Loading...
Loading...
Electronic device and appliance recalls including batteries, chargers, heaters, and kitchen appliances. Fire and shock hazard alerts.
Remote Control Switch Recalled by Bandwagon NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Media Relations April 16, 1996 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-103 CPSC, BANDWAGON INC. ANNOUNCE REMOTE CONTROL SWITCH RECALL WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bandwagon Inc. of Wilmington, Mass., is recalling about 25,450 remote control, hand-operated switches used to turn on and off electrical appliances, such as lights, televisions, radios, fans, and Christmas tree lights. To operate this switch, an appliance is plugged into the plug of the remote switch, which is plugged into the wall outlet. From a remote location, a consumer can operate an appliance with the remote control switch, which functions as a kind of on/off extension cord. If the switch's cover detaches exposing electrical wires, consumers can receive an electrical burn, a shock, or possibly an electrocution. Bandwagon is aware of a woman who received an electrical shock while operating a bedroom fan. The shock resulted in burn injuries to her right shoulder area, right forearm and biceps, left thumb, left forefinger, and to her left middle finger which was subsequently removed. The remote control switch is a white, rounded ceramic disc with a flat plastic base, measuring about one inch high and two inches in diameter. A black plastic button in the center of the disc turns the switch on and off. A 12-foot white cord runs from the disc to the end of a two-sided plug. One side accepts a plug from an appliance, and the other side plugs into an outlet. Mail-order catalogs sold the remote control hand operated switches in the United States and Canada between December 1993 and 1996 for about $9. The switch is packaged in a white cardboard box labeled in part, "Item No. E8810 ... Made in Taiwan." Consumers should stop using the recalled remote control switch immediately and call Bandwagon at (888) 814-3600 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. eastern time to arrange for free delivery of a replacement switch.
TW In-Wall Heater Recalled by Square D NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Phone number change. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Media Relations Originally issued April 15, 1996, Revised June 26, 2006 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-102 CPSC and Square D Announce "TW" In-Wall Heater Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Square D Company of Palatine, Ill., is announcing a voluntary recall of approximately 80,000 electric in-wall heaters. A rubber grommet, which holds the heater's fan in place, may deteriorate over time, causing the fan to stop blowing. If this occurs, the heater coils can overheat to cause burning or scorching of the wall or nearby house furnishings. Square D Company has received about 50 complaints or claims of in-wall heaters overheating, including fourteen claims of property damage. The involvement of the in-wall heaters in the reported incidents has not been confirmed. This recall involves electric in-wall "TW" heaters sold between 1970 and 1986 with brand names Square D and Nelco Corporation. Model numbers include TW 2422, TW 2022, and TW 1222; Series A or B. To identify the heaters, consumers must remove the grill of their in-wall heater and look for the identification label located on the left side of the heater just below the blower wheel. To prevent the potential for fire or injury, consumers should immediately turn off the power to the affected heaters and stop using them until they are replaced. Square D no longer sells these heaters. A major heater manufacturer has agreed to provide replacement heaters for a discount of 50 percent off the retail list price to consumers who own recalled Square D heaters. To obtain a discount on the purchase of a new, similar heater, consumers must remove the model identification labels from recalled heaters and turn in the labels at the time of purchase. Owners can obtain a discount on any purchase of the same number of heaters of equal or less physical size and wattage. For further information and to identify the nearest participating replacement distributor, consumers should call (877) 202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. This is the second voluntary recall announced in a week by CPSC and Square D. The earlier program was on 920,000 Square D and Nelco Corporation brand baseboard heaters sold between 1970 and 1986. For more information on the prior recall, consumers should call (877) 202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday..
