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All product recalls affecting Massachusetts.
Includes nationwide recalls (tagged “Nationwide”) and recalls with Massachusetts in the distribution area.
July 27,1982 Release # 82-036 CPSC Recalls Rattles BACKGROUND: - In 1978, the Consumer Product Safety Commission banned rattles that could become caught in infant's throats and cause choking and suffocation. The ban was issued when the Commission became aware of 10 fatalities and 19 choking incidents since 1943. Recently, the Commission has found some banned rattles being sold. WASHINGTON, D.C., In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission two firms, The Montgomery Schoolhouse, Inc., Montgomery, Vermont and Schowanek of America, New York, N.Y., have agreed to voluntarily recall banned rattles. Consumers are asked to remove these rattles from use immediately. The Montgomery Schoolhouse, Inc., Montgomery, Vermont, is recalling approximately 61,000 baby rattles. The toys were sold since September, 1981. To date there have been no reported injuries involving Montgomery Schoolhouse rattles. The rattles are made of hardwood. Some have colored parts and some have clear varnish finish. Three of the seven designs recalled have metal bells enclosed in hardwood cages. Some of the rattles were sold in "blister" packages with the words "RATTLE, Heirloom Quality, Hardwood, Childsafe Color' printed on the face. Some were sold in plastic bags with a paper insert which said " finest Handcrafted Wooden Toys from Vermont" and the names "TT Bell Rattle" or "TT 5 Disc Rattle." Others were sold without packaging. Consumers should return the rattles to the retailer where they were purchased in exchange for rattles that meet the federal safety requirements. Or consumers may return the rattles directly to the Montgomery Schoolhouse, Inc., Montgomery, Vermont 05470, for exchange. Retailers are asked to remove these rattles from sale immediately and return them to the Montgomery Schoolhouse, Inc. in exchange for rattles in compliance with federal regulations. Schowanek of America, New York, N.Y., is recalling approximately 2,900 wooden baby rattles imported since 1981. To date there have been no reported injuries involving Montgomery Schoolhouse rattles. The rattles are No. 10875/2, a duck on a handle; No. 10875/33, dumb bell shape; No. 10876/17, bowling pin; 10876/3, dumb bell shape with pieces of wood on the shaft; No. 10876/26 bar bell with 4 wooden rings on the shaft; No. 10876/g handle with head and arms; and No. 10876/19 cylinder with six holes and bell inside (not in picture). Consumers should return these rattles to the place of purchase for refund or exchange. Consumers can also return the rattles directly to Schowanek for a refund. Retailers are asked to remove the rattles from sale immediately and return them to Schowanek for exchange or credit
Gerico Baby Back Carriers Recalled Because of Potential Hinge Safety Problem NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Telephone Number & Responding Company Change, and remedy is no longer available. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued July 13, 1982, Last revised June 15, 2004 Release # 82-031 Gerico Baby Back Carriers Recalled Because of Potential Hinge Safety Problem WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Gerico, Inc., Denver, Colorado, had announced a voluntary repair program affecting approximately 238,000 "Gerry Carrier" and "Pak-A-Poose" baby back carriers. The carriers were manufactured between March 1979 and February 1981 and were being repaired because of a potential infant finger entrapment in the hinge mechanism on the moveable stand which supports the carrier when it is placed on a surface. The potential for entrapment occurs if the carrier's stand bar is opened while the child is in the carrier on the adult's back and the child's fingers are out of view. The Commission is aware of at least 23 incidents of finger entrapment resulting in 9 injuries. Injuries have included pinching, lacerations, and partial finger tip severance. Only carriers manufactured between March 1979 and February 1981 are involved. Carriers manufactured before or after these dates are not subject to the recall since they contain differently designed hinge mechanisms. The carrier was sold under the "Gerry" brand name by independent and chain retailers nationwide, as well as in U.S. Army and Air Force Exchanges. Retailers included K mart, Best Products, Woolworth, Woolco, Toys "R" Us and Montgomery Ward. The carrier was also sold nationwide under the label "Pak-A-Poose" by Sears, Roebuck and Co. The carriers sold at a price range of approximately $18-$30. To identify the product, consumers should locate the plastic brace at the bottom of the carrier. The date code of two, three or four digits is imprinted on the lower right inside portion of the brace (when facing the carrier straps). The first number is the last digit of the year the product was made. The following number or numbers on the top and bottom lines indicate what day of the year the item was manufactured (see attached drawing). Products covered by the program fall between 9/64 (the sixty-fourth day of 1979) and l/60 (the sixtieth day of 1981). All carriers with date codes beginning with the digit 0 are affected since they were made in 1980. Consumers who have these carriers should discard them. Repair parts are no longer available. Consumers who have questions about this recall may contact Evenflo's Parent Link Consumer Resource Center at (800) 233-5921. (Gerico, Inc. is out of business, but the Evenflo Company has now taken over responding to this recall).
