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All product recalls affecting Puerto Rico.
Includes nationwide recalls (tagged “Nationwide”) and recalls with Puerto Rico in the distribution area.
October 19, 1978 Release # 78-086 WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 19) -- Carrier Corporation, Syracuse, N.Y., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced it is voluntarily recalling two models of room air conditioners produced between 1962 and 1964. The company said engineering tests on several of the 14 to 16-year-old units had revealed the deterioration of a terminal board insulator which could cause an electrical short that might ignite adjacent combustible material. Three fires last May involving these unit models in an apartment complex in Anaheim, Calif., were reported by the company to CPSC. There were no reported injuries related to those fires. The product involved is a 6,000 BTU air conditioner sold under the Carrier "Weathermaker" brand name and identified by the mode1 number 51GA0661 or 51GB0661. The model number will be found on a metallic plate behind the unit's decorative front grille, which can be snapped out easily. The units generally would be used to cool a single small room, such as a bedroom, and, in most instances, would be installed in a window. The units are about 16 1/2 inches high, 22 inches wide, 11 1/4 inches deep and weigh 100 pounds. They were sold throughout the continental U.S. during the years 1962-65 at a retail price of $185 to $210. Carrier said the company had produced a total of 21,591 such units, that they are now well beyond their normally expected product life, and that age, moisture and heat contributed to the deterioration of the electrical terminal board. The company estimates that as many as 2,782 units or as few as 628, might still be in service. Consumers having units as identified for the recall are urged to disconnect the air conditioner from the electrical outlet and to cease using it immediately. They should telephone their nearest Carrier room air conditioning dealer, as listed in the Yellow Pages Directory. Units will be repaired at no cost to the consumers. Consumers who require 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
October 18, 1978 Release # 78-085 Portable Water Heaters Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Oct. 18) -- Rhinehart Manufacturing Co., Spencerville, Ind., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today warned consumers about a possible serious shock hazard stemming from its "Miti-Mite" portable, immersible electric water heater. About 15,000 to 25,000 heaters have been sold since production began 15 years ago. The heaters are primarily used to heat small quantities of water in rural areas without hot water facilities. The heater is to be plugged into a standard electrical outlet. It consists of an exposed, resistive heating element contained inside a disc-shaped, perforated, aluminum case. This perforated case allows water to flow inside and directly into contact with the heating element, presenting a dangerous shock hazard if the appliance is "on" and immersed in water. To date, CPSC knows of no injuries involving the Rhinehart heaters. The heater does not bear a model number, but can be identified by the label "Miti-Mite" embossed on top. The heaters are sold in outlets such as hardware stores. They presently sell for about $4-$5 and distribution may be nationwide. An unknown number are currently in consumers' hands. Consumers are warned they may be electrocuted if they touch the water container or the water itself while the heater is "on" and immersed in water. Consumers should immediately stop using these heaters and return them for a refund to: Rhinehart Manufacturing Co., Spencerville, Ind. 47688 (telephone: 219/238-4442). Rhinehart no longer manufactures or repairs the "Miti-Mite" heaters
September 28, 1978 Release # 78-079 J.C. Penney Conducts Repair Program For Bench Grinders WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 28) -- The J.C. Penney Company, Inc., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and McGraw-Edison Co., has announced a voluntary repair program of about 2,700 J.C. Penney six-inch bench grinders that may pose an electric shock hazard. The model 4030 grinders were sold by J.C. Penney between June 1973 and approximately June 1975. A protective sleeve that insulates a lead wire may wear through 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 touching a grounded metal object such as a water pipe. The repair program applies only to model 4030 grinders purchased after June 1973 which are not imprinted with a three-digit date code (such as 57C) on the nameplate. The bench grinder should not be used until it has been inspected and reworked. Owners of the bench grinders should contact their local J.C. Penney store to make free inspection and repair arrangements. A repair program that included the J.C. Penney grinders was first announced by the McGraw-Edison Co. and CPSC on August 29,1978. To verify the model number, call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772
September 27, 1978 Release # 78-078 Consumers Urged To Inspect Edger/Trimmer Garden Tools WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 27) --Weed Eater, Inc., Houston, Texas, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced an inspection and replacement program for the "406 Grass Getter", a nylon string edger/trimmer sold exclusively by Montgomery Ward and Co. The electrical insulation on some of the garden tools may have been damaged during shipping and could expose a user to an electric shock. No injuries have been reported. The units involved were sold by Wards between December 20,1977 and August 10, 1978. They were offered for sale through Wards' retail and catalog stores and sold for about $59.00. The only units affected can be identified by the model number WWH 2052A. This is the only model number affected. The model number appears both on the warning label on the metal shaft and on a name plate on top of the motor housing. The logo "406 Grass Getter" also appears on the name plate. To inspect the unit, the consumer is urged to unplug the unit, separate the upper and lower halves of the metal tubular shaft so as to expose the wiring, and check the visible wiring for cuts in the insulation of the wires. (About four inches of wiring is exposed when the unit is taken apart.
