Loading...
Loading...
All product recalls affecting Puerto Rico.
Includes nationwide recalls (tagged “Nationwide”) and recalls with Puerto Rico in the distribution area.
Light Switch Recalled by Anam Industrial Co 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 24, 1996 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-108 CPSC and Anam Industrial Co. Announce Light Switch Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Anam Industrial Company, Wiring Device Division, of Seoul, Korea, is recalling about 12,000 Wall Mount Flush switches distributed under the name "TWI LITE Illuminated Switches." The wiring diagram on the package is incorrect. If the switch is wired according to the diagram printed on the package, there is a direct short in the circuit when the switch is turned on. Improper installation of the switch could result in a fire hazard. Anam Industrial has not received any reports of short circuits or incidents involving personal injury or property damage. The switch itself is not defective, only the wiring diagram on the package is incorrect. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The white or ivory switchplates, measuring 2.75 inches wide by 4.5 inches long, have gold trim and either one, two or three light switches with green or red pilot LED lamps. Item numbers on the packaging for the switches start with ALW. The switches are packaged on yellow, white, and blue cards labeled in part, "TWI LITE Illuminated switches for your home ... Side-to-Side operation ... Snap-On Screwless Faceplate ... Removable Touch-Pad for easy Cleaning ... Bright LED Illumination ..." Orchard Supply Hardware stores in California sold the switches from March 1995 through March 1996. Price/Costco stores in California, Oregon, Washington, Alaska and Hawaii sold the switches from July 1995 through March 1996, and Builders Square stores in Colorado, Ohio, Texas, Florida, and Puerto Rico sold the switches from September 1995 through March 1996. The switches sold for approximately $6.00 to $20.00 each. Consumers who purchased TWI LITE switches should destroy the wiring diagram on the packaging and call Kenny Kim at (800) 220-9294. Adaptech will send consumers a correct wiring diagram within a few days. Consumers can also write to Kenny Kim at Adaptech, Inc., 3158 River Road, Des Plaines, Ill. 60018.
Moon Bouncer Safety Alert 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 23, 1996 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-107 CPSC and Playskool Issue Safety Alert for Moon Bouncer WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Playskool of Pawtucket, R.I., is offering a free set of three gauges to help consumers properly inflate approximately 142,000 Durasport Moon Bouncers the company has already sold to consumers. If the Moon Bouncer is not correctly inflated, is overinflated, or is used on hard surfaces, children can be injured if they fall or bounce out of the toy. Playskool has received 22 reports of children falling or bouncing out of the Moon Bouncer, including ten injuries, four of them fractures. The Playskool Durasport Moon Bouncer is an inflatable vinyl toy designed for children ages three to six to bounce and jump in. Its red, circular base inflates to 5.5 feet in diameter. The side walls, resembling three stacked yellow rings, inflate to 16 inches from the jumping surface. Major discount stores in the United States and in Canada have sold the Moon Bouncers since November 1994 for about $60. Playskool warns parents and caregivers that proper inflation of the Moon Bouncer is critical. Incorrect inflation, particularly over-inflation of the Moon Bouncer's jumping surface, can make the Moon Bouncer unstable and cause children to fall or bounce out. Playskool also warns that the Moon Bouncer used outdoors should always be placed on impact-absorbing surfaces, such as sand or mulch. If used indoors, it should be placed on a padded surface. Carpet may not be sufficient to prevent injury. The Moon Bouncer should never be used on concrete, asphalt, wood, or other hard surfaces. Playskool is offering consumers a free set of gauges to help ensure that the toy is correctly inflated. Consumers can receive the inflation gauges and detailed inflation instructions by calling Playskool at (800) 752-9755, or by writing to Moon Bouncer, PO Box 200, Pawtucket, RI 02862-0200.
