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All product recalls affecting Oregon.
Includes nationwide recalls (tagged “Nationwide”) and recalls with Oregon in the distribution area.
August 2, 1979 Release # 79-036 Glass Doors On Wood Heaters Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (August 2)-- The Jackes Evans Manufacturing Company in St. Louis, Missouri, is recalling the glass doors on approximately 1,000 wood-burning heaters, the U.S. Consumer product Safety Commission today reported. CPSC reported that the glass can break, permitting live sparks to escape into the living area. No injuries have been reported. The recall applies to the doors on those model WEL "Hearth-Glo" wood-burning circulator heaters which contain 11 x 13-inch glass and door frames with an inner diameter of 10 x 12 1/2 inches. The model letters "WEL" appear on a nameplate on the back of the heater. The heaters were sold primarily by hardware stores nationwide from November, 1977, through October, 1978. The firm is not recalling the doors on similar Hearth-Glo heaters with 9 x 13-inch glass and frames with an inner diameter of 8 1/4 x 12 1/2 inches, since it used a different type of glass which does not pose the fire hazard. Consumer should contact their retailers to arrange for receipt of free replacement doors
Electric Fans Recalled by Vernco NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE July 12, 1979 Release # 79-033 Electric Fans Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C, (July 12) -- The Vernco Division of the Emerson Electric Company in Columbus, Indiana, today announced it is still trying to contact the owners of some of its portable electric fans which could catch on fire. The firm urges consumers to return the fans for free repairs. This announcement was made in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission. According to the firm, the rotors on some 13- and 19-inch fans may lock, possibly causing the motor to overheat and the plastic components to ignite. CPSC and the company are concerned that consumers using un-repaired fans during the current summer weather are exposing themselves to a potential fire hazard. To date, only a small percentage of the approximately 72,000 fans in question have been returned for modification. Approximately 75 per cent of the fans were sold by Sears, Roebuck 6 Company. These fans are inscribed with the initials "SR" in the center of a plastic fan guard, are light green in color, and stand on a circular plastic base. The 230inch model sold at a retail price of approximately $30 and the 19-inch for about $50. The fans marketed directly by Vernco bear the "Vernco" inscription on the fan guard. They are light blue, are also mounted on circular stands, and were sold at comparable prices through other retailers nationwide. All of the fans were manufactured in 1973 and 1974. The fans posing the potential hazard are stamped on the bottom with a 5-digit date code ending with the number "3" or "4," along with Vernco model number V-1001 or V-1003, or Sears number 758.80530 or 758.80550. Consumer who own one' of the fans should return it as soon as possible to the place of purchase to arrange for free repair. Anyone requiring additional information about the Vernco models being recalled should contact Norman Edwards of Vernco at 812/372-9901. Information about Sears fans can be obtained at any Sears retail store. Consumers wishing to verify the model numbers may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772.
Plastic Ring Caps For Toy Guns Recalled by Acme Specialties NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 29, 1979 Release # 79-031 Plastic Ring Caps For Toy Guns Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 29) -- The Acme Specialties Corporation, an importer of novelty items in River Grove, Illinois, today announced a voluntary recall of thousands of "Three Stars" plastic ring caps which may accidentally explode causing serious burns to the user. This announcement was made in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. The ring caps are commonly used in toy guns to produce a loud report when the trigger is pulled. Each cap consists of a plastic disc measuring 1 1/2 inches in diameter, and 8 cap charges which are positioned within small plastic cups around the outer edge of the disc. The charges are made with a small amount of friction-sensitive pyrotechnic material which is formed into l/8-inch pellets. According to CPSC staff and the firm, the charged pellets can accidentally fall out of their protective cups and may explode without warning , possibly resulting in serious burns to the user. In some instances, the caps fired while in children's pockets. Since mid-June this year, at least five children reportedly have received first and second-degree burns when the caps exploded unexpectedly, according to CPSC staffers. One other child reportedly was burned in February, 1979. The ring caps are sold six-to-a-set in Clear plastic packages which are labeled, "Three Stars Plastic Ring Caps" and "Made in Taiwan." They primarily have been marketed in the Midwest by 5-and-10-cent stores, including Walgreens, and various other retailers since 1978. The caps are most frequently sold as a separate item. However, they often appear on display shelves near toy cap guns. Parents are advised to return all such caps immediately to the retailer for a full refund. Consumers should take extra care to avoid skin contact with the caps, and they should not carry the caps in their pockets. Anyone who is unsuccessful getting a refund may contact Lawrence Callan of Acme Specialties Corporation by calling 312/453-7121. They also may call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772.
