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All product recalls affecting Indiana.
Includes nationwide recalls (tagged “Nationwide”) and recalls with Indiana in the distribution area.
April 2, 1996 Release # 96-093 WASHINGTON, D.C.- As part of its ongoing investigation of zippered bean bag chairs that may present a suffocation hazard, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Meri-Jon Artist Colony of Lexington, N.C., announced today a major cooperative repair program for 150,000 zippered bean bag chairs.CPSC's ongoing investigation has included corrective actions and repair programs implemented by 15 other bean bag chair manufacturers. Previous corrective actions have affected over 12 million bean bag chairs.CPSC is aware of 5 deaths from suffocation and at least 23 cases where children recovered from their injuries involving zippered bean bag chairs. The children who died unzipped the bean bag chairs, crawled inside, inhaled and ingested the small pellets of foam filling. In other cases children choked while playing with pellets from unzipped bean bag chairs which clogged their mouths and noses. None of these deaths and incidents involved bean bag chairs manufactured by Meri-Jon Artist Colony.Meri-Jon Artist Colony has sold bean bag chairs nationwide since 1980 at small retail furniture stores. The chairs, which are sold in a variety of styles and colors, can be identified by the manufacturer's label on the product. Owners of Meri-Jon Artist Colony's bean bag chairs can contact the company at (800) 476-4618 to receive instructions for repairing their bean bag chairs. Bean bag chairs manufactured and sold by Meri-Jon Artist Colony with an outer zipper with no pull tab are not affected.Any manufacturer's zippered bean bag chair that freely opens should be taken away from children IMMEDIATELY. Consumers should be aware that bean bag chairs manufactured with a small, T-shaped plastic tab attached to the zipper head are in need of repair. This repair program does not affect bean bag chairs that have been retroffitted to prevent children from freely opening them. Consumers who are not sure whether their bean bag chairs are included in this repair program or need help identifying their bean bag chair's manufacturer should call CPSC's toll-free hotline at (800) 638-2772 for assistance
Hedge Trimmers Recalled by Black & Decker 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 2, 1996 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-094 CPSC and Black & Decker Announce Recall of TR135, 195, 255 Type 1 Hedge Trimmers WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md., is announcing the voluntary recall of about 2,000 hedge trimmers. The lock-off device on the hedge trimmer switch may not function properly. The hedge trimmer could be turned on even if the switch is in the "lock- off" position. As a result, consumers could be injured if the hedge trimmer accidently starts up. Black & Decker has received no reports of injury involving the hedge trimmers. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. This program involves Black & Decker's TR135 Type 1, TR195 Type 1, and TR255 Type 1 hedge trimmers. Hedge trimmers subject to this program can be identified by looking at the second line of the product identification label on the right hand side of the hedge trimmer. If it states TR135 Type 1, TR195 Type 1, or TR255 Type 1, and was purchased in February or early March 1996, it is one of the recalled trimmers. TR135 Type 2, TR195 Type 2, and TR255 Type 2 hedge trimmers are not included in this recall. Consumers can distinguish between the recalled Type 1 trimmers and the Type 2 trimmers not involved in this recall by referring to the side product identification label. Type 2 units also have a green dot on the bottom right hand corner of the hedge trimmer carton. No other Black & Decker hedge trimmers or any other products are involved in this program. Hardware stores and home centers sold the hedge trimmers nationwide in February and early March 1996 for between $29.00 and $39.00. Consumers who own the TR135 Type 1, TR195 Type 1, or TR255 Type 1 hedge trimmers should return them to a Black & Decker company-owned service center for a free replacement hedge trimmer. To locate the nearest Service Center or for more information about this program, consumers can call Black & Decker at (800) 762-6672.