Overhead Projector Recalled by 3M NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE CONTACT: Ken Giles April 24, 1996 (301) 504-7052 Release # 96-097 CPSC and 3M Announce Overhead Projector Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the 3M Visual Systems Division of Austin, Texas, is announcing the voluntary recall of about 15,000 Series 4400 overhead projectors. Heat generated from the lamp of a projector with a dislocated reflector can potentially damage the projector's power cord, creating an electric shock hazard. Heat produced by the internal projection lamp can warp the projector's reflector severely enough to cause the reflector to slip from its securing bracket and fall into the projector body. As a result, the bottom of the projector could become very hot to the touch. If the power cord is in contact with the bottom of the projector, damage to the power cord insulation could expose electric wires, creating an electric shock hazard. 3M is not aware of any injuries or property damage in connection with the faulty projectors. The company has received one report of a damaged electric cord. Initially, about 30,000 projectors were manufactured. Approximately half of the machine owners have been sent retrofit reflector kits to repair the projectors. CPSC and 3M are asking that the remaining owners respond to the product recall. This product recall involves all 3M 4400 Series projectors: model numbers 4405, 4406, 4407, 4410, and 4415, with serial numbers ranging from 200,001 to 247,742. The projectors are gray, have a projection stage that is 11.5 inches square, have the company name on the front cover, and have the company name and model number on the dated nameplate located on the bottom of the machine. 3M sold the overhead projectors to schools and office supply stores nationwide from April 1994 to November 1995 for about $299 to $389 each. Consumers who own the recalled overhead projectors not retrofitted with the reflector kit should unplug them immediately, stop using the machines, and call 3M at (800) 328-1371. 3M will send consumers a retrofit kit for installation, or instruct them on where to return projectors for installation of the retrofit kit free of charge. Consumers will also receive a free projection lamp when the projector is repaired. All projectors manufactured by 3M after November 10, 1995, with manufacturing Code C4 and Serial Number 247,742 or higher include the new reflector retaining clip. In addition, all projectors repaired by 3M will have a round red tag on the bottom of the projector with an "R" printed on it. NOTE: Please refer media inquires for 3M to Mary C. Auvin at (612) 736-2597 or Matthew P. Fagan at (512) 984-3277.
Loudspeaker Recalled by Cambridge SoundWorks 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 17, 1996 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-105 CPSC, Cambridge SoundWorks Announce Loudspeaker Recall WASHINGTON, D.C.-In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Cambridge SoundWorks Inc., of Newton, Mass., is recalling 6,450 "Powered Subwoofer" loudspeakers that may overheat, causing the internal speaker cone to ignite. Cambridge SoundWorks has received four reports of the loudspeakers overheating to cause internal damage to the product only. The company and CPSC have received no reports of injury or property damage involving these loudspeakers. The loudspeakers are used in stereo and home theater sound systems to reproduce deep bass notes. Cambridge SoundWorks' nationally distributed catalogue, retail stores in New England and northern California, and Best Buy stores, sold the loudspeakers nationwide for between $599 and $700 beginning in June 1992. No other products offered by Cambridge SoundWorks are involved in this recall. Cambridge SoundWorks will provide consumers who purchased the recalled loudspeaker through the company's catalog and retail stores with a kit that includes two new fuses (one is a spare) and installation instructions to prevent the overheating of the loudspeakers. Consumers can repair the speakers in their homes by replacing the original fuse included with the loudspeaker with the new one. To intensify efforts in locating Best Buy customers who own the "Powered Subwoofer," Cambridge will offer a $30 rebate to Best Buy customers who will also receive a replacement fuse and installation instructions from the store. Consumers should stop using and unplug their "Powered Subwoofer" and call Cambridge SoundWorks at (800) 367-4434 for more information. They can also write to the company at 311 Needham Street, Newton, Mass. 02164, Att: Fred Pinkerton, Product Manager.
