatives have never at
anytime given permission to Taiwan or any other country to manufacture
or export the OmniSwivel. All swivels that are designated in this
recall have been illegally manufactured and imported and have nothing to
do with OmniSwivel International, its products and their affiliates.

From 1995 through 2002, M&J Engineering manufactured swivels using
chrome plating. In 2003 M&J Engineering changed from chrome plating to
a nickel plating as well as laser engraving to set ourselves apart from
the illegally copied swivel. Although the swivels that were
manufactured during 1995-2002 look similar, there are two very
distinguishing features. The first is the flat head screw located on
the top side of the swivel. The screw manufactured by M&J Engineering
is intended for the top of the screw to fit flush with the radius of the
swivel body. The Swivel manufactured in Taiwan has a recess around the
flat head screw. The second is the ridge that is located on the
5/8" hex portion where you connect the scuba hose. The Taiwan
swivel does not have this ridge. They have a 5/8" hex that is just
cut off.

We have dedicated ourselves to manufacture only the highest quality
products. Using precision design and manufacturing processes we separate
our Patented OmniSwivel made here in the USA from the cheap imitations
that are illegally imported. Should any diver require further
assistance with determining the difference between the Swivels, please
feel free to contact OmniSwivel International.

Johan G. Wythoff

Owner / Inventor and Patent holder

OmniSwivel International

Posted on Mon Sep 3, 2007 1:52 pm
http://health.groups.yahoo.com/group/IADRS/message/717​

IF YOUR TEAM IS USING SWIVELS ON AGA MASKS, PLEASE TAKE A MOMENT TO
VISIT THE WEBPAGE AT:
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml07/07293.html


M&J Engineering Recalls Swivels for Scuba Diving Masks Due to
Drowning Hazard

Release #07-293 Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 794-8351
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: AGA Swivels for Scuba Diving Masks

Units: About 1,500

Manufacturer: M&J Engineering, of Poway, Calif.

Hazard: The swivel, which is attached to a diving mask, could
separate while diving. This will result in a sudden loss of the
diver's air supply, causing the diver to engage in emergency ascent.
This poses a risk of decompression sickness due to rapid ascent or
drowning.

Incidents/Injuries: M&J Engineering has received one report of
swivels separating from the masks while diving. No injuries have been
reported.

Description: This recall involves all SW-3000 2nd stage 360-degree
swivels for scuba diving masks manufactured between January 2004 and
February 2005. The swivel has the date stamped on its body, below the
patent number. Swivels that are already repaired have an arrow
stamped on the top right corner of the swivel body.

Sold at: Diving retail stores nationwide between January 2004 and
February 2005 for about $60.

Manufactured in: USA

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the scuba diving
masks with the swivel attached and contact M&J Engineering to receive
a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact M&J Engineering
toll-free at (888) 794-8351 Monday through Friday between 8 a.m. to 5
p.m. PT, e-mail sales@omniswivel.com, or visit the company's Web site
at www.mj-engineering.com

CONTINUED TO NEXT POST...​

 

[BladesRobinson]

PLEASE READ THE POST
THAT PRECEEDS THIS ONE...
​

CONTINUED TO NEXT POST...

Posted on Mon Sep 3, 2007 2:26 pm
Yahoo! Groups​

ADDITIONAL RECALL INFORMATION FROM THE CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY
COMMISSION REGARDING A SWIVEL DISTRIBUTED BY A DIFFERENT COMPANY WITH
DIFFERENT MODEL NUMBER. VISIT:
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PREREL/prhtml07/07200.html


Release #07-200
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 472-2740
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908


Innovative Scuba Concepts Recalls Diving Regulator Components Due to
Drowning Hazard

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Swivel for a Scuba Regulator

Units: About 170

Importer: Innovative Scuba Concepts Inc., of Colorado Springs, Colo.

Hazard: The swivel, which is attached to a diving regulator, could
separate while diving. This will result in a complete and sudden loss
of the diver's air supply, causing the diver to engage in emergency
ascent procedures. This poses a risk of decompression sickness due to
rapid ascent, and air embolism or drowning if the diver panics or the
emergency ascent procedure fails.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received one report where the swivel
separated during a dive and caused the diver to ascend using the
buddy breathing technique. No injury was reported.

Description: The recall involves the HO110 Swivels sold as an
aftermarket regulator component. There are no markings such as a date
or production code embossed on the unit. Contact Innovative Scuba
Concepts for information on where the recalled units were sold.

Sold at: Specialty retail dive stores nationwide from January 2006
through March 2007 for about $40. They also could have been installed
by a dive shop regulator technician.

Manufactured in: Taiwan

Remedy: Consumers should stop using regulators with the swivel
attached and contact the dive store where purchased for a refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Innovative
Scuba Concepts Inc. at (800) 472-2740 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT
Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at
www.innovativescuba.com

 

[dittrimd]

Our team is in the throws of debating this issue and whether or not to continue to use the swivels. We are purchasing some masks from OTS and they are against using them all together. I have been using one of the earlier chrome swivels since 2001. We sent our swivels back to M&J Engineering (now Omniswivel) and they said they were not part of the recall. I continued to use it and in 2007 I purchase two of the newer Nickel plated swivels for my own use. One was for my personal AGA and the other was for a standard regulator. I have not had a single problem with any of the swivels.

