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All product recalls affecting District of Columbia.
Includes nationwide recalls (tagged “Nationwide”) and recalls with District of Columbia in the distribution area.
Halloween Hand Candle Recalled by C.R. Seasons NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Hannah Simone October 30, 1996 (301) 504-7908 Release # 97-017 CPSC and C.R. Seasons LTD. Announce Halloween Hand Candle Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), C.R. Seasons LTD. of Farmingdale, N.Y., is recalling about 47,100 hand-shaped, five wick Bleeding Hand Halloween candles. The hand-shaped wax candles generate high flames that may present a fire hazard. The Bleeding Hand wax candle is hand shaped with five fingers each having individual wicks. The candle flames may reach 8 inches high as the candles melt down to the palm with the wicks of the five fingers burning together. C.R. Seasons has received no reports of excess flames or injuries associated with the Bleeding Hand Halloween candles. This recall is being conducted to prevent injuries and fires. The hand-shaped Bleeding Hand wax candle is sold in two colors: pink skin-toned with a red band around the bottom of the wrist; and dark green with a red band around the bottom of the wrist. The 7-inch high candle came in a plastic and purple cardboard package labeled with the names "Bleeding Hand Candle" and "C.R. Seasons LTD" on the front and back of the packaging. Small gift and specialty stores and drug stores in New Jersey, New York, and Connecticut and the discount store Caldor sold the Bleeding Hand Candle during Halloween of 1995 and 1996 for about $4. Caldor is cooperating with CPSC and C.R. Seasons in this recall. Consumers should immediately stop using the hand-shaped Bleeding Hand candle and return them to the place of purchase for a refund of the purchase price. For more information consumers should call C.R. Seasons LTD at (800) 425-9889.
Playards Repair by Graco NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: telephone number change FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Originally issued October 30, 1996, Revised July 31, 2002 (301) 504-7908 Release # 97-015 CPSC, Graco Announce Recall To Repair Mesh on Playards WASHINGTON, D.C. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Graco Children's Products Inc. of Elverson, Pa., is announcing a free repair kit for about 133,000 traditional style Graco playards (also known as a playpen). The mesh on playards made between November 1995 and September 1996 may unravel from the seam, resulting in a possible choking or entanglement hazard. Graco has received 9 reports of toddlers unraveling a strand from the mesh and becoming entangled in it or mouthing it. No serious injuries resulted. To protect children from possible injury, Graco is offering a free, easily applied solution that will prevent the mesh strands from unraveling. The recalled playards were sold nationwide in juvenile products and discount stores such as Toys R Us and Walmart for $35 to $55 each. The drop-side style playards have vinyl covered top rails and a vinyl covered pad. A manufacturing date is located on a label on the playard floor under the pad. Recalled playards have manufacturing dates 111395 (November 13, 1995) through 091296 (September 12, 1996). Consumers should call Graco at (800) 345-4109 for a free repair kit and application instructions or write to Customer Affairs, Graco Children's Products Inc., P.O. Box 100, Elverson, PA 19520. Consumers should not use the playard if the netting has started to unravel.
Glowing Gore & Dem Bones Hand Candle Recalled by Russ Berrie NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Hannah Simone October 29, 1996 (301) 504-7908 Release # 97-011 CPSC and Russ Berrie and Company Announce Halloween Hand Candle Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Russ Berrie and Company Inc. of Oakland, N.J., is recalling about 67,600 hand- shaped, five wick Glowing Gore Halloween candles and about 17,600 hand-shaped, five wick Dem Bones Halloween candles. The hand-shaped wax candles generate high flames that may present a fire hazard. The Dem Bones and Glowing Gore wax candles are hand shaped with five fingers each having individual wicks. The candle flames may reach 10 inches high as the candles melt down to the palm with the wicks of the five fingers burning together Russ Berrie and Company has received no reports of excess flames or injuries associated with the Glowing Gore and Dem Bones Halloween candles. This recall is being conducted to prevent injuries and fires. The hand-shaped Glowing Gore wax candle is skin-toned and red colored with candle wicks in each finger. The Dem Bones wax candle is pale green and dark green colored with candle wicks in each finger. Both candles are 7.5 inches high with labels on the plastic wrapping under the hand reading either, "DEM BONES ...DRIPPING OOZE CANDLE," or "GLOWING GORE ...DRIPPING BLOOD CANDLE." Speciality gift stores, drug stores, and some grocery stores sold the candles nationwide (the Glowing Gore wax candle from March 1994 to October 1996 and the Dem Bones candles beginning March 1996) for about $6. Consumers should immediately stop using the hand shaped Glowing Gore and Dem Bones five wick wax candles and return them to the place of purchase for a refund of the purchase price. For more information consumers should call Russ Berrie and Company Inc. at (800) 272-7877.