June 1, 1982 Release # 82-024 Brass Craft Manually Operated Appliance Connector Valves Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in cooperation with Brass Craft Manufacturing Co., in Detroit, Michigan is voluntarily recalling approximately 112,000 manually operated gas appliance connector valves because drying of the valve lubricant may cause the valve to leak gas when in a closed position. Brass Craft has already received approximately 77,000 units. The non displaceable rotor gas valves being recalled were manufactured between November, 1980 and July, 1981. They were distributed after January 1, 1981 to a variety of original equipment manufacturers, wholesale hardware/plumbing distributors and retailers for consumer use in connecting gas appliances such as stoves or furnaces where a straight pipe connection does not exist. There have been no reports of failure or injuries associated with the use of the valves. The recall pertains to Brass Craft non displaceable rotor gas valves identified as: GFNDI - E4 GFNDI -H6 GFNDI - G4 MGFNDI - H6 or attached to connectors identified as: SC2E (all lengths) SC3E (all lengths) SC4E (all lengths) SClE (all lengths) SD7L (all lengths) MSC4E (all lengths) SD4L (all lengths) SC5E (all lengths) SL4L (all lengths) SL7L (all lengths) These valves are easily identified by a pyramid sign and the letters BC embossed on each handle. Any of these valves with a + (plus) sign shown ahead of the BC were manufactured after August, 1981 and are not included in this voluntary recall program. Consumers should exercise caution when attempting to locate the valve and its model number. If any odor of leaking gas is present, consumers should not attempt to locate the valve but should instead immediately contact their LP or Natural gas supplier or appliance installer/contractor for assistance. When looking for the valve and model number, consumers should be careful not to use matches or any other ignition source which could cause any accumulated gas to explode. Consumers who use one of these valves should immediately contact their appliance or furnace installer, the gas supplier or call Brass Craft collect at 313-871-0933 and ask for the Quality Assurance Manager for instructions to have a new control valve installed free of charge or call the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's toll free Hotline at 800-638-2772
June 1, 1982 Release # 82-025 Fuel Cups On Party Fondue Sets Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in cooperation with Gimbel Brothers, Inc., New York, New York, is voluntarily recalling approximately 3,046 Party Fondue Sets sold in Gimbels stores in New York City, Milwaukee, Pittsburgh and Philadelphia, due to a fuel leak at the seam of the alcohol-burning fuel cup. If the fuel cup is filled above the level of the seam joining the upper and lower parts of the cup, the alcohol fuel may leak out and cause a flash fire when the heating element is ignited by a user. Gimbel Brothers has received one complaint of burn injuries sustained by a person attempting to extinguish a flash fire in October, 1980. The recall covers only fondue sets sold by Gimbels stores in packaging labeled "Party Fondue Set." There is no further identification on the units or on the packaging. Owners are urged not to use them until they have obtained a replacement fuel cup. The Party Fondue Sets which were made in Japan were distributed from June, 1978 through October 1, 1980 in New York City, Milwaukee, and Pittsburgh , by Gimbel Brothers, Inc., for retail prices ranging from $15.99 to $19.99. Gimbel Brothers discontinued importation and removed all units from sale in October, 1980. Consumers who own one of these fondue sets may exchange the alcohol burning pot for a solid Sterno burning pot or receive a refund in the departments where purchased in any of the Gimbel stores
Hot Tub Suction Drain Fittings Recalled by Hydro Air NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 28, 1982 Release # 82-023 Recall Of Hot Tub, Spa, Whirlpool Suction Drain Fitting Because Of Hair Entrapment WASHINGTON, D.C. --The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in cooperation with Hydro Air Industries Inc., Orange, California, today announced a voluntary recall of approximately 125,000 suction drain cover fittings for spas, hot tubs and whirlpools because of the danger of hair entrapment. Three incidents have occurred when pre-teenage girls put their heads under water and their long hair became entangled in the suction drain cover fitting. Two incidents resulted in death by drowning, and in one incident the victim was pulled free. Water is drawn from the spa through 3-5/8 inch plastic suction fitting or drain covers located on the wall of the spa l-3 inches from the bottom. A powerful strong suction exists at the water outlet suction fitting or drain cover when the high speed whirlpool suction is turned on. The Hydro Air suction drain cover fittings can be identified by the three slots on the face of the fitting cover. The middle slot measures 3/16 inches by l-1/2 inches and the two slots on either side measures 3/16 inches by l-1/4. These suction/drain cover fittings have been sold nationwide since 1979. Most sales occurred within California, Arizona, Texas and Florida. Consumers should immediately stop using their hot tubs, spas and whirlpools. They should contact the company responsible for the installation, or Hydro Air Industries, Inc. (1317 W. Grove, Orange, CA 92665, Telephone: 714-974-1920, call collect), to determine whether their unit has a defective suction/drain cover and to make arrangements for a free replacement.