Aquatic Spear Guns Repaired by AMF Voit NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 13, 1979 Release # 79-027 Aquatic Spear Gun Offer Of Repair WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 13) -- AMF Voit, Inc., a manufacturer of sports and recreational equipment in Santa Ana, California, today announced a voluntary repair program for approximately 97,300 carbine spear guns which may accidentally fire even though the safety catch is engaged. The announcement was made in cooperation with CPSC. The spear guns, which are used by divers to hunt fish and other aquatic life, may contain a defective trigger, possibly allowing the spear to be fired unintentionally. To date, AMF has received 11 consumer complaints about such hazardous malfunctioning of the spear guns. The AMF models have been sold since 1967 under the AMF label by approximately 6,000 retailers, many of them specialty sporting goods shops. One of the retailers, Sears, Roebuck and Company, marketed approximately 1,400 of the spear guns under its private label between 1970 and 1973. The spear guns involved in the repair program are AMF models G-6 and G-7, and Sears model 436.573140. Consumers can identify whether they own either the G-6 or G-7 models by looking for the AMF Wit label on the left side of the grip. NO model numbers are displayed on these spear guns, but the G-6 model is constructed with a 17-inch aluminum barrel, and the G-7 with a 26-inch aluminum barrel. Both models have black plastic handles, (Sketches of these two models are attached.) The Sears model 436.573140 spear gun can be identified by a 17-inch aluminum barrel and by the Sears name and model number, which are displayed on the left side of an orange-colored plastic grip. Consumers who own the AMF or Sears models should disassemble the gun handle assembly (which includes the grip and the trigger) from the gun barrel by removing the screw holding the two parts together. To obtain free replacement parts, the gun handle assembly, along with the shaft of the spear, should be mailed to the nearest AMF Voit outlet listed below. Parts should be mailed by insured fourth class parcel post, with a return receipt requested. All postage costs will be reimbursed fully. Consumers should not return the gun barrel, the spear point or the shock lines. AMF Voit centers accepting faulty parts for replacement are: AMF Voit, Inc. 3801 S. Harbor Boulevard Santa Ana, California 92704 714-546-4220 AMF Voit, Inc. 2601 Lively Boulevard Elk Grove Village, Illinois 60007 312-595-7370 AMF Voit, Inc. 29 Essex Street Maywood, New Jersey 07607 201-343-2450 AMF Voit, Inc. 71 Dawson Road Guelph, Ontario, Canada 519-822-1576 Although Sears has received no consumer complaints about the spear gun, it will accept returns of its privately labelled model for modification by AMF Voit.
The CPSC is concerned that asbestos that may be exposed to the air stream in hand-held hair dryers may present a health hazard.
Air Conditioners Recalled by Carrier NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 16, 1979 Release # 79-017 Air Conditioners Recalled WASHINGTON, D. C. (April 16 ) -- Carrier Corporation, Syracuse, N.Y., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today reissued the announcement of its October 20, 1978 recall of two models of room air conditioners produced between 1962 and 1964. The company said engineering tests on several of the 14 - 16 year old units have revealed deterioration of a terminal board insulator, which could cause an electrical short that might ignite adjacent combustible material. Three fires in May 1978, in an apartment complex in Anaheim, Calif., were reported by the company to CPSC. There were no reported injuries. The product is a 6,000 BTU air conditioner sold under the Carrier "Weathermaker" brand name and bearing model number 51GA0661 or 51GB0661. The model number is on a metal plate behind the unit's decorative front grille, which can be snapped out easily. The units are used to cool a single small room, such as a bedroom, and are usually installed in a window. The units are about 16-l/2 inches high, 22 inches wide, and 11-l/4 inches deep, and weigh 100 pounds. They were sold throughout the continental United States from 1962-65 at a retail price of $185-$210. Carrier said that it produced 21,591 of the units, but because they are now well beyond their normally expected product life it is estimated that only as many as 2,782 units or as few as 628 might still be in service. Consumers having one of these units are urged not to use it and to disconnect it from the electrical outlet. They should telephone their nearest Carrier room-air conditioning dealer, listed in the Yellow Pages, to arrange for a free repair. Consumers who need additional information should write to Carrier Air Conditioning, Carrier Parkway, Syracuse, N.Y. 13221, or phone the company's Consumer Relations Department at (315) 432-7651. To verify brand names and model numbers, consumers may contact CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800/638-2772.