Upflow Horizontal Oil Furnaces Recalled by The Ducane Company NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: company and telephone number change FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles Originally issued October 29, 1996, Revised October 21, 2002 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-012 CPSC and The Ducane Company Announce Recall of Upflow Horizontal Oil Furnaces WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Ducane Company of Columbia, S.C., is announced a voluntary recall program to repair approximately 2,100 oil furnaces. Heat exchangers in the furnace can crack. The Ducane Company initiated the recall after it found a crack in one of its furnaces. No injuries have been reported. This retrofit involves 150,000- and 200,000-Btu oil furnaces manufactured by Ducane and distributed under the following brand names and model numbers: Brand Model Numbers American Standard AUH150A960A and AUH200A960A Bard FUS150D60A and FUS200D60A Bryant/Day & Night/Payne 363AAN060195 and 363AAN060260 Carrier 58BTA195xxx58BTA10120 and 58BTA260xxx58BTA10120 Ducane UHZA150D34C2 and UHZA200D34C2 Goodman/Janitrol/GMC UH-150(BK, DU) and UH-200(BK,DU) Heil/Tempstar NT005150BKA1 and NT005200BKA1 Inter-City Products ND150A020 and OND200A020 (Arcoaire, Comfortmaker) Lincoln Barriere LBU150 and LBU200 Nordyne (Miller/Intertherm) 01HA-150C20B and 01HA200C20B Quiet Automatic UHZA150D34 and UHZA200D34 York 026-32647-005, 026-32647-006 and 026-32647-015 The model numbers are located on an identification/data plate inside the furnace's front door. Heating and cooling contractors sold the heaters nationwide from April 1994 to August 1996 for about $1,700. Consumers who own recalled furnaces should call their dealers to arrange installation of a free recall upgrade kit. For more information, consumers can call Excell Comfort Systems (which bought the furnace portion of the Ducane Company) at (803) 284-3322.
Lighter Recalled by NBO Group NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles October 29,1996 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-013 CPSC and NBO Group Inc. Announce Lighter Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), NBO Group Inc. of Santa Fe Springs, Calif., is recalling approximately 110,000 refillable novelty and disposable cigarette lighters that do not comply with CPSC safety standards. The lighters, which operate with push-button electronic ignition mechanisms to produce the flame, do not have safety devices that prevent young children from igniting the lighters. CPSC and NBO are not aware of any injuries involving these lighters. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. Most of the lighters are silver-, copper-, or gold-tone metal with relief figures of birds, dragons, crocodiles, or other animals on the casing. Other styles include lighters that resemble revolvers and dragons. The lighters were sold individually or from display trays nationwide from September 1994 to March 1996 for $5 to $10 by small retailers of every type. Consumers should stop using the lighters immediately and return them to the place where purchased for a full refund. For more information about this recall, consumers can contact Patty Pany of NBO Group toll-free at (800) 716-0100. U.S. Customs alerted CPSC to this hazard.
