Orion has issued another update in the Skyblazer XLT Flares saga. (The previous blog entry can be found by clicking here):

ATTENTION SKYBLAZER XLT OWNERS — SAFETY NOTICE UPDATE
PRODUCT QUARANTINE LIFTED

Orion Safety Products, manufacturer of the Skyblazer hand-launched red aerial flare (“Skyblazer”), previously received a report from the field indicating the safety sleeve on the Skyblazer may become detached from the launch tube body during ignition (see diagram below for visual depiction of parts). A Safety Notice and Product Quarantine relative to the Skyblazer signal was issued on September 26, 2008 (the “Safety Notice”) until investigation and testing of the product could be completed. Based on test information supplied to the USCG by Orion and an independent USCG approved lab, it has been determined that product in stock and in the field can be sold and used. The USCG product status designation of the Skyblazer product has been reissued as a “May Use” classification.

Since issuing the Safety Notice, Orion has tested hundreds of Skyblazer signals from a variety of manufacturing lots and determined the product functions as intended without injury to the user if the product is held properly in accordance with the use instructions on the product. Specifically, the user must hold the Launch Tube Body (not the Safety Sleeve alone) tightly in the upper hand during launch.

Anyone with product on their boat should read the revised instructions set forth below and print a copy to store with their signals. Orion will supply new labels to any customer who contacts Orion customer service at: mcustomerservice@orionsignals.com

(D.R.: It would have been lots better if Orion had provided an easy to print and readable document, instead of a fuzzy image file…)

Additionally, Orion will make every effort to sticker product in the field with new use instructions and a label notifying customers about the change. Orion will also be working with retailers and dealers to post notices at checkout and supplying new use instruction labels which can be affixed to existing product.

More information and current status can be found on the Orion Safety Products web site.