Squeeze Toys Recalled by Reliance NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 24, 1982 Release # 82-022 Reliance "Protecto Hold Me Tite" Squeeze Toy Recalled Because Of A Choking Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Reliance Products Corporation, Woonsocket, Rhode Island, today announced a voluntary recall of approximately 390,000 "Protecto Hold Me Tite" squeeze toys, Assortment #06233, because of the danger of choking and/or suffocation. Since 1974 approximately 390,000 of the toys have been sold for approximately $1.97 each. There have been two separate reports alleging that a four month old and a six month old infant choked and suffocated when the handle of the "Hold Me Tite" squeeze toy lodged in the throat and caused obstruction of the airways. The product is an animal shaped squeeze toy with a handle and a built in squeaker. Three models are involved: a pink elephant, a yellow bear and an orange lion. The product is packaged and sold under the brand name "PROTECTO" and labeled "Hold Me Tite" assortment number 06233. Stamped on the squeaker section on the back of the head is "Reliance Products Corporation, Made in Taiwan." Consumers should remove these products from use immediately and return them to the retailer where purchased for a full refund. Or consumers may return the squeeze toy to Reliance Products Corporation, 108 Mason Street, P.O. Box 1220, Woonsocket, Rhode Island for a full refund. Retailers should remove the toys from sale immediately and return to Reliance Products Corporation for a full refund.
Attic Ventilators Recalled by Emerson NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 17, 1982 Release # 82-020 Emerson Electric Company Recalling Powered Attic Ventilators In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Emerson Electric Company, St. Louis, Missouri, today announced a voluntary recall of 11,500 roof-mounted powered attic ventilators sold by Sears, Roebuck and Co. The motors of the ventilators may overheat and cause roof-top fires. The attic ventilators were sold nationwide through Sears retail stores and catalog sales in 1980 and 1981, for approximately $70.00. The ventilators have a light-gray molded polyvinyl outer hood. The identification plate on the back of the motor bears the Model No. 758.648360. The manufacturer has received several reports from consumers, since September 1981, alleging that these ventilators were involved in roof-top fires. No consumers have been injured in these fires. Consumers should examine the back of their attic ventilator and check the model number. Owners of the affected ventilators should discontinue using them and contact Emerson Electric Company on their toll-free number: l-800-325-4130. Missouri residents may call collect at 314-595-2507. The Companies will arrange for a service technician to visit the consumer's home and replace the motor of the ventilator free of charge.
Vac Attachments Recalled by Sun Hill NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 22, 1982 Release # 82-019 1000 Sun Vac Attachments Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Sun Hill Industries, Inc. of Stamford, Connecticut, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, announced today that it is recalling its Sun Vac, a wet vac/dry cleaning vacuum attachment, because of a potential electric shock hazard. This product converts a regular dry vacuum cleaner to a vacuum cleaner which can pick up water or other liquids from floors and other surfaces. The product consists of a 3 l/2-gallon plastic bucket and two adapter hoses, one of which can be connected to a dry vacuum cleaner. Sun Hill Industries and the CPSC are concerned that an electric shock hazard could result if the product's bucket becomes full of water or accidentally tips over. Water could then be sucked into the vacuum cleaner, soaking the motor. This could result in a potentially severe or fatal electric shock if anyone touched a metallic part of the vacuum cleaner while standing on a wet floor. No accidents have been reported by purchasers or users of the attachment since it was first introduced in March of 1980. However, Sun Hill Industries is recalling the product in the interest of consumer safety. Sales were discontinued in February 1981, after almost 1,000 units had been distributed. Consumers who have purchased the Sun Vac are requested to return the product directly to Sun Hill Industries, Inc., Glenbrook Industrial Park, 652 Glenbrook Road, Stamford, CT 06906. Refunds for the original purchase price, and for transporting Sun Vac back to the company, will be forwarded directly to the purchaser. Consumers who have questions on return of the product or who wish further clarification should call collect Sun Hill Industries, Inc. at 203-324-7550.