Extension Cord Recalled by Northeastern Plastics NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles October 24, 1996 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-008 CPSC and Northeastern Plastics Announce Extension Cord Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Northeastern Plastics Inc. of Brooklyn, N.Y., is recalling approximately 31,000 extension cords. Undersized wires in the extension cords present fire, shock, and electrocution hazards. CPSC and Northeastern Plastics Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these extension cords. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The brown or white extension cords were available in a variety of lengths, including a brown 6-foot model no. 441, a brown 9-foot model no. 442, a brown 12-foot model no. 443, a brown 20-foot model no. 445, a white 9-foot model no. 447, and a white 12-foot model no. 448. The markings "SPT-1 60C VW-1 18 awg X 2C YWC" appear on each cord printed in green ink. The cords were imported from China and packaged in a green and white sleeve labeled, in part, "JUMPOWER." Retailers in Michigan, New York, New Jersey, and Puerto Rico, such as Universal International, $1 Depot, and Galaxy, sold these extension cords from April to July 1996 for about $5. Consumers should stop using the recalled cords immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call Northeastern Plastics Inc. at (800) 989-2674 Ext. 76.
Plastic Halloween Bucket Recalled by Direct Source NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT:Nychelle White October 24, 1996 (301) 504-7063 Release # 97-009 CPSC, Direct Source International Announce Plastic Halloween Bucket Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Direct Source International Inc. of Blue Ash, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling 11,700 packages of small plastic halloween candy buckets. Dillon Stores of Hutchinson, Kan., and CPSC found prohibited levels of lead in the black, red, and yellow paint, which peels readily from the buckets. The lead paint can cause lead poisoning in young children, who may ingest the paint from the banned buckets. The buckets come in three styles: as orange pumpkins, white skulls, and green Frankenstein heads, measuring 2.75 inches in diameter by 2.25 inches high. They are packed six to a cellophane package with an orange cardboard header labeled on the front, "HAPPY HALLOWEEN... 6 Halloween Buckets," and on the back, bar code number "43748 88014... Direct Source International Inc...Made in China." Some of the packages also include "Item NO. FF-014" on the back of the label. Various retail stores, including Dillon Stores and Kroger Company, sold the buckets from August 1996 to October 1996 for about $1 per package. CPSC received one report of a child who may have ingested some of the paint from the buckets. Consumers should take the buckets away from children immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund of the purchase price. Consumers who have questions about this recall may call Direct Source International Inc. at (513) 793-9379.
Cigarette Lighter Recalled by Paik International NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles October 22, 1996 (301) 504-7052 Release # 96-1184 CPSC and Paik International Announce Cigarette Lighter Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Paik International, of Flushing, N.Y., is recalling approximately 500,000 disposable butane cigarette lighters that do not comply with CPSC safety standards. The lighters do not have safety devices that prevent young children from igniting the lighters. CPSC and Paik International are not aware of any injuries involving these cigarette lighters. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The non-refillable disposable cigarette lighters have red, yellow, green, blue, or purple plastic bodies. A paper label on the lighter reads, "CAUTION...MADE IN CHINA." Convenience and retail stores in New York sold these cigarette lighters from June 1995 to April 1996 for less than $1 each. Consumers should stop using the cigarette lighters immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call Paik International at (212) 545-1667. CPSC's standard for child-resistant lighters, which went into effect on July 12, 1994, is intended to reduce the 150 deaths, 1,000 injuries, and more than 5,000 residential fires caused annually by children under the age of five playing with lighters. CPSC learned of this problem during joint surveillance with the U.S. Customs Service.
