The IAFC has been notified by Norfolk (Va.) Fire-Rescue of problems with the Mine Safety Appliances ICM 2000+ integrated personal alert safety system devices (PASS).

The fire department, which is currently working closely with MSA on the issue, has been experiencing water infiltrating "water tight" housings and analog gauges becoming loose. The fire department also reports that the units go into "full alert" during normal, routine and expected use.

Norfolk is concerned that repeated failures of the PASS device may result in the fire fighters desensitization to the potentially life saving alarm. Similar problems have been reported in Carrollton, Texas, and Toronto, Ontario.

The Safety Equipment Institute has opened an investigation into the matter. The Safety Equipment Institute is the independent testing laboratory that has certified the MSA PASS devices to meet NFPA standards.

Any IAFC members who have experienced problems with the ICM 2000+ PASS device should document the incidents in writing. Please fax these reports to SEI at 703-442-5756, attention Steve Sanders, or to MSA c/o Chuck Seibel, Manager of Product Safety; fax 412-967-3309.

To alert MSA via e-mail, write to info@msanet.com and add subject line: "Product Alerts." Please also send a copy of any report to the IAFC via fax at 703-273-9363.

Further information on the issue can be obtained by visiting the Norfolk Fire-Rescue Web site at www.norfolk.va.us/public_safety/nfps/MSA/MSAICM2000article.html

The text of the official MSA Product Alert is available on the MSA website at www.msanet.com

Mine Safety Appliances Company - Customer Service P.O. Box 426 .Pittsburgh, Penn., 15230 412-967-3000 or 877-MSA-3473