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All product recalls affecting Hawaii.
Includes nationwide recalls (tagged “Nationwide”) and recalls with Hawaii in the distribution area.
Coffeemakers Recalled by North American Systems 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 Originally issued June 22, 1983, Revised January 14, 2003 Release # 83-037 CPSC And North American Systems, Inc., Announces Voluntary Mr. Coffee Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission has joined with North American Systems, Inc., in a voluntary recall of the CMX-1000 l2-cup 4-button Digital Clock model of the Mr. Coffee coffeemaker because of a potential fire hazard. CPSC and the firm are aware of twenty complaints where the product has failed although no injuries have been reputed. There were over 300,000 machines manufactured of which 147,000 have already been modified. The problem occurs while the coffeemaker is plugged in and set to any of the three control positions (on, off, automatic). Failure could result in overheating, smoking, or ignition of the coffeemaker. Only machines manufactured between September 21, 1981 and April, 1982, are involved. No other Mr. Coffee units and models manufactured by NAS are affected or involved. The CMX-1000 12-cup 4-button Digital Clock units subject to the NAS modification program are date-stamped on the bottom metal plate with 3 digit code numbers starting at 38-l and ending at 21-2. The first two digits represent the week of the year and the third digit represents the year. Each unit was sold retail to consumers for approximately $30 to $40. North American Systems, Inc., advises consumers to check their machines for the above listed date code numbers and to unplug and discontinue use of their machine at once if its date code number falls into this range. NAS advises consumers to disregard this notice if their machine has been modified as a result of previous contact with the company or an authorized service center. If a unit is subject to this recall, consumers should contact Sunbeam Products, Inc. at (800) 672-6333 for assistance (Mr. Coffee is no longer owned by North American Systems, Inc., but Sunbeam Products, Inc. has now taken over in responding to questions about this recall). Information concerning this matter is also available to consumers who call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.
Whistle Switches Recalled by Mark Engineering NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 21, 1983 Release # 83-036 7,000 Whistle Switches Recalled Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Mark Engineering Inc., Fitchburg, Massachusetts, warns owners that Model 1C of their "Whistle Switch" Remote Control Device, manufactured prior to June 30, 1978, may present a fire hazard. The product was also private labeled for the Invento Products Corp., Long Island City, New York, as the "Sonic Switch." The firm estimates that 7,000 units remain in use. CPSC is aware of more than 10 incidents where the product has overheated, smoked, and in some cases sparked or ignited. The incidents have resulted in one reported injury in Hyannis, Massachusetts, when a consumer burned her hand attempting to remove a flaming Whistle Switch from an electrical outlet. Minor property damage has been reported. The model 1C Whistle Switch or Sonic Switch is an electrically operated remote control switch for household appliances. The switch is housed in a 2 l/2" by 4 l/4" by 2" beige colored plastic case, which plugs into an electrical outlet. An appliance can be plugged into the receptacle at the front of the switch. The switch can be turned on or off by squeezing a hand held, remote control ultrasonic whistle. The ultrasonic whistle is housed in a black plastic case. The product can be identified from a reverse side label attached to its plastic case of the switch. Mark Engineering reports that the problem can occur after an extended period of use when the two watt carbon resistors inside the unit overheat and/or fail. Subsequent models, identified as Model 2C and 3C, were redesigned to correct this problem. Mark Engineering Inc. will repair all model 1C Whistle Switches or Sonic Switches returned by consumers. The company warns all owners of this product to discontinue the use of their unit and to unplug it at once. The firm advises owners to adequately package and return their model 1C remote control switch to: Mark Engineering Inc., P.O. Box 193, Fitchburg, Massachusetts 01420. To assure proper handling, consumers should put their name and address on a separate piece of paper and include it with their returned unit. The company advises consumers that only its model 1C switches are affected and that it would not be responsible for other model switches or other products returned. Further, Model 1C units previously returned to the company for repair have already been modified and need not be returned again. Consumers who have questions regarding the return of their unit to Mark Engineering Inc., can contact the company at 617-342-6034. Information concerning this matter is also available to consumers on CPSC's toll free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.