Little Wood Wagon Recalled by Radio Flyer NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Nychelle White October 21, 1996 (301) 504-7063 Release # 97-006 CPSC and Radio Flyer Announce Recall of Little Wood Wagon WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Radio Flyer Inc. of Chicago, Ill., is voluntarily recalling 14,000 children's toy Little Wood Wagons. The wagons contain a prohibited level of lead in the red painted sides that can cause lead poisoning in young children, who may ingest the paint. The body of the Little Wood Wagon (model 6), which comes with a pull handle, measures 12.5 inches by 7.5 inches by 4 inches with wheels measuring 3 inches by 1 inch. Retailers, including Mills Fleet Farm, The Right Start Catalog and Stores, and True Value Hardware, sold the wagons nationwide from June 1996 through September 1996 for between $20 and $25 each. This recall does not involve any other wagon sold by Radio Flyer. Consumers should immediately take the wagons away from children and look for a manufacturing date decal on the bottom of the wagon. If there is no decal, consumers should return the wagon to the store where purchased for an exchange or refund. Consumers may also call Radio Flyer at (800) 621-7613, 24 hours a day, to receive free-of-charge a replacement wagon without leaded paint. Wagons having a date-of-manufacture decal are not subject to this recall. Radio Flyer Inc. and CPSC are not aware of any injuries involving the wagons. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The U.S. Customs Service cooperated with CPSC in this investigation.
Wood Tilter Chair Recalled by Global Industries NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles October 16, 1996 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-004 CPSC, Global Industries Inc. Announce Recall for Wood Tilter Chair WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Global Industries Inc. of Marlton, N.J., is announcing a voluntary recall of about 2,500 Wood Tilter chairs sold primarily through Staples between July 15, 1996, and October 5, 1996. The seat may break when pressure is exerted on the backrest, which could result in the occupant falling from the chair. Global has received reports of three alleged injuries associated with the seat breaking. The Global tilter chair is model 8924 with the model number stamped on the bottom of the seat. The chair can be easily identified by its wooden arms and the wooden caps covering its five-legged base. The chair, which comes in either gray or black fabric with upholstered arm caps, normally sold for $79.99. Global Industries will replace existing chairs with a new chair, delivered free of charge by the manufacturer to each customer who purchased a chair involved in this recall. Consumers should stop using the chair immediately. Consumers who purchased the Wood Tilter chair between July 15, 1996, and October 5, 1996, should call Global toll-free at (888) CHAIRS-8 for information on how to obtain a replacement chair. Consumers who are unsure of the purchase date can also call this number for assistance.
Clearfire Candles Recalled by Candle-lite NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Nychelle White October 15, 1996 (301) 504-7063 Release # 97-005 CPSC and Candle-lite Announce Recall of Clearfire Candles WASHINGTON, DC - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Candle-lite of Cincinnati, Ohio, is voluntarily recalling approximately 3,000,000 Clearfire candles sold primarily during the 1995 Christmas season. The candles could flare up during use, causing the candles' glass holders to overheat and break. Consumers could be burned or injured by broken glass. Candle-lite is aware of 142 instances of candles flaring-up and glass breaking. Several consumers have been burned by hot gel or cut by broken glass. The candles, which are made of a clear, gel-like substance, were available in five styles: red with an apple cider scent, green with a spruce forest scent, clear with a floral vanilla scent, blue with a mulberry scent, and yellow with a sunflower scent. Each candle was packaged in a textured, clear glass jar, shaped like a vase, measuring approximately three inches high. A label on the bottom of the glass container has a UPC number beginning with "076001" and ending with one of the following numbers: CODE TYPE OF GLASS COLOR/SCENT 304737 Diamond Point Red/Apple Cider 304744 Diamond Point Green/Spruce Forest 304959 Reflections Red/Apple Cider 304966 Reflections Green/Spruce Forest 304997 American Whitehall Red/Apple Cider 305000 American Whitehall Green/Spruce Forest 305192 Roly Poly Red/Apple Cider 305208 Roly Poly Green/Spruce Forest 305222 Pineapple Red/Apple Cider 305239 Pineapple Green/Spruce Forest 306878 Pineapple Blue/Mulberry 306885 Pineapple Clear/Floral Vanilla 306892 Pineapple Yellow/Sunflower 307356 Pineapple Red/Apple Cider 307363 Pineapple Green/Spruce Forest 307554 Sherbert Red/Apple Cider 307561 Sherbert Green/Spruce Forest 307745 Pineapple Clear/Floral Vanilla 806712 Heart Red/Apple Cider 806729 Ponderosa Green/Spruce Forest 806750 Reflections Red/Apple Cider 806767 Reflections Green/Spruce Forest Major discount chain stores sold these candles nationwide from October 1995 through April 1996 for approximately $4.00. Clearfire candles are now sold with a new formula and plastic covers over the top. The Clearfire candles currently in retail stores are not subject to this recall. Consumers should stop using the recalled candles immediately, pull out the wick, and then dispose of the gel-like substance. Consumers should remove the UPC label from the bottom of the glass container. In order to receive a $6.00 refund, consumers should mail the wick and the UPC label, along with their name and complete address to: Candle-lite, Post Office Box 42486, Cincinnati, OH 45242. For more information about this recall, contact Candle-lite at (800) 866-6654.