Baseboard Heater Recalled by Square D NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Phone number change. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Media Relations Originally issued April 11, 1996, Revised June 26, 2006 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-098 CPSC and Square D Announce Baseboard Heater Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Square D Company of Palatine, Ill., announces a voluntary recall of approximately 920,000 electric baseboard heaters. The insulation of a wire running along the inside of the heater may deteriorate over time, causing sparking, which may lead to a potential fire hazard. In addition, if the heaters are not properly grounded, a potential shock hazard exists when the uninsulated wire contacts the metal heater enclosure. Square D Company has received at least 100 complaints or claims of baseboard heaters overheating. Ninety incidents of property damage, three deaths, and five injuries were among incidents alleged. The involvement of the baseboard heaters in the reported incidents has not been confirmed. This voluntary recall program affects baseboard heaters sold between 1970 and 1986 with brand names Square D and Nelco Corporation. Model numbers begin with 18, 25, or 30, followed by four numbers ending in series A or B (for example 25242-4 SER A). These tan colored baseboard heaters are permanently installed units measuring two feet (500 watt) to ten feet (2500 watt) in length. The brown and white Square D and Nelco Corporation identification label, which includes both model number and UL listing number, is located on the bottom left side of the heater just below the heating element. To prevent a potential fire or electric shock, all of the heaters subject to this recall should be replaced. Consumers who own the baseboard heaters should check for discoloration on the heater cover. If the cover is discolored, consumers should immediately turn off the power to the heaters and stop using them until they are replaced. Square D no longer sells these heaters. A major manufacturer of electric baseboard heaters has agreed to provide replacement heaters for a discount of 50 percent off the retail list price to consumers who own recalled Square D heaters. To obtain a discount on the purchase of a new, similar heater, consumers must remove the Square D or Nelco Corporation identification label from the recalled heaters and present the label at the time of purchase. Consumers may receive the discount on the purchase of the same number of heaters of equal or lesser size and wattage. For further information and to identify the nearest participating replacement distributor, call (877) 202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday thrpough Friday.
March 26, 1996 Release # 96-086 WASHINGTON, D.C. -In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), National Media Corporation, of Philadelphia, Pa., announced an inspection and parts replacement program for 77,000 JUICE TIGER electric juicers. The plastic cover and wire mesh grater/filter basket may crack or shatter if the basket is not placed in the juicer properly, possibly injuring people nearby. CPSC and National Media Corporation are aware of 14 incidents resulting in at least eight lacerations to the hands, face, arms, and chest and one permanent eye injury.The consumer safety program involves JUICE TIGER juicers with model numbers 204-SP and JE-1000 marked on the underside of the base. These juicers were sold directly through television infomercials from November 1991 through October 1993 at prices ranging from $100 to $150. The white plastic juicers are clearly marked with the JUICE TIGER logo, which is prominently displayed on the unit. The consumer safety program does not apply to JUICE TIGER model 160 or those with "Made in France" on the underside of the base or JUICE TIGER juicers sold in retail stores and other nontelevision channels of distribution. National Media sold a total of approximately 600,000 JUICE TIGER juicers between November 1991 and October 1993.Consumers should immediately check their unit for damaged parts. If cracks, scratches, or other signs of wear are present, consumers should stop using the juicer and discard or destroy it. The firm cannot be contacted and no further remedy is available
