CPSC, Trident Announce Recall Of Scuba Diving Tank Valve Caps

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Trident Diving Equipment, of Chatsworth, Calif., is recalling approximately 500 screw-in DIN Tank Valve Caps. If tank pressure is 3000 psi or greater, the valve cap is not properly inserted, and the air valve is on, the valve caps may fracture and pop out of the air tank, causing injury.

Trident is aware of one incident of injury where a valve cap allegedly popped off a tank and struck the consumer in the hand.

The valve cap, Trident Model RP73, is intended for use on SCUBA diving compressed air tanks to prevent sand, dirt or dust from contaminating the area around the valve. The black plastic caps measure 1" in diameter and 1" thick. The hexagon-shaped caps can be tethered to tanks by a string attached to a plastic eyelet in the top of the cap.

The valve caps were sold between January and June 1995 through Trident's catalog and at dive shops nationwide. The caps cost between $2.00 and $4.00 and were packaged in unlabeled plastic bags.

Consumers who own model RP73 caps should call Trident at (800) 234-3483 for a free replacement cap.