Nuk Gum Massagers Recalled by Reliance NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 14, 1983 Release # 83-034 "Nuk" Gum Massager Presents Potential Choking Hazard Washington, D.C. -- In Cooperation With The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Reliance Products Corporation, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, announced a voluntary recall of approximately 96,000 "NUK" brand 3-piece Toothbrush Trainer Sets which present a possible choking and/or suffocation hazard to young children. The products, which retail for approximately $4.70, were distributed from May 1980 to May 1982 and bear item code #02586 on the top flap of the package. There have been 14 reported incidents where the rubber tip of the first massaging brush in the 3-Piece Set separated from the handle. While no suffocations have occurred in some instances the rubber tip reportedly had to be physically dislodged from children's throats. The product involved is in a package of 3 brushes designed to help train children in the use of a toothbrush. It has a soft rubber tip with rubber bristles which is intended for use by children between 7 and 11 months old with adult supervision. Only the first massaging brush has a tip which can separate from the handle. The massaging brush has been redesigned so that the tip cannot be removed and can be identified by a thin molded ring around the handle approximately one and one half inches below the rubber tip. The package of the improved version shows item code #02583. Consumers who have purchased the old style Toothbrush Trainer Set should discontinue using the first massaging brush which is a bullet-shaped massaging tool with soft rubber fins and projections. Consumers should either discard the massaging tool or return it for a replacement tool to Reliance Products Corporation, 108 Mason Street, P.O. Box 1220, Woonsocket, RI 82895. Details can be obtained or questions will be answered by calling Reliance on the following toll free number: 800-556-6508. Retailers who previously were notified of the voluntary recall in June 1982 and who have not removed the old style products from sale should remove them immediately and return them to Reliance at the address listed above for a full refund or replacement units. Anyone wishing additional information may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at the following number: 800-638-CPSC; a teletypewriter for the hearing impaired at (301) 595-7054.
Slide Ladders Recalled by Carolina Enterprises NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 26, 1983 Release # 83-030 Carolina Enterprises To Recall Empire Slide Ladders WASHINGTON, D.C.-- In cooperation with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Carolina Enterprises, Inc., Tarboro, North Carolina, today announced a voluntary replacement program affecting approximately 100,000 of its Super Slide Item #9005. The ladder with this Supper Slide presents a potential safety hazard in that the heads of small children may become entrapped between the ladder rungs. The Commission is aware of one instance in which a child's head became entrapped between the top step of the ladder and the platform. No injury occurred as a result of this incident. The Supper Slide consists of a plastic red sliding board with a yellow ladder and comes unassembled. The name "Empire" appears at the foot of the sliding bord. Ladders which have been manufactured since June, 1982, are not subject to replacement. These redesigned ladders can be identified by the pre-formed plastic piece attached to the underside of each ladder rung. The new slides are now blue in color. The Super Slide wassold by numerous retail stores nationwide including Toy "R" Us, K Mart, Woolworth/Woolco, and by J.C. Penney Company in its catalogue. J.C. Penny Company, which was able to identify individual purchasers, has already notified its customers by direct mail and has completed the replacement program. The units being recalled sold for approximately $30.00 and were produced from 1980 until June, 1982, when the design change was made in the ladder. Consumers owning affected slides should discontinue use of the ladder and call Empire toll-free at 800-334-5666 for a free replacement ladder or write to Carolina Enterprises, P.O. Box 427, Tarboro, North Carolina 27866. This replacement program also applies to consumers who purchased affected products at Woolco stores which have since gone out of business. Carolina plans to send notices to all of its retail customers seeking their assistance in placing posters in stores, providing a list of consumers who purchased the slide and any other help they can provide in replacing as many of these ladders as possible. Further information on the ladder replacement program can be obtained by calling the Commission's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.
Smoke Detectors Recalled By Honeywell NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 24, 1983 Release # 83-029 Honeywell To Recall Certain Battery-Operated Smoke Detectors WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Honeywell Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota, today announced a voluntary recall affecting over 770,000 model TC89B and TC89C battery-operated smoke detectors that may not work when smoke is present. Honeywell learned that, because of circuit board mounting problems, some smoke detectors will not sound an alarm when smoke is present, but may alarm when the test button is pushed. Honeywell is asking consumers to return any detectors that have this defect for a replacement. Since Honeywell no longer makes residential smoke detectors, the firm will replace returned units with a comparable model produced by another manufacturer. Honeywell produced the affected detectors in 1977 and 1978. These models, which were sold nationally and in Canada, carry the model number TC89B and TC89C and have a date code between 7601 and 7820. The model numbers and date codes are found under the smoke detector cover, inside the detector on a piece of gray cardboard. To identify affected detectors, consumers should remove the cover from the detector. If the first five characters of the identification number contained on the piece of gray cardboard are TC89B or TC89C, and the date code is ANY NUMBER FROM 7601 THROUGH 7820, the detector should be carefully checked for proper operation in accordance with the instructions below. This action does not apply to Honeywell smoke detectors with date codes of 7821 or higher. Honeywell recommends that consumers check the battery and then carefully check to determine if the smoke detector is working properly by using an extinguished candle to create smoke near the detector. Consumers should cease to use broom handles or similar objects to push the test button on Honeywell smoke detectors. If the detector does not alarm with the presence of smoke, consumers should contact Honeywell on its toll-free number 800-328-8194 or write Honeywell Consumer Affairs, 10400 Yellow Circle Drive, Minnetonka, Minn. 55343. to see if your detector is covered by the recall. Because smoke detectors are important warning devices, Honeywell and the Commission urge consumers to replace non-working smoke detectors with new ones immediately. Both Honeywell and the Consumer Product Safety Commission strongly recommend the use of smoke detectors and further recommend that consumers regularly check smoke detectors, regardless of brand, to ensure proper operation. Consumers wishing further information may call the CPSC toll free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC, A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054. The Consumer Product Safety Commission recently announced the recall of certain Honeywell smoke detectors. The model number (TC89B or TC89C) and date code ( 7601 to 7820) are found under the smoke detector cover, inside the detector on gray cardboard (see illustration above). Consumers should call Honeywell on 800-328-8194 for further information.