September 25, 1978 Release # 78-077 Portable Electric Fans Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 25) -- The Vernco Division of the Emerson Electric Co., Columbus, Ind., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a potential fire hazard in some of its 13- and 19-inch, portable electric fans. Vernco said that under certain conditions these fans may overheat and possibly catch fire. Some 72,000 fans manufactured in 1973 and 1974 and sold nationwide are being recalled. The affected fans have a plastic fan guard and circular plastic base. Approximately 75 percent were sold through Sears, Roebuck and Co., and are inscribed with the initials "SR" in the center of the plastic fan guard. The Sears units are light green. The 13-inch model sold for approximately $30, and the 19-inch for about $50. The Vernco fans bear the "Vernco" inscription on the plastic fan guard. They are light blue and were sold through other retailers at similar prices. The only fans involved are those having the 5-digit date code ending with the numbers 3 or 4 and bearing Sears model no. 758.80530 or 758.80550, or Vernco no. V-1001 or V-1003. Both the date code and model number are stamped on the bottom of the base. Consumers are cautioned against using these fans and are urged to return them to the place of purchase to arrange for free repair. For further information about the Vernco models, contact Mr. Norman Edwards of Vernco at 812/372-9901. For Sears fans, call the nearest Sears retail store
September 20, 1978 Release # 78-075 J.C. Penney Alerts Consumers To Potential Bike Defect WASHINGTON, D.C. (Sept. 20) -- The J.C. Penney Co., Inc., New York City, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today warned bike riders that about 33,500 bicycles marketed under the "J.C. Penney" brand name may have a defective pedal crank that could break, possibly resulting in serious injury to the rider. The bicycles with the possibly faulty cranks are deraillure-type, 24-, 26-, and 27-inch, lo-speed, lightweight vehicles. They are painted light tan or dark grey and were manufactured in 1977 and 1978. J.C. Penney marketed the bicycles in their retail and catalog stores in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. One bike sold under the Penney's name was associated with a laceration injury that occurred when the pedal crank broke. Consumers can tell if they have one of the bicycles by looking for the numbers 2131A2, 2141A2, 2180Al or 2181Al on the outside of the left, rear, metal axle plate where the wheel is attached. Also appearing with each number is a J.C. Penney catalog number. The light tan bikes are imprinted with catalog numbers 927-3525, 927-3533, 927-7070, 927-7088, 927-7096, 927-7104 or 927-7112. The dark grey bicycles bear catalog number 927-7120. Penney's and CPSC strongly urge consumers who own one of the possibly defective bikes to contact a J.C. Penney store or catalog center for free inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the pedal crank. A recall that included the J.C. Penney bicycles was first announced by the Huffy Corp. and CPSC on May 31, 1978. To verify model and catalog numbers, call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772
Bench Grinders Repaired by McGraw-Edison NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 29, 1978 Release # 78-074 Bench Grinders To Be Repaired WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 29)-- The Portable Appliance and Tool Group, McGraw-Edison Co., Columbia, Mo., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary repair program for about 16,000 six-inch bench grinders, which may pose a shock hazard. A protective sleeve insulating a lead wire may wear through on some of the units, bringing the wire into direct contact with the motor shaft and possibly resulting in severe shock if the tool is not properly grounded and if the user is grounded or touching a grounded metal object such as a water pipe. Two cases have been reported where the insulation has worn through, one of which resulted in a shock. The tools were manufactured from April through July 1973, and for limited periods between February 1977 and January 1978. The repair program applies to the following models of six-inch bench grinders purchased after June 1973 and not showing any three-digit date code embossed on the nameplate (e.g., 57C): Manning Bowman model 715100, Toastmaster model 5577, Power House model 711100, J. C. Penney model 4030, Western Auto-Wizzard model POE 6203A, Ward's Power Kraft model TGB-5102A, and K-Mart model 30-09Tl. Also involved are K-Mart model 30-90Tl showing the date code 77B, 77D, 77E or 77F, and Ward's Power Kraft model TGB 5102A with the 77F date code embossed on the nameplate. Tools having these date codes and containing an orange inspection sticker on the carton or the unit have already been inspected and are not involved in the repair program. Anyone owning one of these bench grinders should temporarily stop use and write to: Bench Grinder Repair Program, c/o National Service Manager, Portable Appliance and Tool Group, McGraw-Edison Co., 2nd and Vine St., Boonville, Mo. 65233, to get instructions for having the unit checked and repaired free-of-charge. To verify brand names and model numbers, consumers may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772.