I am confused by all the recalls. Were any of the recalls the M&J Engineering swivels or were they only the Innovative Scuba Concepts Inc swivels. Reading the memo from Johan G. Wythoff dated June 11, 2007 it seems to indicate that M&J Swivels were never recalled rather just the ones made illegally in Taiwan. Yet OTS memo states they are M&J. I would appreciate anyone clarifying if M&J were ever recalled.

Thanks

Mark D.

 

[BladesRobinson]

I am confused by all the recalls. Were any of the recalls the M&J Engineering swivels or were they only the Innovative Scuba Concepts Inc swivels?

Mark,

The recall from the Consumer Product Safety Commission dated August 29, 2007 (see: M&J Engineering Recalls Swivels for Scuba Diving Masks Due to Drowning Hazard) specifically names M & J Engineering (a/k/a Omni Swivel) as the company with 1,500 potentially defective swivels.

Because of the fact that a diver can loose their air supply suddenly and without warning, OTS made the decision to discontinue selling the swivel. Divers should see the OTS statement at: http://www.oceantechnologysystems.com/mj-recall-1.shtml


It reads (in part)...

Ocean Technology Systems Statement
"Due to the severity of the recall for the M & J Engineering swivel and the potential that the swivel could cause a serious diving accident, Ocean Technology Systems has decided not to distribute and/or sell the swivel any longer. Our recommendation to anyone who has a M & J Engineering swivel is to NOT use it unless you are 100% sure it is in good working order. We recommend you contact M & J Engineering for questions, concerns, recall service and/or general service for this item."


I ask who can be 100% certain their swivel is in good working order? Based on my understanding of the defect I will not use the swivel ... EVER!


Today I leaned that the swivel used during Friday's exercise was dated 08/05 and it was manufactured by M & J Engineering. This swivel was not affected by the CPSC recall since it was outside of the dates cited by the manufacturer and the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Even though the unit was not officially recalled, it was still able to back off of the mask on Friday and the result was a total and immediate cesation of air flow to the diver.


I spoke to Omni Swivel today and they stated that the diver probably didn't tighten the swivel properly. The engineer went on to say that they are redesigning the swivel so that the o-ring is repositioned and the unit will vent air through the o-ring before a total failure occurs. This air leak will allow the diver time to turn off his air supply, remove pressure from the system and retighten. I assume they propse that takes place on the surface. If that is the "fix" to this problem, I still have concerns. Also note that this is the ***NEW*** repair and these ***NEW*** units have yet to be distributed. Additionally, there are no plans at this time to replace the "old" units.

Effective today, Dive Rescue International will no longer sell swivels for the Interspiro mask unless they are approved by Interspiro or the U. S. Navy's Experimental Dive Unit. I believe other responsible PSD vendors will adopt a similar position.


If anyone is familiar with an out-of-air incident involving these swivels on Interspiro/AGA masks, please let me know. You can post to this forum or contact me offlist at: brobinson @ IADRS dot ORG.

 

[bridgediver]

I respect the decesion and actions of DRI in that they are taking action in a manner that they believe will keep other PSDs safe.
Having said that I'm not totally convinced that its a faulty peice of equipment.

I have had this happen to me at 30ft and have seen it happen once on the surface following a dive. Both occurances followed fairly substantial adjustment/movement of the swivel and mask including mask removal/replacement drills (feel free to use these incidents as you need, Blades).
After a few questions the conclusion was improper threading and seating of the swivel onto the mask was probably the culprit. The swivel itself would have been installed onto the mask improperly. Since then we have
1) kept our masks attached to our rigs so that they can be put together without the general haste that may occur when deploying
2) have also added a double check in our pre-dive sequence
3) All divers are aware of the potential failure
We put it to a vote at the time and it was decided that we would keep using the swivel. Since then we haven't had any problems.

I can sort of see where you're coming from. The OOA is probably the one of the most dramatic a diver can ever have - it goes from normal to nothing IMMEADIATELY but also there is no question to the diver what the problem is (unlike other OOAs that may be at other locations and not immeadiately apparent). BUT, it is still an OOA and if we have one we should have the skill to switch to our back-up IMO and ascend normally.
I can also see a similar, dramatic OOA occuring:
- from some types of blocks being improperly postioned (maybe gets bumped during the dive)
- an empty pony when or if the diver needs to switch to it
- an empty main
- one or the other tank is not open when the diver needs it
- a total o-ring failure on the tank valve on yoke style tanks/regs - which most of us tend to use
- some brands of regulators will fail "closed". these aren't sold anymore that I'm aware of but they are still maintained and still serviced today
Of course we have checks to reduce the chance of these from occuring as well but can we 100% eliminate them? We could also remove some of this equipment to avoid the potential as well ie use SSA, no blocks and DIN valves or can we balance the risk for the benefit? It's something the team needs to decide

Anyway, I will take this to my team again. The fact that DRI is not using the swivel anymore is something everyone should be aware of and consider. But if its a threading problem (all indications that I've seen indicate that) I'd call it "pilot error" and still fly with this airline but will respect the decision of my team