Baby Strollers Repaired by Graco NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Repair kit no longer available. Do not use these products. Please discard or destroy these products. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued May 23, 1983; Revised August 27, 2001 Release # 83-028 CPSC Announces Repair Program For Baby Strollers WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission had announced a voluntary repair program being undertaken by Graco Children's Products, Inc., of Elverson, Pennsylvania, affecting approximately 49,000 E-Z Roller baby strollers. The strollers were distributed nationally between January, 1982, and April, 1983, and have the potential for infant finger entrapment in the main metal-folding hinge on each side of the stroller. Graco reports that since January 1982, the strollers have been involved in four incidents in which children, not yet in the stroller, placed their fingers in the main metal folding hinge on the sides of the stroller while it was being unfolded for use. The repair kit is no longer available. Please discard or destroy these products. Only Graco E-Z Roller baby strollers, Model 6620 and Model 6020 are affected. These umbrella type folding strollers have a blue denim seat, red handle grips, and a metal folding hinge, They were sold in retail stores nationwide for approximately $29. No other Graco strollers are affected. Consumers with questions can call Graco customer service toll-free at l-800-345-4109 between 9:00 a.m. and 4:00 p.m. Eastern Time. Consumers wishing further information may call the CPSC toll free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054. An infant's finger could be entrapped in the main metal-folding hinge on each side of the stroller as it is being opened for use. Only models 6630 and 6020 are involved.
Stuffed Baby Chicks Recalled by New Angles/Wallace & Hickory Valley NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 13, 1983 Release # 83-020 Recall Of Stuffed Baby Chicks Washington, D.C. -- The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and two importers, New Angles/Wallace Oaks and Hickory Valley, both of Ojai, California, announce the recall of dead, stuffed baby chicks, ducklings, and goslings which contain the poison, arsenic. The articles were distributed nationally through gift shops, florists, and florist suppliers. The stuffed birds have been marketed in various ways, including mounted on a small base, or in a basket or floral arrangement. The stuffed birds were imported from mainland China and the recall involves less than 25,000 units. The CPSC began its investigation on April 5, 1983, and had samples in various state and Federal agency laboratories by April 6. The results of these tests confirm the presence of arsenic as earlier reported by the State of Ohio. These results showed arsenic to be present in significant amounts in the skin and down of the stuffed birds. The CPSC is not aware of any confirmed incidents of poisoning resulting from the stuffed birds. Persons in possession of these stuffed birds should seal them securely in double plastic bags and return them to the place of purchase. Retailers are advised to stop selling the stuffed baby birds which are banned by the Federal Hazardous Substance Act and offer their customers a refund. Retailers and wholesalers should hold the returned units pending instructions from their suppliers. Persons with questions about these articles should call the importers: New Angles/Wallace Oaks (805-646-1112) or Hickory Valley (805-646-0128), or the Consumer Product Safety Commission toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC.