Stuffed Toys Recalled by Knickerbocker NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 25, 1978 Release # 78-110 Knickerbocker Recalls 500,000 Stuffed Toys NEW YORK, N.Y. (Aug. 25) -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Knickerbocker Toy Company of Edison, New Jersey is voluntarily recalling and replacing 500,000 stuffed toys. The toys were found to have an excessive amount of lead in the ink that was used to letter the toy's name on its sweater. The toys in question are the monkey, Curious George; the Easter chick, Chick-A- Dee; and the puppies, Puppy Love and Scooby-Doo. Imported from South Korea, they were distributed to stores nationwide between March 1977 and April 1978. To date, no consumer complaints or injuries have been reported. The toys can be identified by the numbers K-20, K-21, K-22, K-23, K-25 and K-32 imprinted on a tag affixed to the toy's seam, and the style numbers 5465, 5466, 5467, 9750, 2270, 2271, 2285, 2286 and 9416 imprinted on the toy's packaging. CPSC New York Area Director Richard D. Swackhamer commented, "Our tests revealed a range of 12 to 45 per cent lead in the lettering on the toys, an amount in excess of the permitted level. When informed of these findings, Knickerbocker issued this recall." Consumers are advised to return the toys to the place of purchase for replacement. Inquiries should be directed to the Customer Service Department, Knickerbocker Toy Company, 10 Clearview Road, Raritan Center, Edison, New Jersey 08817 (201/225-4073). Or for verification of the toy model, call the CPSC toll-free Hotline: 800/638-2772.
August 2, 1978 Release # 78-070 Black And Decker Cord Adapters Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 2) -- The Black and Decker Manufacturing Co., Towson, Md., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary recall of its no. 86-210 extension-cord adapters because of a potential shock hazard. The adapters were packaged with Black and Decker electric hedge trimmers during the spring and summer of 1978, and distributed nationwide. According to the company, less than 1,000 of the more than 200,000 adapters produced could have exposed brass electrical contacts protruding through the molded material, a condition which could cause a serious electrical shock. The adapters are orange and can be identified by the number "86-210" molded on the outside surface. The adapters are supplied as standard equipment with hedge trimmers, along with instructions for attaching the adapter to an extension cord. Consumers should immediately stop using the adapters and closely examine them for any metal showing through the outside surf ace. Adapters showing metal should be returned for free replacement to any Black and Decker Service Center, or a Black and Decker-authorized service center listed in the yellow pages. The company, which informed CPSC of the potential safety hazard on July 11,1978, sent letters providing recall instructions to all consumers who mailed in the registration card packed with the hedge trimmers. Consumers who have questions about the condition of their adapters or who need additional information can call Black and Decker collect at 301/828-2955 from 8 a.m. - 5 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time. To verify the model number, call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772
Sweat Shirts Recalled By Huk-A-Poo NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 2, 1978 Release # 78-069 Sweat Shirts Recalled By Huk-A-Poo WASHINGTON, D.C. (Aug. 2) -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Huk-A-Poo Sportswear, Inc. today announced a recall of some women's sweat shirts that may not have met federal flammability standards. The garments had been imported from a Hong Kong manufacturer. The garments in question were distributed to retailers between July 1976 and September 1977. It is estimated that 30,000 garments have been sold nationwide. To date no consumer injuries have been reported. The garments are long sleeved, 100 percent napped cotton and can be identified by the number RN34104 and the words "Made in Hong Kong" on the label. Further identification data includes the style numbers, 502, 506, 507, 509, 619, 620, 621, 623 and 624 which appeared on the garment's hang tags. Consumers who have purchased these garments can return them to the place of purchase for repayment or credit. Any questions from the consumer should be directed to the Customer Service Department, Huk-A-Poo Sportswear, Inc., 48 West 38th St., New York, N.Y. 10018.