April 16, 1996 Release # 96-104 WASHINGTON, D.C. - CPSC, Consolidated Stores Corp. of Columbus, Ohio, is recalling about 125,000 six-outlet power strips. The electrical wiring in the power strip cord could overheat and possibly cause a fire. In addition, the poor quality and construction of the power strip poses an electrocution hazard for consumers.While no injuries have been associated with the use of the power strips, Consolidated Stores is aware of two reports of tools that were damaged after being plugged into a power strip. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.The beige metal power strips, item 81488, measure 12 inches long, 2.25 inches wide and 1.5 inches deep. The power strips have six black receptacles, a red on/off indicator switch, and a black cord. They were packaged in a blue box labeled in part, "FULL SURGE 6 OUTLET POWER STRIP ... 6 RECEPTACLES. CIRCUIT BREAKER. 5 FT CORD ... 15 AMPS MAX." The back of the box is labeled in part: "SURGE PROTECTED 6-OUTLET CENTER ... SAFETY GUARD ... MADE IN CHINA UNION FIELD INDUSTRIES LTD CITY OF INDUSTRY, CA 91789 ... UPC code 0 83726 81488 5." There are no identifying markings or labels on the power strips.Odd Lots, Big Lots, and All For One retail stores in the East, South, and Midwest sold the power strips from May 1995 to December 1995 for about $5 each. Consumers should stop using the power strips immediately and return them to an Odd Lots, Big Lots, or All For One store for a full refund or exchange. For more information, consumers should call Michael Schlonsky at Consolidated Stores Corp. at (800) 877-1253, extension 6807
Remote Control Switch Recalled by Bandwagon 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 16, 1996 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-103 CPSC, BANDWAGON INC. ANNOUNCE REMOTE CONTROL SWITCH RECALL WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Bandwagon Inc. of Wilmington, Mass., is recalling about 25,450 remote control, hand-operated switches used to turn on and off electrical appliances, such as lights, televisions, radios, fans, and Christmas tree lights. To operate this switch, an appliance is plugged into the plug of the remote switch, which is plugged into the wall outlet. From a remote location, a consumer can operate an appliance with the remote control switch, which functions as a kind of on/off extension cord. If the switch's cover detaches exposing electrical wires, consumers can receive an electrical burn, a shock, or possibly an electrocution. Bandwagon is aware of a woman who received an electrical shock while operating a bedroom fan. The shock resulted in burn injuries to her right shoulder area, right forearm and biceps, left thumb, left forefinger, and to her left middle finger which was subsequently removed. The remote control switch is a white, rounded ceramic disc with a flat plastic base, measuring about one inch high and two inches in diameter. A black plastic button in the center of the disc turns the switch on and off. A 12-foot white cord runs from the disc to the end of a two-sided plug. One side accepts a plug from an appliance, and the other side plugs into an outlet. Mail-order catalogs sold the remote control hand operated switches in the United States and Canada between December 1993 and 1996 for about $9. The switch is packaged in a white cardboard box labeled in part, "Item No. E8810 ... Made in Taiwan." Consumers should stop using the recalled remote control switch immediately and call Bandwagon at (888) 814-3600 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. eastern time to arrange for free delivery of a replacement switch.
TW In-Wall Heater Recalled by Square D 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 April 15, 1996, Revised June 26, 2006 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-102 CPSC and Square D Announce "TW" In-Wall Heater Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Square D Company of Palatine, Ill., is announcing a voluntary recall of approximately 80,000 electric in-wall heaters. A rubber grommet, which holds the heater's fan in place, may deteriorate over time, causing the fan to stop blowing. If this occurs, the heater coils can overheat to cause burning or scorching of the wall or nearby house furnishings. Square D Company has received about 50 complaints or claims of in-wall heaters overheating, including fourteen claims of property damage. The involvement of the in-wall heaters in the reported incidents has not been confirmed. This recall involves electric in-wall "TW" heaters sold between 1970 and 1986 with brand names Square D and Nelco Corporation. Model numbers include TW 2422, TW 2022, and TW 1222; Series A or B. To identify the heaters, consumers must remove the grill of their in-wall heater and look for the identification label located on the left side of the heater just below the blower wheel. To prevent the potential for fire or injury, consumers should immediately turn off the power to the affected heaters and stop using them until they are replaced. Square D no longer sells these heaters. A major heater manufacturer has agreed to provide replacement heaters for a discount of 50 percent off the retail list price to consumers who own recalled Square D heaters. To obtain a discount on the purchase of a new, similar heater, consumers must remove the model identification labels from recalled heaters and turn in the labels at the time of purchase. Owners can obtain a discount on any purchase of the same number of heaters of equal or less physical size and wattage. For further information and to identify the nearest participating replacement distributor, consumers should call (877) 202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. This is the second voluntary recall announced in a week by CPSC and Square D. The earlier program was on 920,000 Square D and Nelco Corporation brand baseboard heaters sold between 1970 and 1986. For more information on the prior recall, consumers should call (877) 202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday..