April 2, 1979 Release # 79-014 Daisy BB Guns Recalled WASHINGTON, D. C. (April 2)-- The Daisy Manufacturing Company, a manufacturer of BB guns in Rogers, Arkansas, today announced that approximately 19,100 BB guns are being voluntarily recalled because of a possible malfunction. The announcement was made in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The BB guns under recall can be fired despite the fact that the safety mechanism is engaged, if the trigger is pulled and pressure is simultaneously placed on the right side of the trigger. The BB guns involved, model numbers 105A, 1938A and 111A, were manufactured between November 30 and December 21, 1978. The BB guns being recalled can be identified by consumers through the model numbers which appear on the top of the gun barrel. Routine inspection by Daisy employees revealed that this safety malfunction may develop after several thousand normal shots have been fired. No problem has been discovered with new guns or with guns fired less than 1,000 times. No injuries or complaints have been reported. Since the discovery of the possible malfunction, a design change has been completed and the malfunction corrected. Dealers across the country have been notified to return their inventories of model 105A, 1938A, and 111A rifles. These BB guns retail for prices ranging from $11 to $21 apiece. Owners of these BB guns are urged to immediately stop using them and to return these models to the Daisy Manufacturing Company, 2111 S. 8th, Rogers, Arkansas, 72756. Postage will be refunded and a new model incorporating the design change and bearing the new model numbers 105A-B, 1938A-B, or 111A-B will be returned to the owner. If additional information is required, call the Daisy Manufacturing Company at 501/636-1200, or CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800/638-2772
March 9, 1979 Release # 79-011 Bench Grinders To Be Repaired WASHINGTON, D. C. (March 9) -- Montgomery Ward and Co., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced that it is continuing a voluntary repair program to correct a potential shock hazard in certain Wards' Powr-Kraft model TGB-5102A six-inch bench grinders. This additional notice of the voluntary repair program is being issued in hopes of receiving a better consumer response. The program was first announced by the manufacturer, McGraw-Edison Co., on August 29, 1978. A protective sleeve that insulates an electric lead wire may wear through on some units if in contact with the motor shaft. Severe shock could result if the bench grinder is not properly grounded and the user is grounded or is touching a grounded metal object such as a water pipe. The repair program applies only to Powr-Kraft model TGB-5102A grinders with a "77F" date code embossed on the nameplate and to certain units with the same model number that were purchased after June 1973, but show no date code. Units with the "77F" date code that bear an orange inspection sticker on either the unit or its packing carton have already been inspected and are not subject to this repair program. The grinder should not be used until it has been inspected and reworked. For instructions on having the units checked and repaired free-of-charge, owners of the grinders should write to: Bench Grinder Repair Program, C/O National Service Manager, Portable Appliance and Tool Group, McGraw-Edison Co., 2nd and Vine Sts., Boonville, MO. 65233. To verify the model number, consumers may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772
February 5, 1979 Release # 79-007 Toy Cork Gun Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Feb. 5) -- Eagle Family Discount Stores, Inc., Opa Locka, Fla., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today warned consumers that about 5,844 double-barreled toy cork shotguns sold in their stores during the 1976 and 1977 Christmas seasons may present a hazard of eye injury to a young child. Consumers who have bought one of these toys should not let their children play with it, and should return it to their nearest Eagle Family Discount Store for a full refund. CPSC believes that serious eye injury could occur if a child abuses the toy by removing the muzzle end of the gun barrel, exposing the ends of two metal rods covered with plastic plunger caps. These caps can be removed by a force of three or four pounds, leaving the ends of the metal rods completely exposed. If the toy gun is cocked and discharged, the exposed ends of the metal rods could then be propelled forward into a child's face or eyes. The double-barreled toy cork shotgun retailed for about $1.27 in Eagle Family Discount Stores located in Florida and in a few stores in Alabama and Georgia, according to Eagle. The words, "Gun