Metal Utility Clamp Lamps Recalled by Mid-State NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 2, 1982 Release # 82-011 Metal Utility Clamp Lamps Recalled Because Of Shock Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. -- A voluntary recall of approximately 8,000 metal socket utility clamp lamps was announced today by the Mid-State Manufacturing Corp. of Minneapolis, Minnesota , in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recall is being conducted because of a potential shock or electrocution hazard from an electrical short to the metal reflector, lamp base, and handle. One consumer has received a serious electric shock using the product. The recall covers Mid-State models P60, R208, R68, R205, R65, LX6 and LG9, sold nationwide since March 1981 in retail and hardware stores including Coast- to-Coast, Gamble Skogmo, and some Hardware Hank stores. Only models with metal sockets are being recalled. The Mid-State identification appears on a cardboard tag on the product cord. Consumers should immediately stop using the product and return to the place of purchase or directly to the manufacturer for a free replacement. Mid-State Mfg. Corp., 1111 Aldrich Ave., North, Minneapolis, Minnesota 55441. Anyone wishing to verify model numbers or retail locations where the lamps were sold may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Release # 82-008 WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Creative Playthings had renewed its efforts to replace all estimated 137,000 to 239,000 Creative Playthings Indoor Gym House ladders following a recent strangulation death. The product was manufactured prior to 1980 by Creative Playthings, a unit of Gabriel Industries, a division of CBS Inc., New York, N.Y. Consumers are urged to remove and destroy the ladder immediately. The replacement program was conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission which advised the firm of the death of a two-year-old California boy on February 9, 1982, in an accident associated with a Creative Playthings Indoor Gym House. The firm first took corrective action for the product in February, 1980, after learning of an accidental death and an incident causing brain damage which later resulted in death to a child playing with the product. The firm then urged owners of the product to obtain a free replacement ladder because the original ladder posed a strangulation hazard. The Creative Playthings Indoor Gym House consists of a hollow, fiberboard-and-wood box 20 inches in height which supports a two-step wooden ladder on one side and a short slide on the opposite side. The top of the box or "platform" serves as a bridge between the ladder and the slide and is protected on two sides by wooden railings. The product is intended for use by children ages 18 months through 3 l/2 years, according to the manufacturer. It was sold for approximately $29 to $50 in toy stores and other retail outlets nationwide in knocked-down form to be assembled by the owner. The ladder that was being replaced was manufactured from 1962 through 1979. The gym houses with ladders that were being replaced are those with "Creative Playthings" printed on the side or with no lettering. The space between the upper rung of the ladder and the platform was small enough for a child's head to be inserted and become entrapped creating a potential for strangulation. The replacement ladder that had been offered by the firm was redesigned to reduce the likelihood of head entrapment. The Creative Playthings company that conducted the recall no longer exists. The replacement ladders are no longer available, and consumers should discard or destroy the ladder if they have the product. Creative Playthings had undertaken additional efforts to advise owners to destroy the old ladder. The firm sent letters and posters to pediatricians and daycare centers throughout the United States, advertised in magazines, provided a public service announcement to major networks, aimed a news campaign to consumer affairs editors, and sent advisory bulletins to organizations serving parents of young children. Creative Playthings "Indoor Gym House
Lawn Mowers Recalled by Black & Decker 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 Originally issued March 9, 1982; Revised May 27, 2003 Release # 82-007 Recall Of Black And Decker Lawn Mowers WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Black & Decker Manufacturing Company, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, today announced the recall and repurchase of approximately 18,000 of its Model No. 8055 19" Battery Powered (Cordless) Lawn Mowers because of a possible fire hazard. The lawn mowers were sold nationwide between 1976 and the present and are orange and white in color. The company said it wants to recover every mower of that model and is offering refunds to owners. Black & Decker has received reports of a possible fire hazard associated with the battery used to power the Model No. 8055 Lawn Mower. These reports indicate that under certain circumstances, it is possible for a fire to occur as a result of an unexpected discharge of the lawn mower battery. The discharge occurs when the lawn mower battery is not in use and is either being recharged or is unattended. Black & Decker will grant a prorated refund to all owners of the Model 8055 Battery 'Powered Lawn Mower and is attempting to locate all owners to inform them of the possible fire hazard and the repurchase program. Black & Decker will mail certified letters to all persons who have informed the company that they own one of the mowers to provide them instructions on how to return the mower and obtain a refund. This recall and refund program applies to every Model No. 8055 Lawn Mower, including those which may have been modified by Black & Decker during the past year. All owners of the model No. 8055 Battery Powered Lawn Mower who have not received a certified letter from Black & Decker should contact the company immediately by calling (410) 665-7400, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, or call the Commission's toll free Hotline at (800) 638-2772.
