The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) published a product safety report on 12 February 2024 for the Kidde CO2 Klem Valve, a component of a CO2 fire suppression system, covering affected batches made between 01/2022 and 05/20231. The report was notified by the Health and Safety Executive and carries case number 2310-00891.
The hazard is set out in the report: the end cap "could accidently detach from the valve body on a Co2 cylinder assembly", which "can result in the unintended discharge of Co2 gas and the high velocity ejection of components of the valve"1. The OPSS states that "the product presents a serious risk of injuries as the valve could detach and cause the discharge of CO2 gas and high velocity ejection of components of the valve"1. The product is listed as pressure equipment or vessels, a CO2 Klem Valve end cap, brand Kidde, with China given as the country of origin1.
Corrective action has been taken on two fronts. The report states that "affected units were identified and stock withdrawn from the market", and that "a safety notice has been issued to affected customers in the UK"1. The measures are listed as warning consumers of the risks and withdrawal of the product from the market1. The manufacturer has also developed a safety guard, described as fitting "over the top of the valve which should stop the ejection of any parts if a valve failed, along with instructions on how to install the guard safely"1. The report adds that the manufacturer will issue further communications as required1.
"Affected units were identified and stock withdrawn from the market. A safety notice has been issued to affected customers in the UK. The manufacturer has developed a safety guard that can be fitted over the top of the valve."
| Item | Detail |
|---|---|
| Product | Kidde CO2 Klem Valve (end cap) |
| Affected batches | 01/2022 to 05/2023 |
| Hazard | End cap may detach; CO2 discharge and high velocity ejection of valve components |
| Risk level | Serious |
| Measures | Warning consumers of the risks; withdrawal from the market |
| Corrective action | Stock withdrawn; safety notice to affected UK customers; retrofit safety guard with installation instructions |
| Notified by | Health and Safety Executive |
| Report date | 12 February 2024 |
Why it matters for households
The valve forms part of a CO2 fire suppression system, a fixed installation rather than a portable extinguisher, so the households directly affected are those with such a system on their premises, along with the buildings in which they live. The report does not state how many units are affected in the UK, and no figure has been reported1. The OPSS records that a safety notice was issued to affected customers in the UK setting out the risk and advisory control measures, and that a safety guard is available to fit over the top of the valve, with instructions for safe installation1. The report does not give a date by which guards must be fitted, and no such deadline has been reported1. The report does not name a contact route for householders; it states only that the manufacturer will issue further communications as required1.
What happens next
The OPSS report is dated 12 February 2024 and records the withdrawal and the customer notice as completed actions1. Further communications from the manufacturer are stated as forthcoming, without a date1. No closing date for the case has been reported1.
Households planning for fire and other home emergencies can find general guidance in the home emergencies hub.
