Safety Alerts

Safe Alert on Polycom Projector, Viewgraph

An aerospace company published the following narratives:

Title: Projector, Viewgraph, Lamp Explosions

Manufacturer and Address:
Polycom
1565 Barber Lane
Milpitas, CA 95035

Manufacturer's Point of Contact: Sam Blanco (408) 474-2751
Problem Description:
ShowStation lamps have failed explosively and present a danger of injury to nearby personnel. Recently, a lamp failed at [an aerospace company] and ejected hot glass (molten and shards up to 950 deg C.) from the air exhaust vent on the left side of the system (facing the projected screen image). Three other lamps, of the twelve machines, have also failed explosively. The lamp manufacturer, OSRAM, warns that the lamp can fail in this manner and that it must be used only in equipment which can reliably prevent hot lamp particles from being expelled.
Action Taken/Planned:
We are following up with Polycom to understand the problem and have their engineering folks help define a solution to preclude ejection of glass particles. We are looking into the best solution to this safety concern, but in the interim the following is recommended:
1) If use of the machine in your care is required, preclude meeting attendees or machine users from being located on the left side of the machine (facing the projected image screen)
2) Post a temporary placard on the left side of the machine with the following or similar wording, "Warning: Bulb Explosion Hazard"
"Avoid Sitting or Standing in front of ShowStation Air Vent Bulb breakage may eject glass particles"
3) Open the lamp cage and inspect the lamp without touching it. If the central bulb area appears discolored (whitish), replace the lamp. Observe the precautions that come with the lamp and avoid touching the glass with fingers. This is a known cause of excess stress in the glass envelope and touching should be avoided with all high intensity lamps. Lamps appear to be more susceptible as they age and become dimmer, but at least one lamp exploded with approximately 100 hours of its projected 300 hour life consumed.

Take the above actions regardless of the length of service. We are planning to provide a more permanent placard to attach to themachines, depending on discussions with Polycom.

Recent Recalls

In addition, the Center receives information from the Government/Industry Data Exchange Program (GIDEP) concerning product recalls. In an effort to keep employees informed of recalls that may affect you at work and at home, Code 300 has created a GSFC Safe Alerts web site. Alerts are entered as they are received in the Systems Safety and Reliability Office. Employees may read about the below listing and other important recall alerts at the following web-site address: http://ssro.gsfc.nasa.gov/Safety_Alerts/safealert.html

08/15/02 Cavagna North America Inc. Announces Recall of Safety Relief Valves for Large Propane Tanks
08/15/02 Marin Mountain Bikes Announces Recall of Mountain Bikes
08/15/02 Cannondale Corp. Announces Recall of Bicycles with Defective Stems
08/14/02 Carrier Guam Announces Recall of Room Air Conditioners