Fighter," appear in silver on each side of the toy gun. The stock is colored brown, the gun barrels are black and the cocking lever is chrome-colored plastic. The toy gun was made in Hong Kong or Taiwan, according to Eagle, and was identified as product no. 97-S-510,, which appears on the toy gun's package. To date, CPSC is aware of one incident of eye injury occurring when a three and one-half year-old boy apparently shot the toy gun into his eyes and was struck by the unprotected metal rod. Although the injury occurred to a three and one-half year old, the product's package contains, according to Eagle, a cautionary statement that the toy shotgun is not recommended for children under five years of age. To verify the product number, consumers can call the toll-free CPSC Hotline on 800/638-2772
Fly Control Devices Recalled by Pestolite 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 18,1979; Revised June 5, 2003 Release # 79-003 Fly Control Devices Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 18) -- Pestolite, Inc., Lancaster, Pa., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product, Safety Commission (CPSC), announced a voluntary recall of 1,005 Commercial Fly Control Devices, model SK-4, because of a possible fire hazard. The products are used to keep flying insects under control in or around residences, restaurants, stores, hotels, plants and recreational areas. They were produced from March 1976 through August 1976, and sold nationwide. If too many dead insects accumulate and block the centrifugal fan, the unit may overheat and create a fire hazard. The device has been linked to 25 fires since 1976. To identify the product, look for the "Pestolite" name molded in raised silver letters on the black upper housing of the unit. Devices not specifically exhibiting the raised "Pestolite" name on the upper housing are not being recalled, nor are units manufactured, reworked, inspected or repaired by Pestolite, Inc., after December 1977, which have affixed a red imprinted white label stating, "CAUTION: Continued operation with clogged fan will render unit inoperative." The firm is out of business and cannot be contacted. Do not use these products. Please discard or destroy these products. Consumers who need to verify the model number should call CPSC's Toll-Free Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Battlestar Galactica space toys Replaced by Mattel NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE January 11, 1979 Release # 79-001 Mattel Announces Toy Replacement Program HAWTHORNE, CALIF. (January 11) -- Mattel, Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced that it has voluntarily initiated a "Missile Mail-In" campaign to reduce the possibility of accidents which might occur in connection with four of its "Battlestar Galactica" space toys. Each of the four toys is sold with a set of small red plastic missiles which can be launched from each toy. Although all of the products meet or exceed all existing and ration proposed safety standards, there have been instances of accidental swallowing or aspiration of a missile including one reported death of a four-year-old child. The "Missile Mail-In" plan offers parents and children the opportunity to mail all of their remaining small 1-1/4 inch red plastic missiles to Mattel and receive in return a free "Hot Wheels" car. Missiles should be mailed to: Mattel Mail-In P.O. Box 813 Hawthorne, California 90250, along with the consumer's name and address. To encourage immediate response, this program will expire on March 1, 1979. The missiles accompany Mattel's "Colonial Viper" (No. 2531), "Colonial Scarab" (No. 2534), "Colonial Stellar Probe" (No. 2533), and "Cylon Raider" (No. 2532) space vehicles. Mattel and the Consumer Product Safety Commission stated that the Mail-In program was initiated to remove the possibility of an accident and to inform parents of the need to caution children regarding small objects of any type which might be put in the mouth. At the same time, the offer of a free "Hot Wheels" miniature car is intended to compensate for any loss of play value due to return of the missiles. In addition to the mail program, Mattel announced that it has redesigned the four "Battlestar Galactica" toys for 1979 so that, missiles cannot be launched from the body of the toys. Retail and wholesale inventories of the 1978 product are currently being exchanged for the redesigned toys. For further information, consumers may call Mattel toll-free on 800/421-2826; California residents call collect to 213/644-2752. Letters may be addressed to Mattel, Inc., at 5150 Rosecrans Avenue, Hawthorne, California 90250. To verify model numbers, consumers can call the toll-free CPSC Hotline on 800/638-2772.