Stuffed Teddy Bear Toys Recalled by Far East International NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 27, 1981 Release # 81-009 Stuffed Teddy Bear Toy Animals Recalled To Eliminate Safety Hazards WASHINGTON, D.C. (February 27) -- An estimated 23,000 children's stuffed teddy bears distributed nationwide by a New York importer are being recalled by the importer in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission because the toys may present safety hazards which could injure young children. Testing of the toy animals by CPSC showed that a substantial percentage of the noses and eyes of the teddy bears could be pulled off easily, thus posing a potential choking hazard. The tests, simulating normal use and abuse of the toys by a young child, were performed on a random sample of the teddy bears; they have been determined to be "banned hazardous substances" under the Federal Hazardous Substances Act. The teddy bears were manufactured in Korea and distributed nationwide to toy stores by Far East International, Inc., of New York City. Product code tags on the potentially hazardous toys are numbered 202-50, 202-94, 202-95 or 202-219. Another label sewn to the leg of each teddy bear reads "Sunkyung Limited. Made in Korea." Consumers are being urged to mail their children's teddy bears directly to Far East International at 1182 Broadway, Room 901, New York, New York, 10001. The company will provide full refunds or another toy animal of comparable value and will reimburse consumers for mailing costs. The importer also will alert each of its retail customers to the safety hazards and to the procedures to be followed in carrying out the recall. The company has stopped making further shipments of these teddy bears.
Gas Control Valves Recalled By Honeywell NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 15, 1982 Release # 82-001 Explosion Hazard Results In Recall Of Honeywell Heating Gas Control Valves-- Investigation Continuing WASHINGTON, D.C. (Jan. 15) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announced the recall of more than 200,000 gas control valves used in heating appliances fueled by LP ( Liquid Propane) gas because they may create an explosion hazard. CPSC staff are continuing to investigate the use of 2.5 million of the same gas control valve in heating appliances fueled by natural gas to determine whether a similar explosion hazard is presented. These gas control valves were last manufactured in 1972. CPSC has been informed of 28 explosion incidents involving LP fueled appliances which have occurred since February 1972, in which Honeywell valves, which are a component in an overall furnace system were present. These incidents resulted in 5 deaths and 21 injuries. The valves being recalled were manufactured from 1966 through 1972 and distributed to a variety of manufacturers for use on their LP fueled heating appliances which were principally central furnaces, but also boilers, unit heaters, conversion burners and space heaters. The recall is being conducted voluntarily by the manufacturer of the valves, Honeywell, Inc., Minneapolis, Minnesota. The combination valves serve the dual purpose of regulating the gas supplied to the appliance and of shutting off the gas supply when the pilot light is extinguished. In a number of these incidents, it is alleged that the valve may have failed allowing LP gas to leak. Because LP gas, unlike natural gas, is heavier than air, it may accumulate near the floor. If the gas is exposed to an ignition source such as electric sparks or matches, an explosion may occur causing property damage and personal injury. The recall pertains to combination gas control valves which bear one of the following model numbers and were used in LP fueled heating appliances: C5133 C5134 CS5133 CS5134 V4136 V4146 V5118 v5189 V7284 V8129 V8136 V8139 V8146 VS8133 VS8138 VS8141 Consumers should exercise caution when attempting to locate the valve and its model number which is located on the side of the gas valve. To locate the valve, consumers may have to remove the access panel on the front of their heating appliance. If any odor of leaking gas is present, consumers should not attempt to locate the valve, but should instead, immediately contact their gas supplier for assistance. When looking for the valve and model number, consumers should be careful not to use matches or any other ignition source which could cause any accumulated gas to explode. Honeywell voluntarily initiated the gas valve recall in March 1980, and have contacted LP gas suppliers nationwide, who in turn have contacted LP gas users. Consumers who own one of these valves should contact immediately their LP gas supplier or the nearest Honeywell Residential Office to arrange to have a new control valve installed free-of-charge. Anyone who has difficulty locating the control valve or its model number should contact their local LP gas supplier or Honeywell by writing to Honeywell, Inc., (14N 38-4286), 10400 Yellow Circle Drive, Minnetonka, Minnesota 55343. The Commission is seeking complaint and incident data concerning gas control valves and encourages consumers to report this information to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission's toll-free hot line at 800-638-2772.