Deluxe Baby Monitor Recalled by Gerry Baby Products NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Telephone Number & Responding Company Change. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Originally issued October 3, 1996, Revised January 13, 2003 (301) 504-7908 Release # 97-002 CPSC, Gerry Baby Products Announce Model 602 Deluxe Baby Monitor Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Gerry Baby Products Company, of Thornton, Colo., announced a voluntary recall of approximately 990,000 Model 602 Gerry Deluxe Baby Monitors. Wires inside the monitor may be improperly connected, resulting in the product overheating with the possibility of the monitor causing fire. Another contributing factor is when blankets or other bedding are placed around or on top of the monitor blocking ventilation. Gerry urges consumers to read all product warnings and instructions accompanying all monitors. Consumers should not place any monitor in the crib, among blankets or bedding, or in any position that interferes with ventilation for the monitor. Gerry is aware of one fire without injuries involving a Model 602 monitor with this manufacturing error. This information was brought to CPSC's attention by a member of the International Association of Arson Investigators (IAAI). In addition, CPSC has also received reports alleging Model 602 Baby Monitor involvement in two other fires, including one with a fatality and an injury, and 13 incidents of the monitors getting warm to the touch, including one skin burn. Gerry stated that only one report (no injuries) of these 16 claims was conclusively determined to have been caused by the Model 602 monitor. The two-piece monitor sets resemble walkie-talkies. The monitors have pale gray and royal blue plastic casing. A red "on" light and a blue "Gerry" label appear on the front of each monitor. The back of the monitors are embossed with "GERRY DELUXE BABY MONITOR MODEL 602" and the manufacturer's date code. The date code appears as a circle of numbers, with an arrow pointing to the number of the month and the two-digit year number on either side of the arrow. This recall involves monitors with date codes "8806" (June 1988) through "9005" (May 1990). Juvenile product and baby supply stores and department stores sold the recalled monitors nationwide from June 1988 through May 1990. The monitors were packaged in blue cardboard boxes labeled in part, "Gerry Deluxe Baby Monitor...Listen to Your Baby from any Home Location...Gerry Baby Safetronics..." Consumers should contact Evenflo's Parent Link Consumer Resource Center at (800) 233-5921 for assistance (Gerry Baby Products is out of business, but the Evenflo Company has now taken over in responding to this recall).
Lavender Botanical Candle Recalled by Bath & Body Works NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles September 27, 1996 (301) 504-7052 Release # 96-195 CPSC and Bath & Body Works Inc. Announce Garden Lavender Botanical Candle Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bath & Body Works Inc. of New Albany, Ohio, is recalling about 18,400 Garden Lavender Botanical Candles. Dried flowers inside the candle may catch fire as the candle burns, presenting a fire hazard. Bath & Body Works has received three reports of the lavender material inside the candle igniting. No injuries have been reported. The cylindrical, white wax candles, measuring 4 inches high and 4 inches in diameter, contain small purple lavender flowers. A label on the bottom of the candle reads, "Garden Lavender Botanical Candle." Bath & Body Works stores sold the lavender candles nationwide from May 1996 through August 1996 for about $15. Consumers should immediately stop using the lavender botanical candles and return them to any Bath & Body Works retail store for a refund of the purchase price, plus a $25.00 Bath & Body Works gift certificate. For more information consumers should call Bath & Body Works at (800) 395-1001. No other Bath & Body Works candles are involved in this recall.