March 28, 1996 Release # 96-090 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Bucky Products Inc., of Seattle, Wash., is recalling over 3,800 Baby Bucky baby pillows. Infant pillows and cushions have been banned under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act because they pose a potential suffocation hazard to infants.The C-shaped infant pillows are intended for use in infant car seats and strollers to keep children's heads from rolling from side to side as they sleep. The pillows, measuring 10 inches long by 9.5 inches wide, weigh about 10 ounces, are covered in French blue, pink, or emerald jade Polartec fabric, and are filled with buckwheat hulls. The pillows' hang tags read in part, "baby BUCKY ... Seattle U.S.A. ... Pillows." Travel, variety, drug, and department retail stores sold the pillows nationwide from December 1993 to June 1995 for $22 each.Consumers should take the pillows away from children immediately and return the pillows to the store where purchased for a full refund. Consumers can also send their Baby Bucky pillows to P.O. Box 31970, Seattle, Wash. 98103 for a full refund plus mailing costs. For more information, consumers should call Bucky Products Inc. at (800) 692-8259. Bucky Products Inc. and CPSC are not aware of any injuries involving these pillows.This recall does not include the larger Adult Bucky Travel Pillows
March 27, 1996 Release # 96-088 WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Ryobi America Corporation of Anderson, S.C., is announcing a recall to repair approximately 150,000 10-inch table saws. On some saws, the power switch lock-off mechanism may not work, and as a result, children and others who should not have access to the saw could be injured by the moving blade.Ryobi has not received reports of any injuries associated with this problem. All table saws which may have this problem have large rectangular ON/OFF buttons.In order to turn the saw on, a switch lock-off key (referred to in the owner's manual as a key plate) must be in place around the ON button. In some cases, if the OFF button is not completely depressed, consumers may be able to restart the table saw without the key. As a result, consumers could be accidentally cut or injured.The saws, weighing 75 pounds each, have a 10-inch blade and a sliding miter table.The table saws were sold under the brand names and model numbers "Ryobi BT3000" and "Sears Craftsman Model 315.22185." Various home centers and hardware stores sold the Ryobi saws nationwide starting in May 1991. Sears stores sold the Craftsman saws nationwide starting in July 1994. Both table saws sold for approximately $400 to $600 each.The table saws have a serial number located on a data plate on the right side of the saw. Consumers who own Ryobi BT3000 10-Inch Table Saws with serial numbers ending in four digits lower than 9608 or Sears Craftsman Model 315.22185 10-Inch Table Saws should call (800) 867-9624 immediately with the serial number of their saw. Replacement switches will be installed without charge. Consumers are also encouraged to confirm full release of the ON button when removing their "lock-off key" and to always remove the plug from its power source when the table saw is not in use
March 27, 1996 Release # 96-087 WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Shindaiwa Inc. of Tualatin, Ore., is announcing the recall of approximately 18,500 Shindaiwa model EB-45 backpack blowers, and 4,970 Shindaiwa model 300S chain saws. The tools' fuel tanks could leak, presenting a possible chemical burn or fire hazard. Shindaiwa is not aware of any injuries involving these products.The red blower is mounted on a black metal backpack frame with shoulder straps, black blower tubes, and a white fuel tank with "Shindaiwa ... model number EB-45" printed in the center. The red chain saw has a gray guide bar and "model number 300S" printed on the pull-start housing.Authorized Shindaiwa dealers nationwide sold these tools from April 1992 to June 1995. The backpack blowers sold for approximately $430 each and the chain saw for approximately $300 each.Consumers who own the recalled backpack blowers or chain saws should stop using them immediately and return them to any authorized Shindaiwa servicing dealer. The backpack blower and chain saw will be fitted with a redesigned fuel tank at no charge. For more information, consumers should call Shindaiwa toll-free at (800) 521-7733.Shindaiwa is conducting this recall to prevent the possibility of injury
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 # 96-084 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Dollar Tree Stores Inc. of Norfolk, Va., is recalling approximately 23,000 stationery activity sets. The sets include a plastic cutter with a metal blade. Consumers could be cut if the cutter's handle is inadvertently compressed, and the blade is exposed unexpectedly.The plastic cutters have a black button and a handle in a variety of colors such as gray, red, orange, yellow, green, etc. They measure 6.25 inches long (6.5 inches long when the blade is extended), .5 inch wide, and .5 inch thick. The cutters were sold as part of an activity set, which also included a clear plastic tape dispenser and two yellow, fine-tipped highlighters. The activity sets were blister-packed on green, violet, or blue cardboard labeled in part, "Item #STNY 85 5TPJ3 ... UPC #0 4038801113 7 ... Made in Indonesia ..." Dollar Tree Stores in the Eastern, Midwestern, and Southern United States sold the activity sets from July to August 1995 for $1 each.Consumers should stop using the cutter immediately and return it to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call Dollar Tree Stores at (800) 876-8077 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EST.Dollar Tree and CPSC are not aware of any injuries associated with the potential hazard. Dollar Tree is conducting this recall to prevent the possibility of injury