March 25, 1996 Release # 96-085 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Bill's Dollar Stores of Jackson, Miss., is recalling approximately 12,000 hand-held hair dryers that do not contain an immersion protection plug, which can prevent electrocution if the dryers are dropped in water.Each year, between 15 and 20 people are electrocuted by hand-held hair dryers. Most of these deaths occurred when a hair dryer was immersed in water while the victim was bathing. About half of the electrocutions involved children under ten years old.The current voluntary industry standard, which has been in effect since January 1, 1991, requires hand-held hair dryers to provide full immersion protection when in either the "on" or "off" position. The recalled dryers do not have this protection.Bill's Dollar Stores sold the hand-held hair dryers throughout the southern United States between May 1995 and February 1996 for $5 each. The hair dryers were labeled either "International Professional Styler" or "Acesonic Professional Styler." Consumers who own the hair dryers should stop using them and return the dryers to any Bill's Dollar Store for an exchange or refund.When buying a hair dryer, consumers should look for a large, rectangular-shaped plug at the end of the cord. The certification mark of a recognized testing laboratory should also be visible on the hair dryer or on the hair dryer's packaging. However, even with this improved protection, under no circumstances should consumers use a hair dryer where it could come in contact with water. Electricity and water are a potentially deadly combination
February 15, 1996 Release # 96-069 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Berko Electric of Peru, Ind., is announcing the voluntary repair or replacement of approximately 1.5 million baseboard heaters. Wires inside the heaters may deteriorate, allowing electrical currents to flow to the utside steel air deflector cover. Arcing, or sparking, may occur, burning holes in the cover. As a result, a potential fire hazard exists. In addition, if the heaters are not properly grounded, an electrical shock could exist.Berko, a division of Marley Electric Heating, has received some 200 complaints of deteriorated wires and burned heater covers. To date, only minor property damage has been reported.This repair program affects only Berko heaters sold between January 1980 and March 1987 with model numbers that begin with "MBB," followed by four numbers, and ending in "M" (for example, "MBB2-524-M"). The tan-colored baseboard heaters are permanently installed units measuring two feet (500 watt) to ten feet (2500 watt) in length. The silver Berko identification label, which includes the model number, is located inside the heater on the right side, just below the steel air deflector. The black date code is printed directly on the heater, just to the right of the identifying label (for example, "FEB 22 85")To prevent a fire or electric shock, all of the potentially defective heaters should be repaired or replaced. Consumers who own Berko MBB...M series baseboard heaters should check for discoloration on the steel air deflector cover of the heater. If the cover is discolored, heaters should be disconnected immediately until repaired. Berko will either provide new wire to repair the heaters or provide a substantial discount towards the purchase of new heaters, depending on consumers' preference.Berko will provide free replacement crossover wire rated at 125 degrees centigrade rather than the 105 degree centigrade temperature of the original crossover wire. Detailed instructions for changing the wire will also be provided. Only a qualified electrician should perform the heater repairs. Owners or service providers who want to receive new crossover wires should contact Berko either through their local participating Berko distributor or by calling Berko's customer service center at (800) 545-8306.Owners who choose to replace their heaters can purchase a new model Berko baseboard heater at 60 percent off the retail list price. Consumers who choose this option must remove the silver Berko identification label from the MBB...M series baseboard heater and turn it in at the time of purchase of the equivalent new heater. Owners will obtain a discount on any purchase of the same number of heaters of equal or less physical size and wattage. Owners or service providers who want to purchase new heaters should also contact either their local participating Berko distributor or call (800) 545-8306
February 15, 1996 Release # 96-070 WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), White-Rodgers, a division of Emerson Electric Co., St. Louis, Mo., is replacing certain White-Rodgers Model 37 and 37C natural gas water heater temperature controls manufactured between March 1994 and October 1994. Soot can build up on the water heater burner, presenting a fire hazard. Approximately 1.6 million valves were manufactured during this period.White-Rodgers has received 32 reports of such sooting. Twenty-three of these reports alleged charring or fire, but there have been no injuries.The temperature controls resemble a small metal box located above the access panel door of the natural gas water heater. A white label located on the right side of the box contains the model number, which begins with the number "37." Retail distributors and independent servicers have installed the controls since April 1994. Consumers should check their water heaters for signs of malfunction. Signs that the heater should be inspected include: discoloration or black soot on the lower outside surface on the front, sides or back of water heater; a pilot flame that keeps extinguishing; or an unusual burning odor around the water heater.Consumers who own water heaters with these signs should use a mirror to identify the date code located in the upper left corner on the back of the metal box. Consumers who own controls with dates code 9412 to 9440 (12th week of 1994 to 40th week of 1994) should call White-Rodgers at (800) 426-3503 to arrange for a qualified service technician to inspect and, if necessary, replace the control free of charge.Warning!: DO NOT attempt to replace the gas water heater temperature control or service the water heater if you are not specifically trained to do this. Natural gas may leak from the control, and if ignited, could catch fire. CPSC and White Rodgers remind consumers to always keep the area immediately surrounding gas water heaters free of combustible materials