Stuffed Animal Recalled by Toy-O-Rama 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 April 11, 1996; Revised July 9, 2001 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-099 CPSC and Toy-O-Rama Announce Stuffed Animal Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Toy-O-Rama of Rolling Hills Estates, Calif., is voluntarily recalling about 33,000 stuffed dogs, mice, bears, and rabbits with plastic eyes that come apart from the animals. Young children can choke or inhale into their lungs small parts such as the small plastic eyes. CPSC and Toy-O-Rama are not aware of any injuries involving these toys. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. The stuffed velour animals measure approximately eight inches long. The dark pink dog with a white face and a pink heart applique is holding a red satin heart that reads, "Love You." The red mouse with a white head, red ears, and a white heart applique is holding a red satin heart that reads, "Be Mine." The white bear with black arms and a red velour heart applique is holding a red satin heart that reads, "Honey Bunch." Each animal has a hang tag that reads, "704-7582." The dog, mouse, and bear were sold together from a counter top display labeled in part, "Velour Cuddle Pets ... Item #73025." The rabbit, available in yellow, pink, or blue, has contrasting color velour accents. The rabbit was sold individually from a counter top display labeled in part, "Velour Bunny ... Item #76128." All the stuffed animals have black and white sewn-in tags that read in part, "TOY-O-RAMA, Made in China." Chain drug stores, craft stores, and grocery stores, including Genovese Drug Stores, H.E.B. Grocery, and Omni Superstores, sold the stuffed animals between October 1995 and February 1996 for about $4. Consumers should take the stuffed animals away from children under three years old immediately and return the toys to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers should call Marti Ray of Children's Marketing Partners collect at 310-474-7607. Children's Marketing Partners can also be contacted on the Internet at cmkt@aol.com.
Baseboard Heater Recalled by Square D 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 April 11, 1996, Revised June 26, 2006 (301) 504-7908 Release # 96-098 CPSC and Square D Announce Baseboard Heater Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Square D Company of Palatine, Ill., announces a voluntary recall of approximately 920,000 electric baseboard heaters. The insulation of a wire running along the inside of the heater may deteriorate over time, causing sparking, which may lead to a potential fire hazard. In addition, if the heaters are not properly grounded, a potential shock hazard exists when the uninsulated wire contacts the metal heater enclosure. Square D Company has received at least 100 complaints or claims of baseboard heaters overheating. Ninety incidents of property damage, three deaths, and five injuries were among incidents alleged. The involvement of the baseboard heaters in the reported incidents has not been confirmed. This voluntary recall program affects baseboard heaters sold between 1970 and 1986 with brand names Square D and Nelco Corporation. Model numbers begin with 18, 25, or 30, followed by four numbers ending in series A or B (for example 25242-4 SER A). These tan colored baseboard heaters are permanently installed units measuring two feet (500 watt) to ten feet (2500 watt) in length. The brown and white Square D and Nelco Corporation identification label, which includes both model number and UL listing number, is located on the bottom left side of the heater just below the heating element. To prevent a potential fire or electric shock, all of the heaters subject to this recall should be replaced. Consumers who own the baseboard heaters should check for discoloration on the heater cover. If the cover is discolored, consumers should immediately turn off the power to the heaters and stop using them until they are replaced. Square D no longer sells these heaters. A major manufacturer of electric baseboard heaters has agreed to provide replacement heaters for a discount of 50 percent off the retail list price to consumers who own recalled Square D heaters. To obtain a discount on the purchase of a new, similar heater, consumers must remove the Square D or Nelco Corporation identification label from the recalled heaters and present the label at the time of purchase. Consumers may receive the discount on the purchase of the same number of heaters of equal or lesser size and wattage. For further information and to identify the nearest participating replacement distributor, call (877) 202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday thrpough Friday.