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
March 20, 1996 Release # 96-083 WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), NuTone Inc. of Cincinnati, Ohio, is announcing a recall to repair more than 25,000 "NuTone" brand ST-1000 Stereo-Cassette Players. Components in the power supply board may overheat, causing smoke damage or fire.NuTone is aware of at least 16 incidents that resulted in property damage, ranging from melted cassette players to damage to the house itself. NuTone is not aware of any injuries involving this stereo. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.The radios, measuring 14.5 inches long by 9.25 inches high, can be mounted flush against the wall and wired to remote speakers throughout the home. The stereos come in two colors, white and walnut. The words "NuTone" and "Model ST-1000" appear on the front of the radio to the left of the radio dial. The cassette deck is located at the lower right corner. The cassette players also feature volume, balance, tone and input selector dials on the front. Various retail stores and electrical distributors sold the stereos nationwide from January 1990 to December 1995. The stereo-cassette players were also installed in newly constructed homes during the same time period. Model ST-1000D (walnut) and Model ST-1000WH (white) sold for approximately $200. Model ST-1000PKD (walnut) and Model ST- 1000PKWH (white) sold for $246 as part of a set that also included two speakers, wire, an antenna, and a transformer.Consumers who have a Model ST-1000 Stereo-Cassette Player should stop using it and call NuTone at (888) 336-6151. Nutone will provide consumers with the name of a local service organization that will send a representative to the consumer's home to inspect and, if necessary, fix the radio free of charge
March 19, 1996 Release # 96-082 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Division Sales Inc. of Itasca, Ill., is recalling 6,000 toy wooden caterpillars. The toy caterpillar's eyes can break off, presenting a choking hazard to young children.CPSC and Division Sales Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these toy caterpillars. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The painted wooden caterpillars, measuring approximately 10 inches long, 4 inches tall, and 3 inches wide, have yellow bodies and green, red, and blue wheels. The toy has a 10-inch long pull string attached to the caterpillar's head. Although the toy itself is unlabeled, it comes packaged in a blue colored cardboard box labeled "WOOD CATERPILLAR ... ITEM NO. 801 MADE IN CHINA FOR JUSTEN PRODUCTS."Various retail stores and discount centers sold the toy caterpillars nationwide from July 1994 to February 1996 for approximately $5 to $10 each.Consumers should take the toy caterpillars away from young children immediately and return the toys to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call Division Sales Inc. at (800) 621-8134. The potentially hazardous toys were identified by the State of Kentucky's Department of Health Services, Product Safety Programs at a retail store in Eddyville, Kentucky
Unishock Suspension Forks Recalled by Scott Usa 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 March 13, 1996; Revised July 9, 2001 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-080 CPSC, Scott Usa Announce Recall Of "Unishock" Suspension Forks WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S Consumer Product Safety Commission, Scott USA Inc. of Boulder Colo., is voluntarily recalling approximately 13,600 "Unishock" suspension forks. The forks may crack or separate, causing a rider to lose control of the bicycle and fall. Scott USA has received 640 reports of incidents of these model forks cracking or separating, eight of which resulted in injuries. The injuries reported have included two concussions, two separated shoulders, one laceration, and three abrasion injuries, or "road rashes." The forks have the "SCOTT" logo on the side of each fork leg. A sticker on the front of each leg reads, "UNISHOCK" with the designation "S", "LF", "VR", "TX" or "R." Bicycle stores sold the forks nationwide as original equipment on the following 1993 and 1994 models of Scott USA bicycles: Ultimate CST, Team Racing, Comp Racing, and Unitrack ST. The following 1994 models are also included in this recall: Ultimate CST, Team Racing, Comp Racing, Unitrack ST, Unitrack CC, and Unitrack FSR. Approximately 350 Scott bicycle dealers sold about 5,600 bicycles with the forks nationwide from August 1992 to June 1995 for between $669 and $2,495, depending on the model. During the same period, 1,450 bicycle stores also sold approximately 8,000 forks nationwide as after-market equipment for about $200 to $400, depending on the model. Only forks with the designations listed above are involved in this recall. Forks with white legs bearing the name "UNISHOCKS" are not part of this recall. Consumers who own recalled suspension forks should stop using them immediately. They should bring bicycles with recalled forks, even if the forks were purchased as aftermarket equipment, to any authorized Scott bicycle dealer. Each defective fork will be replaced free with a new, comparable suspension fork. For more information, consumers should call (800) 292-5874.