January 2, 1996 Release # 96-058 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Atlas Electric Corporation of Burlington, N.C., is voluntarily recalling approximately 15,600 portable halogen indoor/outdoor work lights, models CLP150, PQ150WS, PQ500WS, ST500 and TST500. Water may leak into the lights, component temperatures may exceed set limits, or the junction box may break away from the main bulb housing to expose live wires. Models ST500 and TST 500 may also tip over easily. As a result these work lights may pose a serious shock, burn or fire hazard.The models subject to this recall were sold in white boxes and were printed in part with the Atlas address, Atlas logo, and model number, and "Made in China." Model ST500, sold since February 1995, is a single work light mounted on a tripod. Model TST500, sold since June 1995, consists of two work lights mounted on a tripod. Model CLP150, sold since July 1995, is a clip-on work light. Models PQ150WS and PQ500WS, sold since February 1995, consists of a light mounted on a small frame with a handle on top. All of the lights involved in this recall are black and yellow. Electrical distributors and retailers sold these work lights nationwide for approximately $11.95 to $35.95 for the light mounted on a tripod.Atlas Electric Corporation has received no reports of injury associated with the use of these products.Consumers should stop using these portable halogen work lights immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call Atlas Electric's Operations Manager at (800) 849-8485
Cellular Phone Charger Recalled by Mascot Electronic A.S. NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CPSC Media Contact: December 18, 1995 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-043 CPSC, Mascot Electronic A.S. Announce Cellular Phone Charger Recall WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Mascot Electronic AS of Fredrikstad, Norway is recalling 65,800 ACH-4U cellular phone chargers used with Nokia cellular phones. Nokia has received reports that the charger's plastic cover may crack, and as a result the plug prongs located on the back of the charger may become loose. If the prongs loosen and break off of the charger while it is plugged in, the prongs can become lodged in electrical outlets. Consumers could receive an electrical shock if they try to remove the separated prongs from outlets. The rectangular, black, plastic chargers measure approximately 3 inches long, 2.5 inches wide, and 1 inch tall and have grooves on the side. The words, "Made in Norway," the model number, and date code appear on the label affixed to the charger. This recall only applies to ACH-4U chargers with date codes 9531 through 9546. The chargers were sold nationwide from July, 1995 to November, 1995 under the brand names Nokia and AT&T. Various cellular phone dealers sold the chargers as part of the basic sales package or separately as accessories. Mascot Electronic AS of Norway manufactured the chargers for Nokia. Consumers who own a model ACH-4U charger should stop using it immediately and call Nokia at (800) 204-2567. Nokia will help consumers identify whether their chargers are part of this recall, and if they are, how to receive a free replacement charger. Nokia is not aware of any injuries involving this product. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
November 29, 1995 Release # 96-031 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, RMC International, Ltd. of Denver, Colo., is offering free replacement wick holders to owners of its model CT-1200 kerosene heaters. The original wick holders may fail during use, preventing the shutoff switch and tip-over safety mechanism from extinguishing the heater.The tan metal heaters measure 18" by 21" by 11". The brand name and the model number CT-1200 appear on an identification plate on the front of the heater.RMC CT-1200 kerosene heaters were sold through mass merchandizers and smaller retailers nationwide from June to November 1994 for approximately $110 under the brand names Dyna-Glo, Envirotemp and Keroheat.Consumers should contact RMC at (800) 433-6042 to receive a free replacement wick holder.Neither CPSC nor RMC has received any reports of accidents or incidents involving these heaters.Media inquiries should be directed to Mike Resmo at (800) 433-6042