FIBRO-CLAY Recalled by Milton Bradley NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 1983 Release # 83-012 CPSC and Milton Bradley Co. Recall "Fibro-Clay" Washington, D.C. -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission and the Milton Bradley Company of Springfield, Massachusetts, have been advised that asbestos has been found in packages of Milton Bradley's "Fibro-Clay", a school art modeling compound used to make paper mache'. The company is voluntarily recalling the product. The Commission is taking immediate action to assure that manufacturers have not resumed using asbestos in this or any similar school art supplies and to assure that no additional lots of the old products containing asbestos exist. This will be accomplished through a nationwide sampling and testing program of distributors of this type of product. Milton Bradley made Fibro-Clay from 1967 until 1975, when it ceased manufacture of the product. The firm stated that no asbestos has been used in the formula since 1972, and that the quantity sold by its Educational Division was relatively small. Schools and consumers are advised to stop using Milton Bradley Fibro-Clay, even through the presence of asbestos may be limited to only a small percentage of this product. The Commission recommends placing the product in a plastic bag , trying to disturb the product as little as possible, and cleaning any areas contacted by the Fibro-Clay with water. Asbestos has been shown to cause cancer of the lung and other organs according to studies of workers and others exposed to asbestos. The Commission is concerned that children in schools where Fibro-Clay is used might be exposed to airborne asbestos in view of the powdered composition of the product. School authorities in Wayne, New Jersey, recently identified asbestos in Fibro-Clay. The Commission has been alerted to this matter by a WCBS-TV broadcast in New York City and by a letter from Dr. Irving J. Selikoff, a Professor at the Mount Sinai Medical Center in New York City, describing recent tests of the product he conducted. For further information, consumers may call the Milton Bradley Company (413) 525-6411, or the Consumer Product Safety Commission's toll-free Hotline on 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.
Tennis Net Tighteners Warning NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 9, 1983 Release # 83-010 CPSC Warns Of Tennis Net Tightener Danger WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission today issued an alert to warn consumers of the risk of injury especially to small children associated with the M.R. Lane Jiffy A-4 Tennis Net Tightener. The Commission is aware of 18 injuries and one fatality which occurred when an 11-year-old girl was struck on the neck while adjusting the lever. The other incidents include facial and mouth injuries. The product is a tennis net tightening device made of iron. The device moves up and down the net post on a track bolted to the post. The lever increases or decreases the tension in the net and can spring forward with some force when released. A person can be seriously injured if struck by the lever. The brand name "Jiffy A-4" appears on the hook part of the device. The company manufactured approximately 50,000 units from 1929 until 1978. In 1978, the company issued cautionary labels and a safety pin was added to prevent small children from inadvertently pulling upon the handle. No reports of incidents or injuries have been received involving these redesigned units. The company has been out of business since November 1982. The product was distributed through sporting goods distributors and tennis court construction firms. The tennis net tensioning device has been installed in both private and public tennis courts. The Commission urges parents to caution children not to play with the tennis net tensioning device, but rather to request the maintenance personnel to adjust the net height, if necessary. The Commission urges operators of tennis courts in public parks and private clubs to check to determine if M.R. Lane A-4 Tennis Net Tensioning Devices are used on their courts and if they are, check to determine whether or not a safety pin has been added. If not, the handle should be tied down permanently so that a child can not move the handle. Also, place a notice near the tension device warning children to request maintenance personnel to adjust the device. JIFFY-A4 APPEARS ON THE HOOK PART OF THE DEVICE. ARROW SHOWS LOCATION OF SAFETY PIN. THIS SAFETY PIN IS PLACED THROUGH HOOK ASSEMBLY SO THAT A CHILD CAN NOT MOVE THE HANDLE. HANDLE SHOULD BE PERMANENTLY TIED DOWN IF SAFETY PIN HAS NOT BEEN ADDED THE TENNIS NET TIGHTENING DEVICE MOVES UP AND DOWN THE NET POST
Adapters For TI 99/4A Computer Provided by Texas Instruments NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 1983 Release # 83-071 Texas Instruments Providing Adapter For TI 99/4A Computer Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Texas Instruments Incorporated said today that it is conducting a voluntary program of providing transformer adapters free of charge to correct a potential defect recently discovered in one model of the transformers supplied with the Texas Instruments 99/4A home computer. Over four hundred thousand transformer units are involved. The transformer is the small black box which plugs in between the computer and the electrical outlet. Consumers are instructed to plug in their adapter between the transformer and the wall outlet. The company reported it had found by laboratory testing that there is a remote possibility that a failure of the transformer could result in certain metal parts of the computer console becoming electrified thus presenting a possible shock hazard. Neither the Consumer Product Safety Commission nor Texas Instruments has received any report of hazardous incident or injury from the hundreds of thousands of Texas Instruments home computers in use. The 99/4A model home computers have been sold in a variety of retail outlets over the past year at suggested retail prices of $450 and $375 with $100 rebate in effect since September 11, 1982. All owners of the 99/4A known to the company through rebate cards or warranty cards will receive the adapters automatically by mail. The company asks owners who are not sure their names and addresses are in its files to call the Texas Instruments toll free numbers (800-858-4565 or 800-527-3550 ) (Texas only: 800-858-1802), and request that the adapter be sent to them. Prior to receipt and installation of the adapter plug or cord, the company advises consumers to unplug and discontinue using computer if any sign of transformer overheating, unusual odor, or computer malfunction occurs. Texas Instruments is also instituting a green "Safety Check" label for easy recognition by customers that the transformers in inventory at retail stores have been inspected and modified as necessary. A similar label will be placed on the transformer and its wrapper inside the box. Consumers who desire further information or who have questions regarding the Texas Instruments 99/4A home computer may call CPSC's toll free hotline: 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.