Plastic Table Lamps Warning NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 3, 1981 Release # 81-029 Consumers Warned That Four Million Plastic Lamps May Pose Electrocution Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. ( Dec. 3 ) -- Three firms today alerted consumers that approximately four million plastic table lamps if misused or carelessly handled may pose a risk of eIectrocution or electrical shock. The warning was issued voluntarily in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission by A-Bee Syndicate, Inc., of New York, New York; B & D Molded Products, Inc., of Shelton, Connecticut; and Injection Corporation, of Plainfield, New Jersey. CPSC staff has identified these companies as manufacturers and distributors of the lamps according to definitions in the Consumer Product Safety Act. According to the firms, the lamps were designed and manufactured in conformity with existing industry practices. They could, however, pose a potential safety hazard if the lightbulb socket is dislodged or removed from the lamp base, thereby exposing two electrical terminals positioned on either side of the socket. The lamps consist of a black plastic base with three legs which supports a plastic shade covered with bubble-like protrusions. The shades were produced in three colors: white, lime-green and neon-orange. The lamps stand approximately 16 inches tall, and some were made with the name "A-Bee" on the smooth collar at the base of the shade. The lamps were sold nationwide for approximately $1 each in variety retail stores from 1965 through 1975, although the majority were distributed in the eastern half of the U.S. Some lamps may have been given away as promotional items. Consumers who own one of the lamps should take the following steps to determine if there is a safety hazard: Unplug the lamp; Remove the shade and turn the lamp upside down; Throw the lamp away if the bulb socket falls out of the base or is loose enough to expose the electrical terminals. Anyone requiring additional information about this warning should contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772. Warning Certain of the pictured table lamps may contain a potential electrocution or shock hazard. Each lamp consists of a black, plastic three-legged base supporting a plastic shade covered with bubble-like protrusions. The shades are available in white, neon-orange, and lime-green. The lamps were distributed from 1965 through April 1975 and sold for approximately $1.00. The lamps may often be identified through the name "A-BEE" which may be visible on the smooth collar on the base of the lamp's shade. If the lamp is titled or tipped, the bulb socket may dislodge from the lamp's base, thereby exposing two copper electrical terminals. Consumers should check to see if their lamp is one affected by talking the following steps: Unplug the Lamp Remove the shade from the lamp's base Turn the lamp upside down If a bulb socket works itself loose or falls out exposing the electrical terminals, the lamp should not be used. In certain of the affected table lamps, the bulb socket may not be securely fastened to the lamp's base or may have been able to work itself loose from the lamp's base. Consumers owning one of the affected lamps are warned to immediately stop use of the lamp and remove it form children's access.
Baby Crib Brackets Recalled by Questor NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 17, 1981 Release # 81-028 Baby Crib Brackets Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 17) -- A voluntary recall of the brackets used on approximately 98,000 baby cribs for suspending the springs was announced today by the Questor Juvenile Furniture Company of Los Angeles, California, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recall is being conducted to replace the plastic brackets on about 98,000 full-sized "Baby Line" cribs manufactured by Questor. In several cases the plastic brackets have broken or bent, causing the mattress and springs to drop slightly. Three infants reportedly have received minor injuries. The plastic "crib-spring hanger brackets" are mounted on each of the crib's four corner posts to suspend the springs by means of hooks. The recall covers those brackets used on 29 models of Baby Line cribs date-coded from June, 1977 through September, 1978 . Included in the 98,000 cribs are approximately 34,000 cribs which are continuing to be recalled by Questor as a result of a program which has been underway since 1979 for the same problem. Only cribs bearing the following date codes are involved: 677, 777, 877, 977, 1077, 1177, 1277, 178, 278, 378, 478, 578, 678, 778, 878 and 978. The date code is on a label on the inside bottom of the crib headboard. (A complete list of cribs with the plastic brackets are attached to this release.) Owners of these cribs should write to the manufacturer to obtain a free replacement kit containing metal hanger brackets and installation instructions. Letters should be addressed to Baby Line Furniture Co., 6235 South Street, Andrews Place, Los Angeles, California 90047, Attention: Corrective Program. Anyone wishing to verify model numbers and assembly dates may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Cribs Recalled by Questor NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 19, 1981 Release # 81-027 Approximately 17,000 Portable Cribs Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 19) -- Approximately 17,000 portable cribs are being recalled by the Questor Juvenile Furniture Company, of Piqua, Ohio, because the bottom of the cribs may separate from the sides, allowing an infant to fall to the floor. The recall is being conducted voluntarily in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. CPSC staff has been informed of 36 incidents since 1979, in which infants fell to the floor when the soft vinyl crib "basket" became unstitched from the net sides. Four infants were reported injured. The recall pertains only to model 