Krupp Denta-Gel heaters - Health Facilities Scotland

SAFETY ACTION NOTICEBy arrangement with the NHS in Scotland, Management ExecutiveKRUPP DENTA-GEL HEATERS :RISK OF OVERHEATING AND FIRESAN(SC)99/0517 FEB 1999Medical DevicesPage 1 of 2 PagesSUMMARYKrupp Denta-Gel heaters (models DG3, DG8, DG12, DG8K and DG12K) manufactured before 1985do not have an over-temperature cut out and should not be left switched on and unattended forextended periods of time.BACKGROUND1. A number of incidents have occurred in which Krupp Denta-Gel heaters have overheated and onone occasion caught fire. The heater is used for the melting and holding at temperature of dentalduplicating compound and exists in a variety of models: DG3, DG8, DG12, DG8K and DG12K.2. Units manufactured before 1985 are not fitted with an independent over-temperature cut out toprotect against overheating should the control thermostat fail.3. Model DG3 units with serial numbers up to and including 275 are not fitted with a safety device toprevent overheating of the agitator motor. Under normal starting conditions the compound isallowed to melt before the agitator starts. If the electrical mains switch is left in the ‘on’ positionduring a power failure the motor will start immediately on resumption of power. Should thecompound have had time to cool and set, the motor may overheat.4. Denta-Gel heaters were originally manufactured by Krupp Medizintechnik GmbH but the businesshas been taken over by Austenal Limited.ACTION5. This notice should be brought to the attention of all appropriate managers, staff and users.6. Krupp Denta-Gel heaters (models DG3, DG8, DG12, DG8K and DG12K) manufactured before1985 should not be left switched on and unattended for prolonged periods of time, e.g. overnight.Consideration should be given to replacing older units with equipment which complies with currentsafety requirements and has an independent over-temperature cut out.Suggested Distribution Community Dental Officers Dental Hospitals Dental LaboratoriesEstates/Facilities Fire Prevention Officers General Dental Practitioners Risk ManagementSafety OfficersSCOTTISH HEALTHCARE SUPPLIESGyle Square Edinburgh EH12 9EBA Division of the National Service Scotland for NHSScotlandThis notice was obtained from the INCIDENT REPORTING & INVESTIGATION CENTRE (public) websitehttp://www.nhsscotland.com/shs/hazards_safety/adverse_p.htmlFAX: 0131 314 0722 E-MAIL: iric@shs.csa.scot.nhs.ukN:\WORD\HAZ\PUBLIC LIBRARY SAN\1999 SAN\PSAN9905.doc

SAFETY ACTION NOTICEBy arrangement with the NHS in Scotland, Management ExecutiveKRUPP DENTA-GEL HEATERS :RISK OF OVERHEATING AND FIRESAN(SC)99/0517 FEB 1999Medical DevicesPage 2 of 2 Pages7. During a power failure any Krupp model DG3 Denta-Gel heater with serial number up to andincluding 275 should be switched ‘off’ at the electrical mains and all switches moved to the ‘off’position. Following restoration of the mains power supply the normal start up procedure should becarried out. It is recommended that the same procedure is followed for all Krupp Denta-Gel heatersto avoid reliance on the overheat cut out.ENQUIRIESEnquiries to the manufacturer should be addressed to:David PicklesAustenal Limited4 Crystal WayHarrowMiddlesexHA1 2HGTel: 0181 863 9044Fax: 0181 861 3091SCOTTISH HEALTHCARE SUPPLIESGyle Square Edinburgh EH12 9EBA Division of the National Service Scotland for NHSScotlandThis notice was obtained from the INCIDENT REPORTING & INVESTIGATION CENTRE (public) websitehttp://www.nhsscotland.com/shs/hazards_safety/adverse_p.htmlFAX: 0131 314 0722 E-MAIL: iric@shs.csa.scot.nhs.ukN:\WORD\HAZ\PUBLIC LIBRARY SAN\1999 SAN\PSAN9905.doc