LP Polaris Comfort Systems Recall/Repair by American Water Heater NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles September 25, 1996 (301) 504-7052 Release # 96-191 CPSC, American Water Heater Group Announce Free Home Repair of LP Polaris Comfort Systems WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Mor-Flo Industries Inc., doing business as the American Water Heater Group of Johnson City, Tenn., is announcing a voluntary recall program to repair approximately 6,500 LP Polaris Comfort Systems combination water heaters and home heating systems. Under certain circumstances, fuel gas may ignite explosively, causing property damage or injury. The American Water Heater Group is aware of 104 incidents of heater damage and three incidents in which property damage extended beyond the heater. No injuries have been reported. This retrofit involves Polaris Comfort Systems water heaters with the following model numbers: PR34LPGV, PR50LPGV, PR34LPGFV, PR50LPGFV, PC100-34LPGV, PC100-50LPGV, PBG102-34S100-2P, PBG102-50T100-2P, PBCG32-34S100-2P, PBCG32-50S100-2P, PBCG52-34S100-2P, PBCG52-50S100-2P, DVPB35LPGV, PVG-34S100-2P, The model numbers are located on an identification/data plate on the front center of the exterior of the heater, about three feet above the floor. Heating and cooling contractors sold the heaters nationwide from 1985 to July 1996 for about $2,200. Consumers should immediately call the American Water Heater Group at (800) 456-9805 or write to the company's Product Services and Support Group at P.O. Box 1597, Johnson City, Tenn. 37605. The company will arrange installation of a free safety upgrade kit. For more information, consumers should call American Water Heater Group.
Yard and Garden Tractor Recalled by TORO NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles September 25, 1996 (301) 504-7052 Release # 96-190 CPSC and TORO Announce Yard and Garden Tractor Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Toro Company of Bloomington, Minn., is voluntarily recalling approximately 6,500 TORO Wheel Horse Yard and Garden Tractors as well as Ford and New Holland brand LS 25 and LS 45 Gear Yard Tractors. The tractors' brakes may wear out prematurely, eventually leading to brake failure. As a result, consumers could be injured if they lose control of the tractors. Toro has received reports of two consumers who each broke a foot after losing control of their tractors. This recall and repair program affects TORO model 72040 tractors with serial numbers ranging from 4900001 to 5999999; Ford or New Holland model LS 25 Gear tractors with serial numbers from T4A0001 to T4A1201, and T5A0001 to T5A0617; and Ford or New Holland model LS 45 Gear tractors with serial numbers from T4C0001 to T4C0581, and from T5C0001 to T5C0168. The model and serial numbers are located on the fender underneath the seat. TORO and New Holland dealers sold the six-speed riding tractors nationwide under the names "TORO," "Ford," and "New Holland" from January 1994 to May 1996 for about $2,000 each. Consumers who own recalled TORO tractors should contact the nearest TORO Service Dealer to have the brakes modified at no charge. For information on how to locate a TORO Service Dealer or for more information about this recall, consumers should call Toro at (800) 348-2424 from 7:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Central Time. Consumers who own recalled Ford or New Holland brand LS 25 or LS 45 Gear tractors should contact the nearest New Holland Service Dealer. For information on how to contact a New Holland Dealer, consumers should consult the owners assistance page in their operators manual for the name or number of their closest New Holland branch. If the manual has been misplaced, consumers should look in the yellow pages under "Tractors" for the nearest New Holland dealer. This recall involves tractors purchased before May 1996. The brakes on tractors purchased after May 1996 were modified prior to sale. Consumers who are unsure whether their tractor was modified should contact the nearest appropriate brand dealer for a free inspection.