320 "Kantwet Trav-L-Cribs" that do not contain a date code on the reverse side of the large white "law tag" attached to the crib mattress, The cribs are constructed of a colored vinyl "basket" with net sides hung on a collapsible metal frame. The model number, 320, is located on the front of the law tag. If the tag has a date code on its reverse side, the crib is not being recalled. The cribs were manufactured between January and June, 1979, and sold for approximately $35 in retail stores east of the Rocky Mountains. The cribs were not marketed west of the Rockies. Consumers who own a non-date-coded model 320 "Kantwet Trav-L- Crib" can obtain a free replacement unit by mailing a six-inch- by-six-inch swatch of materiai cut from the vinyl basket plus the white law tag from the mattress to: "Trav-L-Crib," 1801 Commerce Drive, Piqua, Ohio, 45356. Cribs With Plastic Brackets Model Number Description Finish Approximate Retail Price 30705-08 Jennylind Maple $130 30706-50 Jennylind White $130 30707-10 Jennylind Pine $130 6071-08 Jennylind Maple $140 6071-50 Jennylind White $140 6574-03 Calico Kids Walnut $100 6574-58 Calico Kids Yellow $100 7430-03 Shaggy Dog Walnut $100 7430-50 Shaggy Dog White $100 6068-03 Springtime Walnut $100 6068-58 Springtime Yellow $100 6074-10 Cannonball II Windsor Burnished Pine $140 6074-50 Cannonball II Windsor White $140 6072-08 Colonial Maple $140 6072-10 Colonial Burnished Pine $140 6072-50 Colonial White $140 7475-10 Colony Burnished Pine $100 7475-50 Colony White $100 7475-58 Colony Yellow $100 7112-03 Barnyard Pals Walnut $75 7112-50 Barnyard Pals White $75 7419-03 Carousel Walnut $80 7419-58 Carousel Yellow $80 7400-03 Contempo Walnut $80 7400-08 Contempo Maple $80 7400-50 Contempo White $80 8078-03 Snoopy Walnut $100 8078-50 Snoopy White $100 30445-50 Winnie-the-Pooh (sold on West Coast only) $100
Terry Cloth Bathrobes Recalled by Sears NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 13, 1981 Release # 81-025 Sears Recalls Terry Cloth Bathrobes WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 13) -- Approximately 160,000 men's terry cloth bathrobes are being recalled by Sears, Roebuck and Co. of Chicago, Illinois, because the fabric may burn rapidly if ignited after repeated washing and drying. The 100 per cent cotton robes were sold through Sears stores from Fall 1977 through Spring 1980. The recall, first announced in November 1980, is being repeated voluntarily by Sears in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Although the robes meet CPSC flammability standards for clothing, Sears has received several reports that the robes ignited. Two styles of men's cotton terry cloth bathrobes are involved one a shawl-collar wrap-around robe, the other a kimono-style with three-quarter length sleeves. They sold for approximately $13 to $16. Consumers can identify the garments by looking for a label at the neckline that states: "Sail-Made in China-10090 cotton - for Sears, Roebuck and Co." No other Sears robes are affected by this recall. To receive a full refund, consumers should return the robes to the customer convenience center service desk of any Sears store. Anyone wishing additional information should contact the customer service department of any Sears store, or call the CPSC toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Seat Attachment Parts On Exercise Bikes Replaced by Beacon NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 13, 1981 Release # 81-026 Seat Attachment Parts To Be Replaced On 120,000 Exercise Bikes WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 19) -- Beacon Enterprises, Inc., of Yonkers, N.Y., is conducting a program to replace the seat-attachment hardware on more than 120,000 stationary exercise bikes because of reports that some customers failed to follow the assembly instructions properly and were seriously injured when the metal seat post unexpectedly broke through the seat. The manufacturer, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, announced that the voluntary recall involves units of its Scandia model 462 dual-action cycler built between August 1976 and July 1980. The bikes were sold under the Beacon name through catalogs of major merchandisers including Montgomery Ward and Alden's, and at a number of retail stores nationwide, Some units also were sold through catalogs of Sears, Roebuck and Co, under the Sears name as model 2930. Retail prices ranged from about $20 to $30. No exercise bikes other than Beacon's Scandia model 462 or the Sears model 2930 are involved in the recall. Beacon and the CPSC warn that if customers ignore the products assembly instructions and neglect to secure the seat with a bolt and nut supplied in the parts bag accompanying each bike, the unit's plastic seat may be punctured by the seat post. The CPSC said that no reports of injury were received when the bikes were properly assembled. According to the CPSC, six injuries were reported between 1979 and 1981. No injuries were reported from bikes sold by Alden's or Sears. As part of its voluntary program, the manufacturer is providing a free replacement kit consisting of a bolt, lock washer, nut, warning decal, and instructions for attaching the seat. The kit also tells customers how to look for signs of possible seat failure, The CPSC said that design changes for the seat mount which the company made starting in August 1980 limit the recall to units manufactured before that date. Exercise bikes built after August 1980 bear orange-red decals on the seat tops. The agency said that owners of units without the seat bolt and nut in place should stop using them and contact the manufacturer. Owners of units with the bolt and nut in place should make sure that the nut is secured tightly. Beacon has established a 24-hour telephone service to provide full information about the product and to take orders for the free replacement kits. Consumers are urged to call 212-683-9288 collect for further details about the recall.