July 7, 1978 Release # 78-059 Sears Stepladders Recalled WASHINGTON, D.C. (July 7) -- Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, III. in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced the continuing recall of approximately 7,500 five-foot household aluminum stepladders sold in 20 states from January 1977 to March 1978. This second notice of the recall, first announced by Sears on March 14,1978, has been issued in hopes of receiving a better return of the ladders. Sears said that the ladders may pose a potential hazard because under certain conditions the top cap may split, causing the ladder to collapse. No accidents or injuries have been reported, but owners are cautioned against using the affected ladders and are urged to return them to any Sears store for exchange or refund. The ladders being recalled sold for about $13, have green feet and carry either model number 133.42435 or stock number 42435 on the upper end of the side rail. They were sold in Sears retail stores in Alabama, Arkansas, Colorado, Florida, Georgia, Kansas, Louisiana, Mississippi, Missouri, Nebraska, New Mexico, North Carolina, Oklahoma, South Carolina, Tennessee, Texas, Virginia, Wyoming and parts of Iowa and Kentucky. Anyone needing to verify model numbers on the recalled ladders should call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772. --
June 28, 1978 Release # 78-056 Sewing Machine Quality Assurance Program Announced WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 28)-- Bernina Sewing Machines of Switzerland, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary corrective action program involving the Type 213 foot pedals of Bernina sewing machines manufactured between late 1969 and January, 1976. Sewing machine owners will be notified directly by the company and sent an easy- to-install kit, free of charge, to remedy the problem. The foot pedal (or speed regulator) of the sewing machine may overheat if a switch within the pedal remains in a "closed" position. This may increase the possibility of a short circuit or fire in the pedal. As a safety precaution, owners are urged to unplug the machine when not in use and to avoid placing foreign objects on or near the foot pedal. According to Bernina, no injuries have been reported in connection with the sewing machines sold with this foot pedal. To correct the overheating problem, Bernina is offering a thermally activated switch for all the Type 213 black foot pedals. This number is stamped on the bottom of the foot pedal. (Those pedals stamped with a blue "T" already contain the thermally activated switch.) Bernina is identifying and contacting the owners of these sewing machines by letter to advise them that the thermally activated switch should be installed without delay. In addition, Bernina retailers will assist any consumer having difficulty in replacing the switch and have posted in-store notices explaining the problem. Consumers with the Type 213 foot pedals should contact their local Bernina retailer or any of Bernina's four American distributors if they have not been notified by the company or if they have questions concerning the recall program. The four American distributors are: Larson Bernina Corporation, 2017 E. 38th Street, Minneapolis, MN 55407; Swiss-Bernina Inc., 534 W. Chestnut Street, Hinsdale, IL 60521; Bernina Sewing Machine Company, Inc., 70 Orchard Drive, North Salt Lake, UT 84054; and Bernina Distributors, Inc., 2401 S. Hill Street, Los Angeles, CA 90007
June 22, 1978 Release # 78-052 Repair Program Announced For Baby Car Seat/Stroller WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 22) -- Collier-Keyworth Co., Gardner, Mass., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary repair program for about 5,600 of its models 6805, 6806, 7805 and 7806 car seat/stroller conversion kits. The kits are used to convert a baby car seat into a stroller by snapping the seat onto a frame. CPSC staffers believe that a design defect in the metal seat supports of the stroller frame could cause the supports to spread apart, allowing the seat to disengage and throwing the infant forward. CPSC has learned of 13 incidents where this happened. At least five of the children received lacerations and other facial injuries. The stroller kits in question, which were distributed nationwide, retail for about $28 and were manufactured before March 14,1977. Some, but not all, the units may have the model number on the back leg of the frame. More important, if your stroller conversion kit does not have two hinged metal braces riveted at right angles to the top of the stroller frame seat support and reinforcing the seat from directly beneath, call or write Collier-Keyworth Co., P.O. Box 528, Gardner, Mass. 01440 (617/632-0120) to get a free repair kit. After July 1, 1978, retailers selling the conversion kits should be displaying an illustrated recall poster which consumers can check to see if they own one of the affected kits. To verify model numbers, contact CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800/638-2772