Toy Telephone Sets Recalled by Montgomery Ward NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 9, 1979 Release # 79-064 Montgomery Ward Recalls 20,000 Toy Telephone Sets WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 9) -- Montgomery Ward is recalling approximately 20,000 toy telephone sets offered for sale through its mail-order catalog, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today announced. The phone sets were imported from Yugoslavia and are very similar to the toy telephones recalled last month by another U.S. firm. The sets include two battery-operated toy telephones connected by means of a detachable cord. The two-prong plugs at each end of the cord so closely resemble genuine electrical plugs that children may try to force them into household sockets, thereby receiving severe shocks or burns. While Montgomery Ward has received no consumer complaints of injuries from the cords, CPSC staff reports that an 8-year-old girl was burned earlier this year when she forced a plug from a similar phone set (which was distributed by another company) into a wall electrical outlet. The sets are ivory in color, and are equipped with functional intercoms, signal lights and buzzers. The name "Mehanotehnika" is printed on the bottom of each phone. The sets have been sold through Ward's catalogs since 1975. They are advertised in the current Christmas catalog as a "Desk Phone Set," number 48T20192, at a retail price of $9.96. Consumers ordering the toy phones are being informed that such orders are not being filled until the company can equip the phone sets with cords and plugs which are safe. Consumers should return the toy to any Montgomery Ward catalog store for a full refund.
December 12, 1978 Release # 78-104 Armour Replaces Safety Caps On Thyroid Tablets WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 12) -- Armour Pharmaceutical Company and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced that Armour will replace the child-resistant caps on approximately 140,000 100-tablet bottles of prescription thyroid tablets. Efficacy and safety of the tablets themselves are not in question and no recall is involved. The firm voluntarily initiated the cap replacement program, which involves only those packages held in its warehouses, after Commission testing indicated that some adults might be unable to properly reclose the safety feature of the present package during use in the home. Regulations under the Poison Prevention Packaging Act currently require that at least 90% of those adults tested be able, not only to open the packages, but also to properly close them to protect young children from accidentally swallowing the contents. In addition to replacing caps on current inventory, Armour plans to continue its on-going safety packaging program to meet its own standards of quality and to assure compliance with CPSC regulations. In presenting this matter to the Commission, the staff acknowledged that upon receipt of the results of Commission testing, Armour promptly stopped distribution of the product in question and took immediate action to investigate and correct the problem
Riviton Sets Recalled by Parker Brothers NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 11, 1978 Release # 78-103 Riviton Sets Voluntarily Held WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. II) -- More than 125,000 toy construction sets manufactured by Parker Brothers are being voluntarily held in inventory in two company warehouses in Salem, Massachusetts and Des Moines, Iowa, after the company announced its voluntary recall of 900,000 Riviton sets. A Parker Brothers spokesman told the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) that 27,000 of the Riviton construction sets have now been returned. Parker Brothers had made the decision to voluntarily withdraw this product from the market because of two accidental deaths associated with the product. The company reached this decision after the recent death of a 9-year-old child was attributed to the choking on a rubber fastening rivet from the Riviton Construction Toy. Riviton Construction Toys have been distributed nationally during the past two years. Parker Brothers, a subsidiary of General Mills, Inc., is asking all consumers to return the product for a full refund to the store from which it was purchased or to mail it direct to Parker Brothers, 190 Bridge Street, Salem, MA 01970. All retailers have been asked to remove the product from their shelves. Any consumer seeking further information may contact Parker Brothers, Consumer Response, Riviton Recall, 50 Dunham Road, Beverly, MA 01915. Consumers can call Parker Brothers collect at 617/927-4900.