March 11, 1996 Release # 96-077 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, O'Neill Sportswear, a division of La Jolla Sports USA, of Irvine, Calif., is recalling 347 "Milky Way" jackets. The jackets, which burn faster than newspaper, violate the federal Flammable Fabrics Act and pose a serious risk of burn injuries.CPSC and O'Neill are not aware of any injuries involving these jackets. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.The hooded, reverse fleece pullover jackets were available in three colors: Black (white with gray pinstripes and stitching), Moondust (white with brown pinstripes and stitching), and Organic Green (white with green pinstripes and stitching). "O'Neill" is embroidered on the chest, and sewn-in labels at the neck read, "O'Neill ... RN # 85773 ...100% Cotton ... Made in USA ... " The jacket's hang tags read in part, "O'Neill ... Quality Fit Function ..." Ski and sports shops sold the jackets from August to November 1995 for approximately $56 in the following states: Arizona, California, Colorado, Florida, Hawaii, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Nebraska, New Jersey, Ohio., Oregon, and Wisconsin.Consumers should stop wearing these jackets immediately and call O'Neill Sportswear at (800) 213-6444 to arrange for a refund or replacement.The Canadian Government alerted CPSC to this hazard after the jackets' material failed Canadian flammability standards
March 11, 1996 Release # 96-076 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Zip Zag of Hoboken, N.J., is recalling approximately 18,300 women's cotton sweat shirts. The sweat shirts, which violate the federal Flammable Fabrics Act, burn faster than newspaper and pose a serious risk of burn injuries.The women's long sleeve, 100 percent cotton, reverse fleece sweat shirts were available in six colors: grey, black, red, navy, cobalt, and wine. The sweat shirts have a crown and "#1 Strategy" on the front. Sewn-in labels on the neck of the sweat shirts read, "RED CABIN ... RN 65313 ... Made in Pakistan." The sweat shirts' hang tags read, "STYLE # 133033 ... RED CABIN." Dots retail stores in the East and Midwest sold the sweat shirts from July, 1995 to February, 1996 for $10.Consumers should stop wearing these sweat shirts immediately and return them to any Dots store for a refund. For more information, consumers should call their local Dots store. Consumers can also mail the garment directly to Zip Zag Customer Service Center, Attention: Peter Luthria, 1422 Grand St., 3rd Floor, Hoboken, N.J. 07030. Zip Zag will send consumers a full refund, including postage costs.CPSC learned of the flammability of the sweat shirts as a result of a consumer complaint
March 11, 1996 Release # 96-075 WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Swim n' Play of Rahway, N.J., is recalling 4-inch frame ledge covers installed on about 1,465 above ground pools. Triangular-shaped, plastic caps on the ledge covers, used at the joints of the pool's outer edges, do not properly cover the sharp edges of the pool's sheet metal ledge. Swimmers can cut themselves on the exposed sharp edges in the pool.Swim n' Play is aware of one case in which a young girl cut the bridge of her nose and her eye lid from contact with the sharp edges on the pool's ledge.Swim n' Play sold the covers from 1980 to 1994 for its Windsor, Charter Oak, Holiday Isle, New Yorker, Wedgewood, Silverwood, Triumph and Monaco models. The pools were sold in the northeastern United States at A-1 Pools, Harrows, Norberts Pools, Este and MandM Distributors.Pool owners should call Swim n' Play at (800) 631-3483 for free replacement ledge covers
February 22, 1996 Release # 96-073 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Everything's A Dollar, Inc. of Milwaukee, Wisc. doing business as "Everything's $1.00", is voluntarily recalling 9,382 Big Wooden Trucks. The toy trucks' driver, wheel, and axle pieces pose a potential choking hazard to young children.The trucks were sold in three styles: one with multi-colored abacus beads, one with six multi-color discs, and one with five lettered and numbered discs. The wooden trucks each measure 5.5 inches long with red wheels and headlights, and a "driver" with a yellow hat, white face and red body. Each toy is labeled, "LIDCO, North York, Ontario Canada... SKU 58188... UPC number 0 59584 05230 1." More than 200 "Everything's $1.00" retail stores nationwide sold the trucks for $1each. Consumers should take the trucks away from children under three years of age immediately. The firm is out of business. Consumers should discard or destroy these products.CPSC and Everything's A Dollar, Inc. are not aware of any injuries involving these products. This voluntary recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.The potentially hazardous toys were identified during the State of Kentucky Product Safety Branch's examination of the "Everything's $1.00" retail store in Florence, Ky