June 13, 1978 Release # 78-046 WASHINGTON, DC (June 13) -- Coast to Coast Stores, Inc., Minnetonka, Minn., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today warned consumers that some "Coast King" bicycles sold in Coast to Coast Stores after January 1, 1978, may contain a pedal crank which could break and result in serious injury to the rider. The bicycle with the problem crank is Coast to Coast model C8798T men's, 27-inch, 10-speed, deraillure-type bicycle sold under the "Coast King" brand name in 26 states. The model number is on the bicycle's left rear axle plate. The bicycle is the only 1978 "Coast King" model which is royal blue. Anyone who bought this model should return it to the Coast to Coast store where purchased for a free inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the crank. A recall which included the "Coast King" model was originally announced by the bicycle manufacturer, Huffy Corp., Dayton, Ohio, and CPSC on May 31, 1978. Other "Coast King" bicycles sold by Coast to Coast Stores have different cranks and are not subject to this recall
June 5, 1978 Release # 78-042 CPSC Announces Replacement/Refitting Program For Electric Deep Fryers WASHINGTON, D.C. (June 5) -- American Electric Corp., Culver City, Calif., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced a voluntary replacement, refitting and refund program involving two styles of its model 7000 "Great American Frying Machine," mini electric deep fryers, because they may pose an electric shock hazard. CPSC is aware of one alleged electric shock incident involving each fryer style out of approximately 260,000 marketed. Both styles retailed for about $14.95, and were sold nationwide. This program does not apply to model 7000A fryers. One of the model 7000 styles has two white plastic carrying handles and stands on three black plastic legs. It is encased in a two-tone metal housing with a black top half and a gold bottom half. This style was marketed between January and April 1977. The company will replace this style free of charge. The second style is similar to the first, except it has a black plastic circular base and a single bucket-type plastic handle. This style was marketed between April and December 1977. The company will refit this style with additional electrical insulation. The company warns consumers to immediately stop using these mini fryers and return them to American Electric Corp., 9937 W. Jefferson Blvd., Culver City, Calif. 90230, Attention: Consumer Relations Department. CPSC believes that these two styles of mini deep fryers may, in some instances, pose a potential shock hazard because of the possibility that internal wiring may move during use and contact the metal casing. Any consumer who wants a refund for either style must send the unit to the American Electric Corp., along with proof of purchase indicating the price. Consumers will be reimbursed for postage costs. Consumers who desire information about this program should contact the Consumer Relations Department of the American Electric Corp. at the address cited above, or call the company at (213) 871-2222. To verify the model number, contact CPSC's toll-free hotline at (800) 638-2772
May 31, 1978 Release # 78-040 Bicycle Recall Announced WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 31) -- Huffy Corp., Dayton, Ohio, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today warned consumers that about 54,000 bicycles manufactured by Huffy may contain pedal cranks that could break without warning. Sudden breakage of the crank will cause one pedal to fall off and may result in the rider falling or otherwise losing control of the bicycle. CPSC believes that serious injury could happen if this occurs. The bicycles are front-free-wheel-type 24-inch, 26-inch and 27-inch, 10-speed, lightweight bicycles manufactured in 1977 and 1978 and sold under the "Huffy," "J.C. Penney," "Omega" and "Coast King" brand names. Bicycles that may contain pedal cranks subject to breakage can be identified by the following numbers: C2694 C2695 C927-7096 C238OC1 C2381C1 C2131C2 C2141C2 C927-7070 C927-7088 2141Al C927-7112 C218OC1 C927-7120 C2131C1 C2141C1 C927-7104 CZHO-80370 P C8798T 2380A1 2381A1 2131A2 2141A2 2180A1 2180A2 2131Al The numbers are located on the left rear axle plate of the bicycle. Huffy Corp. reported to CPSC approximately 46 incidents involving crank breakage on front-free-wheel-model bicycles. In one incident, it was reported that laceration injuries on head, arm, and leg were sustained by a bicycle rider who fell when the crank broke. Huffy emphasizes that two different types of cranks, which they did not make, were used on the bicycles. All reported breakage incidents have involved only one type of crank. Consumers who have a bicycle purchased before May 22,1978, that bears one of the affected identification numbers should return it to the store where purchased or an authorized Huffy service center for free inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the crank. For information about the location of authorized Huffy service centers, contact Huffy, P.O. Box 1204, Dayton, Ohio 45401, Attn.: Bicycle Customer Service Department. If consumers cannot contact Huffy, they may call CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800/638-2772. Other models of bicycles manufactured by Huffy have different cranks and are not subject to this recall