Play Gyms Repaired by American Toy & Furniture and Sears NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Firm is out of business. Do not use these products. Please discard or destroy these products. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued January 26, 1983; Revised July 10, 2001 Release # 83-003 CPSC Announces Repair Program For Children's Play Gyms WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, American Toy & Furniture Company, Inc., Chicago, Illinois, and Sears, Roebuck and Co., today announced a voluntary repair program of 30,000 children's play gyms sold from 1976 through July, 1980. There have been no reports of incidents or injuries involving this gym. However, there have been three reports of suffocation from infant head or neck entrapment between the steps of the ladder of a play gym similar in appearance, but not sold by Sears and not manufactured by American Toy & Furniture. While the Sears play gym has several features which make accidents less likely, a repair program is being conducted as an additional precaution. The product made by American Toy & Furniture was sold nationwide only through Sears catalogues for about $30. The product was sold under the name "Wood and Hardboard Play Gym." It consists of a hollow box, made of fiberboard and wood about 30 inches high which supports a two-step wooden ladder on one side held in place by two brackets and a short slide on the other. Gyms purchased after July, 1980 are not affected. They incorporate a newly designed ladder. Consumers owning affected gyms should discontinue use of the ladder. Firm is out of business. For further information about this recall, consumers may call the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's toll-free Hotline on 800-638-CPSC.
Attic Ventilators Recalled by Westinghouse & Broan 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 Orginally issued March 24, 1983; Revised August 27, 2002 Release # 83-014 Westinghouse, Broan Recalling Electric Motors For Powered Attic Ventilators Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Westinghouse Electric Corporation and Broan Manufacturing Co., today announced a voluntary recall of approximately 16,000 electric motors supplied by Westinghouse for Broan Model 346 and Nautilus Model N346 attic ventilators. The ventilator motors which are miswired may, under certain conditions, overheat and cause fires. The attic ventilators were sold nationwide through electric supply houses to builders and contractors and through home centers directly to consumers. The units were manufactured and sold after April 1978. Owners should determine if they have a Broan or Nautilus roof-mounted powered attic ventilator. The ventilator can be identified from outside the house by the two foot diameter round beige plastic dome with either a Broan or Nautilus logo embossed in the top or from literature delivered with the products. If they have either model they should enter the attic to inspect the unit for model (series) 346 or N346 label on the thermostatic control or inside the dome. The motors subject to recall have a Westinghouse sticker with the model number E322P159, and are painted gray. There are also 12 rectangular holes in the bottom of the motor. Only motors with the model number E322P159 and with SER*78 or SER*79 date codes stamped on the bottom (*is any letter of the alphabet) are affected by this recall. The manufacturer has received one report of fire. No consumers have been injured. Owners are asked to copy down the motor model number and date codes before calling the toll free number given below if they have one of the suspect ventilators in their homes. Owners of the affected ventilators must disconnect or turn them off, and contact Westinghouse Electric Corporation on their toll-free number: 1-800-637-1453. A new motor will be supplied and installed by service personnel free of charge. This recall affects only Broan Model 346 and Nautilus N346 powered attic ventilators using motors with the E322P159 number and no other Broan or Nautilus powered attic ventilators with Westinghouse or other motors.