Flip Fingers Rattle Recalled by Gerber Products NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Nychelle White September 11, 1996 (301) 504-7063 Release # 96-188 CPSC and Gerber Products Co. Announce "Flip Fingers Rattle" Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Gerber Products Co. of Fremont, Mich., is voluntarily recalling approximately 60,000 Flip Fingers Rattles in one style. The spherical end-caps of the rattle may separate releasing small parts, such as spinning pieces and noise-making beads, which present a choking and inhalation hazard to young children. Gerber received five reports of these rattles breaking. CPSC and Gerber have not received any reports of injuries. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. This recall involves Flip Fingers Rattles with red, U-shaped handles embossed with the word "Gerber." The rattles, measuring 5.25 inches long by 2.5 inches wide, have yellow spherical ends holding multi-colored spinning parts. Flip Fingers Rattles with green handles are not included in this recall. Grocery stores and a few specialty stores sold the rattles nationwide from May 1996 through September 1996 for about $1.40. The rattles came in clear plastic packages on a blue card labeled in part, "Gerber Flip Fingers Rattle ... number 76250." Consumers should take the rattles away from children immediately and call Gerber at (800) 4-GERBER. Gerber will send consumers mailing materials and instructions for returning the rattles to the company to receive a refund. For more information, consumers should call (800) 4-GERBER. Media inquiries should be directed to Van Hindes at Gerber Products Co., (616) 928-2782, or Gary Rudnick at Golin/Harris, (312) 836-7112.
Ratchet Tie-Downs Recalled by Collins Intnrl & Eagle Hardware NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles August 29, 1996 (301) 504-7052 Release # 96-185 CPSC, Collins International, Eagle Hardware & Garden Announce Recall for Ratchet Tie-Downs WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Collins International, of Fair Lawn, N.J., and Eagle Hardware & Garden of Renton, Wash., are voluntarily recalling approximately 7,200 Ratchet Tie-Downs. The tie-downs are used to secure heavy items or oversize loads to trailers or trucks, or to secure furniture to hand trolleys. However, the Ratchet Tie-Downs may break even if the weight placed on them is significantly less than the 750-pound limit stated on the package. If the tie-downs break, the secured load may pull free, resulting in injury or property damage. Collins International has received three reports of the tie-downs breaking. Although the company is not aware of any injuries, Collins International has received reports of property damage. This recall is being conducted to prevent injuries. The tie-down consists of four pieces: a black, nylon mesh strap; two black, vinyl-coated "S" hooks; and a brass, L-shaped rachet hook. Consumers operate the tie-down by inserting the strap through the ratchet hook, locking the strap in place, and securing the load by attaching the "S" hooks to the vehicle or hand trolley. The tie-down is packaged in clear plastic attached to a red, white, and blue cardboard backing which reads in part, "Professional Style Ratchet Tie Down ... Adjustable Length 4 ft. to 15 ft. ... Safe-Secure-Tight! ..." Eagle Hardware & Garden sold the tie-downs nationwide from August 1995 to July 1996 for $4. Some of the tie-downs may have been resold at other stores. Consumers should stop using the Ratchet Tie-Downs immediately and return them to the nearest Eagle Hardware & Garden store for a full refund. For more information, consumers can call Collins International toll-free at (888) 968-0070.
Ceramic Space Heater Recalled by Caframo Limited NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles August 14, 1996 (301) 504-7052 Release # 96-184 CPSC and Caframo Limited Announce Recall of Ceramic Space Heater WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission(CPSC),Caframo Limited of Wiarton, Ontario, Canada, is recalling 2,460 "Ceramic Furnace" electric space heaters (model 9301T). The heaters' fan motors may overheat, presenting an electric shock and fire hazard. CPSC and Caframo are not aware of any injuries involving these space heaters. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The heaters measure 6.75 inches high, 5.5 inches wide, and five inches deep. The front of the heater is labelled in part, "Caframo Ceramic Furnace" in red lettering. The model number appears on a white label on the bottom of the heater. The space heaters were sold nationwide primarily through marine and RV supply distributors from August 1993 through December 1995 for about $70. Consumers should stop using the heaters immediately and contact Caframo at (800)399-0708. Caframo will arrange free pick up of the recalled heater from the consumer's home, and will send the consumer a free replacement heater of greater value.
