Lifebuoy Safety Alert Notice
15 January 2010
There are various circulars being emailed regarding possible safety concerns on Lifebuoys. This stems from a problem with the Altura Lifebuoy. Cosalt in the UK have never bought or sold this product and there is no connection between Altura and Perrybuoys.
The information provided within this safety warning notice relates to Perrybuoys sold by Cosalt for which there are 3 types.
At this point in time we have had no reported problems with Perrybuoys Type 1 & Type 2 manufactured product.
Customer Safety is of paramount importance to us we have had an isolated issue with the Type 3 Lifebuoy but this is yet to be confirmed.
Cosalt Marine UK stocked Type 3 Lifebuoys between these dates September 2002 to March 2006.
Download the full version of this alert for details and photography to assist with the identification of the product.
If you have or find a Type 3 lifebuoy please make a simple test consisting of the following steps:
1. Check the total weight of the lifebuoy. Suspend the lifebuoy from a scale and check that its total weight is equal or more than required for its intended use, ≥2.5 either ≥4kgs (the weight is also indicated on the label of the lifebuoy).
2. To determine if the foam is intact you may be able to able to feel a gap by pressing the outer shell with your hand.
3. Do not remove the reflective tape.
4. Put the lifebuoy into water and suspend it with a total weight load of 14.5 Kg of iron for 24 Hours. The lifebuoy should remain floating after that period of time.
In the case of a lifebuoy failing the above test the lifebuoy will have to be removed from the safety equipment of the ship.
What you should do if you find a fault after conducting the test
Send an e-mail to sales@cosalt.com confirming you have a problem. We will then make contact with you and arrange the return of the lifebuoy to one of our offices for confirmation of the fault and return to the manufacturer. If the product is found to be faulty a replacement will be supplied once all the necessary examinations and tests have been completed by the manufacturer and we have received confirmation from them.
It is important to note that if on the lifebuoy there is a void and a lack of foam this does not necessarily mean that the lifebuoy is faulty or it's buoyancy is affected.
Thank you for your patience and understanding
Download full safety alert