Squeeze Toys Recalled by Crib Mates & Baby World NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 16, 1982 Release # 82-054 Squeeze Toys Being Recalled Because Of Potential Choking Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, two firms announced voluntary recalls of squeeze toys because similar shaped squeeze toys manufactured by another company have been involved in choking deaths. While the squeeze toys described in these recalls have not been involved in any known choking incidents, the handles are small enough to lodge in an infant's throat and obstruct the airway. Consumers should remove these products from use immediately. Crib Mates Inc., of Hollis, New York is recalling approximately 19,000 of the following squeeze toys which have been distributed nationwide in the last two years: Popeye character head on red handle Olive Oyl character head on red handle The toys are made of soft, easily compressed plastic material, are in a package bearing the number P 7932 and are sold under the brand name: Popeye. Stamped on the back of the head is "King Features Syndicate, Inc. Crib Mates 1979". No other Popeye or Crib Mates squeeze toys are involved in this recall. Consumers should remove these products from use immediately and return them to the retailer where purchased for full refund. Retailers should remove the toys from sale immediately and return to Crib Mates for a refund. Baby World Company, Inc. of Great Neck, New York and Grafton, West Virginia is recalling approximately 64,800 "Squeeze Me" animal squeeze toys which were sold on a nationwide basis from 1980 until the company ceased distribution in 1981. The toys are: lion's head with bow tie on handle cat's head with bow tie on handle dog's head with bow tie on handle. The toys are made of soft, easily compressed plastic material and were sold under the brand name "Squeeze Me" in a plastic bag with a cardboard label. The label bears the style number "7576' and the name "Baby World Company, Inc., Great Neck, NY." The overall length of the toys is 4-3/4". The toys have ends measuring about 7/8" in diameter and handles that are approximately 2-l/4" in length. Consumers should remove these products from use immediately and return them to the retailer where purchased for full refund. If desired, consumers may return the squeeze toy to Baby World Company, Inc., Pike Street, Grafton, West Virginia 26354, telephone (304) 265-2120, for full refund. Retailers should remove the toys from sale immediately and return them to Baby World Company, Inc., Grafton, West Virginia. For further information, consumers may call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC.
November 18, 1982Release #82-049 CPSC Warns Of Explosion Hazard with Fireplace-Powered Water Heaters Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today warned consumers of an explosion hazard with certain fireplace-powered water heaters used to supplement home heating systems. Units involved were sold under the brand names "Hydrohearth," "Hydroplace," and "Aqua Grate." Manufacturers of these units - Ridgeway Steel Fabricators, Inc. of Ridgeway, Pennsylvania and Shark Manufacturing Corporation of Greenlawn, New York are no linger in business. These devices are made of tubular steel or steel plate and resemble a fireplace grate or liner. Plumbing connects the unit to the hot-water heating system of the home. When these is a fire in the fireplace, furnace heat is either supplemented or replaced entirely by heat generated through the fireplace. Slowing or stopping the flow of water through the unit (resulting from circulator pump failure, electrical power failure, or frozen pipes) may result in water in the unit boiling into steam. If the unit does not have an adequate pressure relief device, properly installed, the build-up of pressure can cause an explosion. CPSC urges consumers who have one of these units to have its installation checked by a qualified, licensed plumber who has specific knowledge of boilers, water pumps, pipe freezing problems, and pressure relief valves. Of particular importance is the location, pressure rating, and flow capacity of the safety valve. If there is no safety valve, have one installed with a pressure rating and flow capacity suitable for any type of fire. The safety valve should be installed in the outlet piping as near to the unit as possible without risking damage due to overheating. It should be oriented according to the valve manufacturer's recommendation to avoid safety valve clogging. The outlet pipe from the unit to the safety valve should contain no valves or other restrictions. The safety valve should be checked periodically by triggering it to be sure that it will relieve pressure. This should be done with caution, by a knowledgeable person, to avoid hot water scalding. Other fireplace-powered water heaters that contain built-in safety devices such as burst disks, fusible plugs, or blowout plugs, are not subject to this warning. Information on the devices involved and what owners of these devices should do can be obtained by calling the Commission's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC
Serious Strangulation Risks Still Exist In Previously Recalled Stuffed Toys NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 16, 1982 Release # 82-048 CPSC Survey Reveals Serious Strangulation Risks Still Exist In Previously Recalled Stuffed Toys WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A survey by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission revealed that as many as 180,000 stuffed plush mobile animal toys that were originally voluntarily recalled by R. Dakin & Co. in 1979-80, may continue to pose a strangulation hazard to infants. For this reason the importer of the toys, R. Dakin & Co. of San Francisco, has redoubled its efforts to remove the hazard from consumer's hands. The 1982 CPSC survey analysis (the first of its kind conducted) indicated that a majority of Dakin consumers contacted were not aware of the recall. Some who still owned the toy were using it in a manner that placed their children at risk. An eleven-month-old baby girl and an eight-month-old baby boy strangled in the fall of 1979 where in separate incidents, each became entangled in the elastic strings suspending the toy from a crib bedpost. R. Dakin & Co. had undertaken a voluntary recall program in 1979-80 to notify toy owners of the potential hazard. Over 400,000 toys were then involved. Dakin's renewed efforts include paid ads in magazines aimed at parents of infants and toddlers. Dakin has also agreed to mail safety warning posters to thousands of pediatricians across the country for display in their waiting rooms. Involved in the recall are six different models of stuffed toys which are intended to be suspended by means of three elastic cords. The recalled Dakin toys are: Hummbug Bee Model 34-3645 Embo Elephant Model 34-1972 Jolly Polly Parrot Model 34-3462 Stanley Stork Model 34-3653 Lucky Ladybug Model 34-3662 Duckswoop Model 34-3666 Each toy is covered with plush fabric and contains a musical chime device. The R. Dakin & Co. name appears on a tag sewn on each animal. The stuffed toys were imported from South Korea and sold in the United States approximately $7-10 in toy and other retail stores. For a full refund of the retail purchase price and reimbursement of postage costs , parents should return the animals to R. Dakin & Co., 499 Point San Bruno Blvd., South San Francisco, California 94080. Consumers who wish to keep the toys should: 1) cut off the three elastic cords, and 2) phone Dakin, toll-free, at 800-227-6598; in California, 800-632-2179.