Industrial Fiberglass Extension Ladders Recalled by Keller NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Responding Company, Telephone number, address changes FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Company Contact Number: (909) 247-2033 Originally issued April 10, 1996, Last Revised May 27, 2009 CPSC Hotline: 800-638-2772 Release # 96-095 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 CPSC, Keller Announce Recall of Certain Model Industrial Fiberglass Extension Ladders WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Keller Industries of Fort Lauderdale, Fla., recalled 29,691 Industrial Type I and Industrial Heavy Duty Type IA fiberglass extension ladders. A support brace located on the ladder's base section could interfere with the operation of the rung locks. If the brace interferes with the locks, the ladder may appear to be securely locked in place when it is not. As a result the ladder could collapse causing a person standing on the ladder to fall and be seriously injured. Keller Industries sold the ladders under the brand names "Keller" and "Columbia". The following ladders are subject to the recall: Model Description Dates Manufactured Number Sold Keller 5016 16 ft., Yellow, Type I 3/1/93 - 12/31/94 635 Keller 5028 28 ft., Yellow, Type I 3/1/93 - 12/31/95 1,533 Keller 5128 28 ft., Orange, Type IA 7/1/90 - 12/31/95 19,283 Keller 5132 32 ft., Orange, Type IA 7/1/90 - 5/31/94 5,353 Keller 5136 36 ft., Orange, Type IA 3/1/91 - 12/31/95 221 Keller 5140 40 ft., Orange, Type IA 3/1/91 - 12/31/95 367 Columbia EF4128 28 ft., Yellow, Type I 3/1/93 - 12/31/95 40 Columbia EF1028 28 ft., Orange, Type IA 7/1/90 - 12/31/95 1,103 Columbia EF1032 32 ft., Orange, Type IA 7/1/90 - 5/31/94 677 Columbia EF1036 36 ft., Orange, Type IA 3/1/91 - 12/31/95 151 Columbia EF1040 40 ft., Orange, Type IA 3/1/91 - 12/31/95 328 Hardware and home supply stores sold the 16-foot ladder for $150 to $175; the 28-foot ladder for $250 to $300; the 32-foot ladder for $325 to $375; the 36-foot ladder for $400 to $450; and the 40-foot ladder for $450 to $500. Consumers should stop using the ladders immediately and contact William Demeritt, Jacuzzi Brands Corp., 13925 City Center Drive, Suite 200, Chino Hills, CA 91709, phone (909) 247-2033, to get a rung lock replacement for retrofit or, if the retrofit is not available, a replacement ladder or refund of the purchase price.
Wooden Armadillo and Turtle Recalled by Americas Co. 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 # 96-092 CPSC and The Americas Co. Announce Wooden Armadillo and Turtle Recall WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), The Americas Company of San Francisco, Calif., is recalling approximately 42,000 wooden armadillos and turtles. The products are hazardous because they contain a level of lead in the painted surface that violates the law and is dangerous to children if consumed. The wooden armadillos and turtles, with bodies measuring between one and four inches long, are made of dried gourds and are painted in various colors and patterns. The armadillos and turtles have movable heads and the larger armadillos also have movable tails. A sticker on the bottom of the armadillos and turtles reads, "Hecho En Mexico" ("Made in Mexico"). The large armadillos' hang tags read, "Folk Art *** The Nature Company, Berkeley, CA *** sku #696807 *** Item 696807 *** $14.00/xxx." Six retailers, including The Nature Company stores, sold the armadillos and turtles nationwide from May 1995 to February 1996 for between $4 and $14 each. Consumers should immediately take the armadillos and turtles away from children and return the items to the store where purchased for a full refund or exchange. Consumers can also return armadillos and turtles with proof of purchase directly to The Americas Company, 1977 Union Street, San Francisco, Calif. 94123. The Americas Co. will exchange the product for a new one that meets CPSC standards. For more information, consumers should call The Americas at (800) ARTIFAX (278-4329) between 10:30 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. PT, Monday through Friday. The Americas and CPSC are not aware of any injuries involving these products. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury. This matter came to CPSC's attention as a result of a referral from the Texas Department of Health, Austin, Texas.
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.
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
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 # 96-087 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 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 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