November 9, 1995 Release # 96-013 WASHINGTON, D.C.- CPSC, GrandeTel Technologies, Inc. of Richmond, B.C. Canada, (formerly known as MTC Electronic Technologies Co., Ltd.) is announcing a program to repair 45,000 television sets bearing the name "MTC." A resistor on the TV's main component board may overheat, resulting in a potential fire hazard.GrandeTel Technologies is aware of one recent incident in the United States in which the resistor overheated and created a fire. CPSC and GrandeTel Technologies are not aware of any injuries involving these television sets.The 13-inch color televisions have the brand name "MTC" on the lower left front cabinet. They were sold nationwide for up to $150 at small retailers and large merchandisers since November 1992. The repair recall program involves televisions with the following model and serial numbers located on the rear cabinet: MTV1428R (serial number beginning with "92"), MTV1428RF (serial number beginning with "93"), MTV1429RF (serial number beginning with "93"), MTV1428CC (serial number beginning with "93" and serial number 9403 212 00001 - 9410 212 20160), and MTV1429CC (serial number beginning with "93" and serial number 9405 113 00001 - 9408 213 01680).Consumers who own the recalled television sets should immediately stop using them and call GrandeTel Technologies' service center, Service Concept International (SCI), at (714) 836-4981 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. Pacific Time, Monday through Friday. SCI will help consumers determine whether their television set is part of this recall and will arrange to repair the unit at no cost to the consumer
November 9, 1995 Release # 96-014 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC and seven importers announced today the voluntary recall of approximately 28,000 electric hand-held hair dryers that do not contain an immersion protection plug, which can prevent electrocution if the dryers are dropped in water.Each year, between 15 and 20 people are electrocuted by hand-held hair dryers. Most of these deaths occurred when a hair dryer was immersed in water while the victim was bathing. About half of the electrocutions involved children under ten years old.The current voluntary industry standard requires hand-held hair dryers to provide full immersion protection when in either the "on" or "off" position. The recalled dryers do not have this protection.The following importers of electric hand-held hair dryers are participating in this voluntary recall: IMPORTER QUANTITIES/DATES SOLD Dubl Duck/Jet Set, Inc.Valley Cottage, NYBlack Jet Model 1700(914) 268-4245 2759 units distributedfrom 7/94 to 7/95 PandK Trading, Inc.Long Island City, NYNational Model EH-788(718) 784-0730/TD 5420 units distributedfrom 1990 to 12/94 Mercantile Wholesale, Inc.New York, NYTurbo Model 1000(212) 695-4114 276 units distributedfrom 8/94 to 6/95 JandD Beauty Products, Inc.Hauppauge, NY#1707 Micro Pro 1200#1708 Mini Pro 1500#1709 Pik Pro 1600(800) 523-2889 4650 units distributedfrom 8/1/94 to 2/95 Chandur HassoNew York, NYPro 1600 model(212) 268-6265 6000 units distributedfrom 4/94 to 2/95 PanwiraNew York, NYHD-200 and HD-2000 models(212) 889-3150 7536 units distributedfrom 9/94 to 9/95 AAA ElectronicsNew York, NYModel HD-868(212) 643-6686 600 units distributedfrom 10/94 to 9/95 These electric hand-held hair dryers were sold at various retail stores and beauty supply outlets. Consumers who own the brands of hair dryers listed above should call the company to receive a replacement dryer or to arrange a repair
November 6, 1995 Release # 96-012 WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Porter-Cable Corporation of Jackson, Tenn. is announcing a recall to inspect and replace approximately 1,500 power tools. The electrical cord may not have been properly crimped inside the plug, and as a result, users could be shocked by exposed wires on the cordset plug.The Porter-Cable tools identified with the potential problem are as follows: MODEL # DESCRIPTION SERIAL NO. RANGE #9737 Tiger Saw 24049 to 27983 #9444/444 Profile Sander 37515 to 40151 #7499 Cutout Tool 20503 to 20754 #345 Circular Saw 172580 to 173973 #556 Plate Joiner 227431 to 227768 and227819 to 228381 #7549 Jig Saw 127677 to 127750,128263 to 128774, and129310 to 129392 The Porter-Cable tools listed above were sold nationwide during September 1995, through mail order catalogs, home centers, hardware stores, and industrial and construction supply houses. No other Porter-Cable products are involved in this program.Consumers who own one of the Porter-Cable tools with the serial numbers listed above should stop using the tool immediately and call Porter-Cable at (800) 487-8665. A Porter-Cable representative will help consumers determine if their tool is part of this program, and if necessary, will arrange for a free repair or replacement.Porter-Cable has received no reports of personal injury or property damage. The company is initiating this program to prevent the possibility of injury