Squeeze Toys Recalled by Electra-Plastics NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 10, 1982 Release # 82-047 Happy-Mates Squeeze Toy Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Electra-Plastics, Inc. of Port Newark, New Jersey, today announced a voluntary recall of four "Happy-Mates" squeeze toys because they are small enough to lodge in the throat of a child and obstruct the airway thus causing choking and/or suffocation. Although these particular toys have not been involved in any choking incident known to CPSC, similar shaped toys have been involved in choking deaths. Between 8 pnd 9 thousand of these toys have been distributed primarily in the northeastern states during the last 2 years. All four squeeze toys have bulbous or flared ends measuring 3/4" to 1 l/4" in diameter and handles that are 2 3/4" long. Overall length of the toys is.5". The toys are: orange lion's head with bow tie on orange handle yellow cat's head with bow tie on yellow handle green frog's head with bow tie on white handle pink pig's head with bow tie 'on pink handle The toys are made of soft easily compressed plastic material and are packaged and sold under the brand name "Happy Mates." They are stamped "Taiwan" on the squeaky portion. The packaging bears the number H702. Consumers should remove these products from use immediately and return to the retailer where purchased for full refund. Or consumers may return the toys to Electra-Plastics, Inc., Bldg. 305, Navy and Neptune Streets, Port Newark, N.J. 07114 for a full refund. The telephone number is 201-589-2525. Retailers should remove the toys from sale immediately and return to Electra-Plastics, Inc. for a full refund.
Playmobil Toys Recalled by McDonald's NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 3, 1982 Release # 82-046 McDonald's Voluntarily Stops Playmobil Promotion And Recalls WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission announced today that McDonald's Corporation of Oakbrook, Illinois, has voluntarily stopped further Playmobil toy promotion and distribution as of November 1st. McDonald's made this decision immediately after learning that recent tests showed the Playmobil toys failed to comply with CPSC's regulation designed to prevent choking hazards to children under three. The Playmobil toys, which are manufactured by the Schaper Manufacturing Company of Minneapolis, Minnesota, have not been involved in any known choking incidents. Five toys were to be distributed nationwide through approximately 5,800 McDonald's restaurants. The five toys included a Sheriff, Indian, Sheriff's Horse, Umbrella Girl and Farmer. Approximately 10 million of the Sheriff and Indian Playmobil toys in this promotion were actually distributed from October 22nd through November 1st. The plastic toy figures have movable parts and are accompanied by various plastic accessories. Consumers with children under three who received these Playmobil toys should discontinue their use and return the toys to a McDonald's restaurant in exchange for a box of McDonald's cookies, a cone or a refund.
