Originally issued October 27, 1987 Revised June 14, 2006
Release # 87-066
CPSC Warns of Potential For Carbon
Monoxide Poisoning Involving Blueray
"BLUE FLAME" Furnaces And Boilers
WASHINGTON, DC -- In voluntary cooperation with the U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission, Blueray Systems, Inc., of
Schuylkill Haven, Pennsylvania, has initiated a program to alert oil
heat service technicians, oil heat distributors and home owners of
the importance of strict service and maintenance of the Blueray "blue
flame" furnace or boiler. A total of nearly 21,000 of such furnaces
and 14,500 boilers were produced between 1974 and 1983.
According to the Commission, since 1979 there have been seven
deaths from carbon monoxide poisonings that have been linked to
improper maintenance or servicing of the Blueray "blue flame"
furnaces or boilers.
The firm is working through oil heat distributors and
organizations servicing these distributors, to notify all persons
living in homes where these furnaces have been installed, Consumers
are being reminded that annual maintenance of the equipment is
necessary for safety and efficiency. The need for this specialized
maintenance is due to the design of the equipment for high-efficiency
heating which requires annual servicing. Each household is also
being supplied with a label to permanently attach to the
furnace/boiler which alerts the home owner and the servicer of the
necessity for strict adherence to all service and maintenance
procedures prescribed by the firm.
Consumers can determine if their furnace/boiler is one involved
in this alert program by looking for a blue and white label on the
equipment which reads "BLUERAY by Blueray Systems, Inc." The model
number, BR 60/75, appears on a white label. Consumers having these
furnaces should immediately contact Blueray Systems, Inc., to receive
their free safety label, as well as copies of publications which
describe the proper procedures for maintenance and service. Blueray
can be reached by calling collect on (610) 789-6224 or by writing to:
Blueray Systems, Inc., 8301 Lansdowne Avenue, Upper Darby, Pa 19082.
To report unsafe consumer products or to receive safety
information, call the CPSC toll-free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC.
A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is 800-638-8270.