December 8, 1978 Release # 78-102 Mattel Puts Safety Labels On Toys WASHINGTON, D.C. (Dec. 8) -- Mattel, Inc., Hawthorne, California, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced that it has initiated a voluntary program of attaching labels on warehouse inventories of certain of its Battlestar Galactica line of space toys. The label states: "Caution: Do Not Point Or Fire Red Missiles Into Mouth Or Toward Face." The small red missiles are sold with Mattel's "Colonial Viper" (No. 25311, "Colonial Scarab" (No. 25341, "Colonial Stellar Probe" (No. 2533), and "Cylon Raider" (No. 2532) space vehicles and each is equipped to launch the missiles. Mattel emphasizes that the products meet or exceed all existing and proposed product safety standards. The action is being taken in response to reports of three accidents involving the products. In each case, a child swallowed or aspirated a red missile, received medical treatment and was released. Mattel and the Consumer Product Safety Commission remind parents that small pieces are found in many manufacturers' toys and games intended for older children. Parents should caution children against putting small objects of any type in their mouths even in fun and should insure that small pieces from older children's toys are kept away from younger brothers and sisters. For further information, consumers may call Mattel toll-free on 800/421-2826; California residents call collect to 213/644-2752. Letters may be addressed to Mattel, Inc. at 5150 Rosecrans Avenue, Hawthorne, California 90250
November 24, 1978 Release # 78-096 Warning Issued On Portable Air Tanks WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 24 ) -- Citation Mfg. Co., Inc., Siloam Springs, Ark., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today issued a warning that some portable air tanks manufactured by the company, may rupture or explode because of defects in the metal tank casing. The company has received numerous reports about ruptured tanks causing injuries since 1973, including one death in Tennessee. The tanks are used for such purposes as pressurizing tires. A recall of these same products was conducted by the company individually on several occasions and with the help of CPSC in 1973, but the firm suspects 118,000 tanks may yet be in the hands of consumers. The tanks were made between 1969 and 1975. They may be painted red, blue or yellow. Red tanks may be labeled, "Citation Power Cleaning Equipment"; Yellow tanks, "Camel Big Airy No. 5510"; and blue tanks, "General Service Line No. 9-774 Portable Air Tank". Each tank is cylindrical in shape, 21 inches long and 14 inches high and weighs 23 pounds. Anyone wanting more information about these tanks should contact Mr. Delbert Phillips at Citation (501/524-6471). To verify model numbers and brand names, call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638- 2772
November 22, 1978 Release # 78-095 Thermostat "Activator" Units Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 22) -- Fuel Sentry Corp., Mt. Vernon, N.Y., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced a voluntary recall of the "Activator" part of some 20,000 Automatic Day/Night Thermostat Controls, model FS-5, because of a possible fire hazard. The thermostat control is packaged in a kit including the "Activator" unit and an electric timer. The controls were sold nationwide and retailed for $20-$25. The control allows residential heating systems to be automatically set at lower operating temperatures. The "Activator" unit may contain a defective carbon resistor which could cause a fire if it fails. Since July 1977, there have been 12 reported failures with minor fires occurring in ten instances. There have been no injuries reported. Subject to recall are "Activators" made between September 1976 and August 1977 and between November 1977 and May 1978, and bearing codes 396 through 526, 017 through 327, 437 through 527 and 018 through 218. The date codes are on the back of the "Activator" units. Note that these codes indicate week and year of manufacture (396 for example, means 39th week of 1976). Further verification may be made by visual inspection through the key hole slot in the back of the unit. The potentially defective resistors are brown. Any other color is not subject to this recall. Consumers who have an affected unit should stop use and return the "Activator" portion only, for repair, including refund of postage costs, to: Fuel Sentry Corp., 435 E. Third Street, Mt. Vernon, N.Y. 10553 (914/699-6192). Date codes and the model number can be verified by calling CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800/638-2772
November 22, 1978 Release # 78-094 Amana Freezers WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 22)-- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Amana Refrigeration, Inc., Amana, Iowa, today announced that 96,000 owners of Amana side-by-side refrigerator-freezers made between February 1969 and September 1974, have been contacted by the company and given instructions for modifying the units to eliminate any possibility of shock hazard. In its first announcement of the possible defect made jointly with Amana in August 1977, CPSC described the voluntary repair program for about 240,000 units. According to Amana, it has exhausted all available lists of consumers to contact concerning the modification program and wants the remaining owners to get in touch with the company immediately. The Amana models to be modified are SR17, SR19, SR22, SR25, SD19, SD22, and SD25, whose serial numbers begin with the letters IS, E, B, L, A or C. The appliances in question can be positively identified by checking the model and serial number on the serial plate located behind the removable black grille at the lower front of the unit. The possibility of a shock hazard is caused by a defective hinge wire assembly which powers the butter-keeper heater and anti-sweat heater. CPSC has learned of 41 shock incidents to date. Anyone owning one of the 144,000 units that have not yet been modified should immediately furnish model, serial number, name and address to Amana Refrigeration, Inc., Amana, Iowa 52204. If consumers are unable to contact Amana directly they should call, with the same information, CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800/638-2772