Chain Saws Recalled by McCulloch NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 5, 1981 Release # 81-024 Approximately 8,000 Chain Saws Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 5) -- The McCulloch Corporation, of Los Angeles, California, is voluntarily recalling approximately 8,000 "Electramac" electric chain saws imported to the U.S. from Canada since April, 1981. The firm is conducting the recall in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The recall applies to "Electramac" EM 10, EM 12A and EM 14A chain saws, which include an electric cord connected to the back of the unit. The saws have been sold nationwide for approximately $70 to $110. No other McCulloch products with electric or gasoline engines are involved. The firm initiated the recall after it learned of four incidents of spontaneous restarting among units manufactured by Black and Decker of Canada, Inc. McCulloch and Black and Decker of Canada are subsidiaries of the The Black and Decker Manufacturing Company, of Towson, Maryland. The saw's "on/off" switch may fail to function properly, causing the chain saw to continue to run after release of the trigger or to start spontaneously when put down after use, No injuries have been reported, although these conditions pose a potential safety hazard, In the one occurrence reported in the U.S., the electric chain saw restarted after being switched off and put down. Black and Decker of Canada has produced an improved '"on/off" switch that will eliminate the restarting problem, according to McCulloch. Consumers should immediately stop using their "Electramac" chain saws and bring them to a Black and Decker Service Center for repair. New "on/off" switches will be incorporated into their saws free-of-charge. Units with new switches, which will now be on sale, will be designated "Type 2" on the label on the saw. To learn the location of the nearest Black and Decker Service Center, consumers should look in the Yellow Pages section of the telephone directory under the heading, "Tools." McCulloch, which informed CPSC of the potential hazard on September 8, has mailed certified letters providing recall instructions to all consumers who returned the registration card packed with the chain saws. Consumers who require additional information about this recall or are too far from a Black and Decker Service Center to return their saws should call McCulloch toll-free at 800-423-6302; in California, 213- 822-9724.
Smoke Detectors Recalled by Chloride Pyrotector NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 3, 1981 Release # 81-020 Smoke Detectors Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 3, 1981) -- Some Commercial and residential battery-operated photoelectric smoke detectors sold since 1979 under the brand names of Chloride Pyrotector, Archer, Masterguard, Vanguard, Vantage I and Protect-er Systems are being recalled because a potentially defective electronic microchip may prevent the alarm from sounding in the presence of smoke. The recall is being conducted voluntarily by the Chloride Pyrotector Division of Chloride, Inc., Hingham, Mass., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Some of the firm's 185,000 smoke detectors manufactured from March 1, 1979 to March 15, 1981 may contain a transistor array semiconductor that will not operate in the presence of smoke. Owners of the smoke detectors have been asked by the manufacturer to remove the back plate of the product so that the model or code number may be checked on the interior hosing. Potentially defective smoke detectors include the following: Chloride Pyrotector - Models 3077,3078,3079; Archer number 275453 sold through Radio Shack; Masterguard MGB 360; Vanguard 817; and Protect-er Systems P365. Potentially defective models also will have a 6-digit data code on the housing showing dates between 030179 and 031581. Consumer wishing to verify the model number should contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772. Commerical and residential users may verify the integrity of the smoke detectors by testing the horn with a fresh factory specified 9-volt battery. If the horn sounds when the test button is pressed, the detector does not contain a defective microchip; if the horn does not sound, the user is requested to call Roberta Calla of Chloride Pyrotector at 1-800-343-5647 for instructions on where to send the product for a free replacement or repair.