October 27, 1995 Release # 96-010 Clarification: Please note revised model number "KX-P6500" WASHINGTON, D.C. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Matsushita Electric Corporation of America of Secaucus, N.J., is announcing a voluntary program to inspect approximately 3,000 Panasonic brand laser printers that may have been incorrectly assembled and, if not properly grounded, may pose an electrical shock hazard. Model KX-P6100 and KX-P6500 laser printers were sold nationwide from April through October 1995 for between $400 and $500. Model numbers appear on the front of the printer to the left of the on/off indicator lights. Owners of Panasonic KX-P6100 or KX-P6500 model printers should call (800) 328-6394 to schedule a free inspection by trained service personnel. If the printer is defective, Panasonic will arrange to have the printer replaced, at no charge to the consumer, with a printer that has been fully examined to meet specifications. Panasonic will also give consumers who have their printers inspected a free toner cartridge.Printers that have passed inspection and do not have this defect have a colored dot on the underside of the printer and on the box in which they are packed. Panasonic, which reported this matter to the CPSC, has not received any reports of complaints or incidents related to this potential defect in the printer. No other Panasonic printer models or other products are involved in this recall. The company has implemented this program as part of its commitment to customer safety and product quality.Media inquiries of Panasonic can be directed to Justin Camerlengo at (201) 392-4437
October 17, 1995 Release # 96-009 WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Winner Products, Inc. of Santa Ana, Calif., is recalling approximately 3,200 Emergency Lite 3-in-1 automatic night-lights, model number 334N. The unit can break away from the back cover while it is still plugged in, exposing live conductors, which could seriously or fatally shock consumers.The white plastic nightlight measures 5.5 inches high by 3.25 inches wide. The front of the light is an opaque half-cylinder with the words "EMERGENCY LITE 3-IN-1 ... HomeSafe" at the bottom. There is an on/off/auto switch on the side of the light. The light can be plugged into an outlet or used as a hand-held flashlight. The light has a rechargeable battery and automatically turns itself on at dusk and off at dawn.The lights were sold for between $10 and $15 through home supply stores such as Fedco and Home Depot. The lights were sold nationwide from January through May 5, 1995.Winner Products, Inc. is aware of one complaint regarding this night-light. CPSC and Winner Products, Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving this product.Consumers who purchased the Emergency Lite 3-in-1 should stop using it immediately and call (800) 669-0415. Winner Products, Inc., will send consumers packaging with postage pre-paid to ship the product back to the company. Winner Products, Inc., will replace returned lights free of charge
October 4, 1995 Release # 95-176 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, the Reca Division of the Cavagna Group of Italy is announcing the recall of 31,000 Gaslow brand LP Gas Monitor Gauges. Some of these gauges may leak highly flammable propane gas that could ignite or explode.CPSC is aware of 5 incidents of gas leaks catching fire. Two of these fires resulted in burn injuries.The gauges, model number GS-1 and item number 13742, are intended for use on portable liquid propane tanks used for gas grills, recreational vehicles, and boats. The valve acts as both a refill indicator and a leak detector when properly attached to liquid petroleum gas tanks. The L-shaped gauges have a 3.3-inch copper-colored base that can be screwed into gas tanks, and a black dial with a black, green and yellow face. The gauges were sold nationwide through home supply and home improvement stores during July and August 1994 for between $20 and $25. They were packaged in clear plastic with a black label that reads in part, "GASLOW LP GAS MONITOR GAUGE ... with Refill Indicator Built-in Leak Detector ... Model No. GS - 1 Item No. 13742."Warning: Liquid petroleum is highly flammable. Consumers should be certain that the gas valve on their propane tank is turned off before disconnecting the regulator. Consumers who have concerns about disconnecting their regulators should contact Reca.Consumers who own gauges with date codes "03/94" or "04/94" stamped on the square end of the gauge should call Reca at 866-422-8246 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CDT for a free replacement gauge