Chain Guard Kit for Bicycle Offerred by Columbia NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 15, 1978 Release # 78-091 Columbia Bicycle Offers Chain Guard Kit WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 15) -- The Columbia Manufacturing Company, Westfield, Mass., in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is providing consumers with a chain guard kit. This kit will be furnished free to consumers who have purchased Columbia bicycles which do not meet Federal bicycle requirements. The bicycles in question, which were manufactured between November 13,1976 and August 13,1978 and distributed nationwide, consist of the following: 3-speed, 24-inch racers called "Miami," girls' Models Nos. 1433 and 1439, and boys' Model No. 1434; and "Gold Crest" 3-speed 26-inch racers, men's Model No. 3648. The round disc-type guard affixed to the front sprocket on these Columbia models, while acceptable on derailleur-type bicycles, does not provide coverage of the top of the chain or of any part of the chain to the rear of the front sprocket. To date, no consumer complaints or injuries have been reported. Federal bicycle regulations, effective 11/13/76, require a full coverage chain guard on all bikes having a single front and single rear sprocket, and set specifications for the extent of chain coverage for such bicycles which are intended to prevent entrapment of clothing or body parts. Consumers are advised to contact the place of purchase of their bikes to receive the chain guard kit. The kit consists of a new chain guard which is to be fitted over the existing disc-type guard and a complete set of instructions. According to Columbia, installation of the new chain guard can be easily accomplished by the owner using a screwdriver. Inquiries should be addressed to Customer Service Department, Columbia Manufacturing Company, Westfield, Mass. 01083.
Smoke Detectors Recalled by BRK Electronics NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 6, 1978 Release # 78-089 Pittway-BRK Press Release WASHINGTON, D.C. (Nov. 6) - The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today announced an agreement with the Pittway Corp., Northbrook, Ill., doing business as BRK Electronics, whereby Pittway has agreed to pay $100,000 in settlement of a civil penalty action which the Commission had decided to file. The agreement was negotiated between Pittway and CPSC staff and accepted by the Commission on Nov. 1. The Commission's action against Pittway concerned the company's alleged failure to report a defect in the BRK SS749 series smoke detectors which could cause such products to fail to operate and, in certain instances, to catch fire. The defect consisted of incorrectly rated resistors used in the SS749 smoke detectors produced by the BRK Electronics division of Pittway from March 1974 to September 26,1975. The Consumer Product Safety Act requires a manufacturer to notify the Commission immediately after learning of a defect which could create a substantial product hazard. In agreeing to a settlement of this matter, the Pittway Corporation has neither admitted nor denied violating the notification requirements of the Act. The company has cooperated in voluntarily carrying out an extensive program to recall the approximately 115,000 smoke detectors involved. Thus far, approximately 60,000 smoke detectors have been returned. The company has agreed to continue, and to intensify, its efforts to locate the remaining smoke detectors. The units subject to this recall are 110 volt AC-powered detectors which sold for a suggested retail price of $39.95. No battery-powered detectors are involved. Some models were manufactured with ordinary power cords (line cord) which plug into wall outlets, others have pigtail leads (hard wire) for installation directly into electric wiring. The detectors were marketed by BRK, American Machine & Foundry (AMF), I-T-E Imperial Corporation (I-T-E) and Sears, Roebuck & Company (Sears). They have the following model numbers: BRK SS749AC (hard wire) SS749ACS (hard wire) SS749L (line cord) SS749SL (line cord) AMF 2000AC (hard wire) 2000ACL (line cord) I-T-E ITOl-AC (hard wire) Sears 9-57049 (hard wire) 9-57047 (line cord) 9-57048 (line cord) Homeowners who suspect they have one of these smoke detectors are urged to check the model number on their unit. (Caution: Before inspecting-hard-wired detectors, electrical power to the unit must be turned off at the fuse box or circuit breaker; line cord detectors must be unplugged before inspection). Once the power is off o remove the cover and examine the side of the plastic base for a label which contains the model number. Anyone who has one of the Sears units affected by this recall should contact the nearest Sears store, which will arrange for inspection and free replacement of the unit containing the defect. People who believe they have any of the other detectors under recall should contact BRK to obtain a fact sheet, which gives very specific criteria for identifying potentially defective units, as well as replacement instructions. Additional information concerning the recall can be obtained by contacting BRK Electronics, 780 McClure Avenue, Aurora, Illinois 60507, Attention: Dennis Wm. Clair, Project 749 Director; or by calling toll-free 800/323-9005 and asking for the Project 749 Department.