Mini-Hammocks Recalled NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Hannah Simone August 8, 1996 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-183 CPSC, EZ Sales, Twin Oaks Hammock Company, and Safesport Manufacturing Company Announce Recall of Mini-Hammocks WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), EZ Sales of Gardena, Calif., Twin Oaks Hammock Company of Louisa, Va., and Safesport Manufacturing Company of Chapin, S.C., are recalling 75,000 light-weight, net mini-hammocks that do not have spreader bars. Some EZ Sales hammocks were marketed using the "Hang Ten" label and trademark. These manufacturers join 10 other manufacturers and importers of mini-hammocks without spreader bars who are recalling 3 million of the potentially dangerous products this year. Without spreader bars to hold the mini-hammock bed open, the mini-hammock can twist around a child's neck as he/she is getting into or out of the mini-hammock, resulting in strangulation and death. When a net mini-hammock is attached to an indoor or outdoor location such as trees, decks, porches, or recreation rooms, it hangs like a thin rope. The mini-hammock can suddenly become twisted around a child's neck and strangle him. This can happen when children are attempting to climb into or out of, are playing on, or are swinging on mini-hammocks like swings. Between 1984 and 1995, CPSC received reports of 12 children between the ages of five and 17 years old who became entangled and died when using net mini-hammocks without spreader bars. CPSC is also aware of an injury to a seven-year-old girl who suffered permanent brain damage from a near-strangulation in a mini-hammock. Another near-fatal incident involved a five-year-old boy who was found entangled in a mini-hammock but was resuscitated by his mother. Mini-hammocks are light-weight, portable, thin net hammocks that are made without spreader bars. They measure between five to seven feet wide and seven to 20 feet long. This recall affects the EZ Sales "Hang Ten" mini-hammock, Twin Oaks Backpacker mini-hammock, and the Safesport Portable Hammock. Sporting goods stores, such as Herman's World of Sports, sold the EZ Sales "Hang Ten" mini-hammocks nationwide from 1979 to 1991 for $6 to $16. Small outdoor equipment stores sold the Twin Oaks mini-hammocks nationwide since the early 1980s for $8 to $14. The Twin Oaks mini-hammocks were also sold through catalogues. Surplus and sporting goods stores sold the Safesport mini-hammocks nationwide from 1994 through 1996 for about $8. Consumers should immediately take down mini-hammocks from porches, decks, trees, recreation rooms and other locations. Consumers should return the mini-hammocks to the store where they were purchased for a full refund or a replacement hammock. If consumers do not know the retailer or manufacturer of their net mini-hammock, they should destroy the mini-hammock immediately to prevent strangulation death or injury.
E-Force Cross Trainer Exercise Machine Recall by CSA NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Firm out of business. Please destroy or discard the product. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Hannah Simone Originally issued August 7, 1996; Revised August 9, 2001 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-182 CPSC and CSA Announce Exercise Machine Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), CSA Inc. of South Easton, Mass., is announcing the voluntary recall of about 300,000 E-Force Cross Trainer exercise machines. The machine's welds may crack or break, resulting in injuries to consumers. CSA has received 54 reports of people who experienced neck, shoulder, and ankle injuries from using the exercise machines with cracked or separated welds. The silver metal exercise machine resembles a bicycle without wheels. "E-FORCE Cross Trainer" is written on black plastic guards on both sides of the machine, beneath the seat. To operate the machine, consumers pull the handlebars, which rocks the seat forward. This safety retrofit program involves only E-Force Cross Trainers and not the E-Force Rider or E-Force Sport. Retailers and infomercials sold the E-Force machines from March 1995 through June 1996 for about $180 to $249. Consumers should stop using the machines immediately and destroy or discard the product. Firm is out of business.