September 25, 1995 Release # 95-173 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Ryobi Outdoor Products Inc. (ROP) of Chandler, Ariz., is voluntarily recalling for repair 20,000 battery-powered and corded lawn mowers. The mower's starter button may stick in the 'on' position, and as a result, consumers could be injured by the moving mower blade. ROP has received nine reports of finger laceration injuries that occurred when the starter button was stuck in the on position.The walk-behind lawn mowers are gray and have a black data plate, which includes the serial number, on the rear of the mower. This recall includes Ryobi Mulchinator Models BMM2400 and CMM1200 with a ten-digit serial number with the last four digits ranging from 9240 through 9352. The lawnmowers were sold nationwide in home and garden centers and hardware stores from January 1993 through 1994 for $350 to $400 each. Consumers owning the recalled mowers, or those who are unsure if their mower is covered by the recall, should call (800) 345-8746 between 9am-7pm EST Monday through Friday for information on where to take the mower for repair free of charge. Consumers should always follow instructions in the owners manual and remove the ignition key/circuit breaker or extension cord when the mower is not in use. Under no circumstances should hands or feet be placed under or near the mowing deck when the ignition key or extension cord is plugged in
September 22, 1995 Release # 95-171 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, the IBM Personal Computer Company of Somers, N.Y. is announcing a program to repair 56,000 color computer monitors. Some of the monitors may have been incorrectly assembled and, if not properly grounded, may pose a shock hazard.The 17-inch color computer monitors have a 15.4-inch viewable image size. They have been sold directly by IBM, and by authorized IBM resellers for approximately $1000 - $3000 since September 28, 1993. The involved monitors have model numbers 9527-001, 9527-011, 9527-T01, 9527-T21, 9527-005 and 9527-015 located inside the front pull-down panel, or on the information label on the rear of the monitor.IBM, which reported this matter to the CPSC, has not received any reports of electrical shock. Owners of IBM 9527 series color monitors in the United States should call IBM at (800)426-7378 to schedule a no-charge repair. No other IBM monitors or equipment are involved in this action.Media inquiries to IBM can be directed to Keith Lindenburg at 914-697-9711
September 21, 1995 Release # 95-170 WASHINGTON, D.C.- CPSC, is announcing the recall of certain Turner model LP-2440 propane gas radiant heaters. The company is offering a $250 reward for the return of the defective heaters. Carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a defective burner element in the heaters may be responsible for killing 6 people since 1963.Carbon monoxide (CO) is a colorless, odorless gas that is produced by incomplete combustion. CO poisoning can cause nausea, dizziness, drowsiness, vomiting, and in extreme cases, death. About 20,000 Turner model LP-2440 propane gas radiant heaters were sold for about $30 to $35 nationwide from 1963 to early 1964. About 3,700 heaters may still be in use. The heaters are often resold in yard sales and second-hand stores.The heaters have a green metal cabinet that is approximately 8 inches wide, 13 inches high, and 3 inches deep with room inside for two 14.1-oz. propane gas cylinders. The model number LP-2440 appears on the front of the heater along with the words, "PORTABLE radiant heater, TURNER CORPORATION".Consumers should stop using the heater. A remedy is no longer available as the location of the firm is unknown
August 29, 1995 Release # 95-159 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Wayne Industries Inc. of Clanton, Ala., is voluntarily recalling over 40,000 portable electric advertising signs. The signs lack ground fault circuit interrupters (GFCIs) and could expose consumers to electric shock or electrocution.CPSC is aware of one fatality in which a consumer was electrocuted after touching a sign which had been altered. A second consumer has claimed injuries after being shocked by the same sign.The white signs measuring 40 inches by eight feet have a black metal frame. The signs are illuminated from inside and have a large, black arrow with yellow lights across the top. Letters can be attached to both sides of the sign. A label on the side of the sign identifies the manufacturer as Wayne Industries. The signs were sold nationwide from January 1982 to January 1995 for about $300 in warehouse clubs and various other retailers such as Sam's Warehouse Club, Warehouse Depot, and BJ's Wholesale. Consumers who own a sign manufactured by Wayne Industries should disconnect it immediately and inspect their signs for two buttons marked "T" and "R" located underneath the small cover near the tip of the arrow. The recalled signs do not have these buttons and lack ground fault protection. Consumers should call Wayne Industries at (800) 239-9990 to obtain an attachable ground fault circuit interrupter. This recall applies only to 40 inch by 8 foot portable electric advertising signs that lack GFCI protection. Signs with an Underwriters Laboratories (UL) Label have GFCI protection and are not part of this recall.CPSC recommends that all outdoor portable electric signs have GFCI protection. CPSC encourages consumers to inspect their signs for adequate ground fault protection