Six fires have been reported where the Omega sprinkler system failed to work properly. No fire-related deaths have occurred. Some Omega sprinkler heads have failed certain criteria in tests by Underwriters Laboratories. Other Omega heads worked properly. The Consumer Products Safety Commission has discussed a possible recall of the product, but so far, no action has been taken.
Responses are due late next week.
Bomer also has asked the State General Services Commission to report what state office buildings and state higher education facilities may have installed the sprinkler heads. Facilities with the Omega sprinkler systems should consider adding security personnel and extra fire extinguishers and should test their sprinkler heads to ensure they are functional. Residential and building owners can verify the manufacturer of their sprinkler systems by contacting local fire department officials. Kerry Bell, associate managing engineer at Underwriters Laboratories, said the sprinkler head problems appear to be site-specific, meaning certain facilities might have a problem, while all sprinkler heads in other facilities might work fine. George G. Meyer, Central Sprinkler president, said his company has diligently addressed the Omega sprinkler performance concerns since April 1996.