Griptight Pacifier Recall by Binky-Griptight NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles February 15, 1996 (301) 504-7052 Release # 97-058 CPSC and Binky-Griptight Announce Pacifier Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Binky-Griptight Inc., of Wallington, N.J., is voluntarily recalling approximately 13,000 Binky Newborn Orthodontic Pacifiers that the firm reports do not comply with CPSC safety standards. If the pacifiers crack in the knob well, the nipple can detach from the shield presenting a choking hazard to children. While CPSC and Binky-Griptight are aware of about six complaints of these pacifiers separating, no injuries have been reported. The newborn orthodontic pacifiers involved in this recall have red, mint green, blue, and white "butterfly-shaped" mouth shields with two ventilation holes on each side in the shapes of crescent moons and stars. Some white butterfly-shaped mouth shields may have crescent moons, stars, and heart shapes stenciled on the front. The pacifiers have knob wells measuring 1/4 inch high, with a knob that will not move when twisted. The pacifiers involved in this recall are packaged individually or in sets of two in a plastic shell with a cardboard backer card. The pacifiers are identified as item numbers 2115, 3085, 3086, and 3087. The item numbers are located at the upper right corner on the front of each package. A label that reads in part "Made *** in Malaysia *** Griptight Malaysia Ltd" is printed on the back of each package. Binky Newborn Orthodontic Pacifiers that are not involved in this recall have knob wells measuring 3/8 inch high, with a knob that will move when twisted. A label on the back of each package reads in part "Made *** in England." Target Stores and other retail stores sold the pacifiers nationwide between August 1994 and August 1995. University Hospitals of Oklahoma City, Okla., sold the pacifiers between May 1995 and August 1995. Pacifiers sold for about $1. Consumers should stop using the recalled pacifiers immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a free replacement or mail them to Binky-Griptight, Inc., P.O. Box 3307, Wallington, N.J. 07057-3307 for a free replacement and postage reimbursement. For more information, consumers may also call Binky-Griptight at (800) 526-6320.
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
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
Whirlpool's Recall Hotline: (866) 580-9177 February 14, 1996 Release # 96-066 WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), W.C. Wood Company Inc. of Ottawa, Ohio, is announcing a voluntary recall to repair 345,775 chest freezers. The freezer's lock mechanism can be forced open without a key. Therefore, if a child opens the freezer and climbs or falls in, the lock could re-latch, trapping the child inside.The freezers were sold from January 1991 through February 1996 in five different sizes: 7, 10, 12, 15, and 22 cubic feet. All of the freezers are white or almond. The freezers were sold nationwide for retail prices ranging from $199 to $549 through the following companies and brand names:W.C. Wood Company distributed as Woods Brand and Quickfrez Brand; Danby Products Inc. of Findlay, Ohio, distributed as Danby Brand;Crosley Group of Winston-Salem, N.C., distributed as Crosley Brand; Whirlpool Corporation of Benton Harbor, Mich., distributed as Whirlpool Brand, Roper Brand, and Estate Brand. W.C. Wood Co. is aware of five reports of incidents in which children have opened locked freezers without a key, including one report of a child who allegedly became trapped in the freezer but was found and released by an adult. The company is not aware of any injuries involving these freezers. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.Consumers with recalled Whirlpool, Roper or Estate brand freezers should contact Whirlpool Corp. toll-free at (866) 580-9177 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, to determine if they have an affected freezer. Before calling, consumers should have the brand, model and serial number of their freezer, which they can get from the plate on the front inside wall on the right side, or the outside back wall next to the temperature control. Whirlpool will send a free modification kit to consumers with recalled Whirlpool, Roper or Estate brand freezers. Until the freezer lock is modified, unlock the lid and place the key in a child-safe location. There is no remedy for unrepaired Wood's, Quickfrez, Danby and Crosley freezers. Disable and destroy unrepaired freezers
February 14, 1996 Release # 96-067 WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Kmart Corporation of Troy, Mich., is recalling 11,756 men's cotton fleece shirts. The shirts violate the federal Flammable Fabrics Act and pose a serious risk of burn injuries.The men's long sleeve, button-down, 100 percent cotton shirts were available in four colors, burgundy, hunter green, dark blue and gray; and four sizes, small, medium, large, and extra-large. The shirts, which were made in Korea, have "RN 42000" and "NORTHWEST TERRITORY" printed on sewn-in labels at the neck. The shirts' hang tags read, "Rugged Sportswear ... Northwest Territory," along with style number 8025, item number 8311, and the size. Kmart stores sold the shirts nationwide from September to December 1995 for $19.99 each.Consumers should immediately stop wearing these shirts and return them to any Kmart store for a refund. For more information, consumers should call their local Kmart store.Kmart learned of the shirts' flammability from a customer and reported to CPSC following their laboratory testing