Swyngomatic Converta Cradles Repaired by Grace Metal NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 21, 1982 Release # 82-044 Voluntary Repair Program Announced For Swyngomatic Converta Cradles WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Grace Metal Products, Inc., of Elverson, Pennsylvania, today announced a voluntary repair program affecting approximately 67,000 "Swyngomaric" Converta Cradles. The repair program is being conducted as a result of alleged insufficient support for the cradle's masonite bottom board which may allow infants to fall out of the cradle if the board is not positioned properly during assembly by the purchaser. The Commission is aware of 36 instances of the bottom collapsing which resulted in children falling out of the cradle to the ground. In at least 13 of these instances, injuries resulted consisting of bruises and cuts to the infants. The repair program applies to Converta Cradles manufactured from September, 1979 through July, 1980. The product is marketed as a 3 in 1 unit which can be used as a cradle, a swing or a carry cradle. The cradle consists of mesh sides with a steel tubular carrying handle which connects to the wind up mechanism. Those cradles which do not have two metal rods supporting the bottom board are affected by this repair program. The products, which were sold exclusively through Grace Children's Products, Inc., for $30 to $45 have been sold in retail stores nationwide under the trade name, "Swyngomatic", models 5900, 5905 and 5970. They were also sold by Sears,Roebuck and Co. in its catalogue under the "Swyngomatic" name, catalogue i/36261 and 36273; J.C. Penney Company in its catalogue under the trade name "Toddle time", catalogue #5161, and Montgomery Ward in its catalogue under the trade name "Wynd-A-Matic", catalogue number 5339. Grace has redesigned the bottom cradle board with floor support rods which they believe will provide an additional safety feature in the event the bottom board is not properly positioned during assembly. Consumers owning affected Converta Cradles should write to Grace Metal Products, P.O. Box 200, Elverson, Pennsylvania 19520 or call the firm on its toll-free telephone number, 800-345-4109 (in Pennsylvania, call 215-286-5951), for a free support kit consisting of two steel support rods, fasteners, and assembly instructions. Until the support rods are received, consumers are cautioned against using affected cradles.
Pronto Caffe Espresso/Cappuccino Machines Recalled by Continental Gourmet NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 29, 1982 Release # 82-042 Continental Gourmet Corp. And CPSC Reach Agreement To Replace Parts On Some Pronto Caffe EM-L Espresso Cappuccino Appliances WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Continental Gourmet Corp. of Edison, New Jersey, has agreed to replace parts on its Pronto Caffe EM-l Espresso/Cappuccino SBevearge Makers which were manufactured through May 1980. Approximately 22,000 units may be involved. According to CPSC, the coffee basket in particular units b of this appliance may be difficult to secure. The unit has a water reservoir below which the coffee basket is attached. The brewed coffee drips into a glass carafe positioned directly beneath the basket. If the coffee basket is not properly secured to the unit, the normal buildup of steam pressure could potentially cause the basket to dislodge and strike the glass carafe, resulting in flying glass and hot liquid. Eleven incidents of apparent basket detachment have been reported to the CPSC, four of which noted the occurrence of minor injuries consisting of cuts and burns. Additional incidents have been reported directly to the Company, two of which allegedly resulted in minor injuries. These beverage makers can be identified by the following date codes located on the bottom of each unit, the first number in each column indicating the month and second number indicating the year: 11 9 or 11 79 12 9 or 12 79 1 8 or 1 80 2 8 or 2 80 3 8 or 3 80 4 8 or 4 80 5 8 or 5 80 Continental Gourmet Corp. is offering consumers a replacement of the original coffee basket with a "universal" basket that has been modified for easier and more secure attachment to the unit and an unbreakable plastic carafe for the original glass carafe. Consumers who own an EM-l model with date codes specified above should refrain from using their appliance and, should contact the Continental Gourmet Corp. on its toll-free numbers as follows to obtain replacement parts: ALL UNITED STATES, EXCEPT THE STATE OF NEW JERSEY: (800) 631-5473 ALL OF NEW JERSEY, EXCEPT (201) AREA CODE: (800) 272-1293 NEW JERSEY (201) AREA CODE: (201) 287-5360 or write to: Continental Gourmet Corp. 11 Executive Avenue Edison, New Jersey 08817
Contemporary Times "Stralighter" Cribs Warning NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 22, 1982 Release # 82-040 Dangerous Baby Cribs WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission today warned consumers that in excess of 1,000 "Stralighter" non-full size baby cribs manufactured between 1975 and 1978 by Contemporary Times, Inc., St. Petersburg, Florida, present a neck entrapment hazard. A nine-month-old baby died as a result of asphyxiation when her neck became entrapped in the crib slats. The "Starlighter" crib is made of plastic and has hinged fold-down side rails. When the top half of the side rail is folded down, the lower half of the side rail presents a picket fence configuration in which the baby's neck may become entrapped. In addition to the entrapment hazard, the baby may fall out of the crib and sustain injury as a result of improper crib side height. The side rail in its lowest position is below the top of the mattress in its highest position, making it possible for the baby to fall out of the crib. Consumers should immediately discontinue the use of the "Starlighter" crib. There is no adequate and feasible "fix" for the entrapment hazard. Consumers should not attempt to make such a "fix" because it is most likely to present other hazards to babies. Contemporary Times, Inc. is insolvent and undergoing a federal bankruptcy proceeding. The firm has, therefore, refused to recall or repurchase the cribs. The crib was sold nationwide at retail for approximately $200.00.