May 22, 1978 Release # 78-038 Recall Of Electric Paint Removers WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 22) --The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with Red Devil, Inc., Union, N.J., and Sears, Roebuck and Co., Chicago, today announced a recall of electric paint removers distributed nationwide between May 1 and October 31, 1977, because of a potential shock hazard. This recall was first announced by Red Devil and Sears in November 1977. The affected model numbers are Sears 44791 and Red Devil 3401, both retailing for about $24. Red Devil and Sears electric paint removers purchased before May 1,1977, are not being recalled. Red Devil said that a defect was found in the wiring of the electric paint removers. No injuries have been reported, but sale of the paint removers has been stopped. Anyone who bought the product after May 1,1977 but before mid-November 1977 should not use it. Red Devil is recalling approximately 3,500 electric paint removers sold under its own name and distributed through hardware and paint stores. Model number 3401 is imprinted on the plastic handle and the metal housing of the removers. Close to 5,700 units sold under the Sears name are being recalled by Sears, Roebuck and Co. The Sears model number 44791 is imprinted on the plastic handle. This is the first potential hazard involving this model number in the 20 years Sears has been selling the unit, the company said. Owners of the affected Red Devil tools can mail them to: Customer Service, Red Devil, Inc., 2400 Vauxhall Rd., Union, N.Y. 07083, (201/688-6900) for repair or replacement and refund of postage. Customers who bought the affected Sears paint removers should contact their nearest Sears outlet for a full refund
Women's Shavers Repaired by Sperry Remington NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 18, 1978 Release # 78-037 Repair Program For Women's Shavers Announced WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 18) -- The Sperry Remington Division of Sperry Rand Corp., Bridgeport, Conn., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, announced today that a quality control audit has revealed that under certain conditions a very small number (estimated to be 119 shavers) out of a total of approximately 280,000 of its women's rechargeable electric shavers may pose a shock hazard. The 119 shavers may contain pierced insulation between the batteries and an exterior metal base plate. A possible shock may occur if the base plate is touched to a person who is simultaneously contacting a ground while the shaver is plugged in. The shavers were distributed nationwide between July 1973 and March 1978 at a retail price of approximately $25. Only women's rechargeable shavers with the model numbers 3B2L or 6B2L imprinted on the base plate on the bottom of the shaver and NOT containing a large R on the base plate are being corrected. No other Remington shavers are involved. Although no incidents of shock have been reported, consumers who have a model 3B2L or 6B2L women's rechargeable shaver are urged to discontinue use of the product and to send their names and addresses to Sperry Remington, Dept. CN, 60 Main St., Bridgeport, Conn. 06602, or to call toll-free l-800-243-9381 (in Connecticut, call 1-800-972- 9370). Sperry Remington will then send an easy-to-apply self-adhesive insulator and instructions to the consumer to eliminate this possibility of electric shock. If it is more convenient, a consumer may bring the shaver to the nearest authorized Sperry Remington Service facility for correction at no cost. To verify the model numbers, call CPSC's toll-free hotline at 800-638-2772.
May 11, 1978 Release # 78-035 Ladies' Sweatshirts With "Gap" Label Recalled WASHINGTON, D. C. (May 11) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has been notified by the Gap Stores, Inc. that 4,150 potentially flammable women's sweatshirts with the Gap label were sold by their stores nationwide during October, November and December 1977. These sweatshirts failed to comply with a Federal flammability standard. They were purchased by the Gap from San Francisco Shirt Works, Inc., which earlier announced the recall of the same merchandise sold under its own label. If exposed to an ignition source, such as a cigarette ash, an open flame, or any spark, they could ignite and burn with a rapid and intense flame. (No injuries have been reported to date). These sweatshirts are being voluntarily recalled by the San Francisco Shirt Works, Inc. and the purchase price refunded. All the ladies' sweatshirts are 100% cotton, fleecy side out, with long sleeves. Sewn- in black labels at the back of the neck say "GAP" in light gray stitching, and separate labels say "Made in Hong Kong." The following styles of "GAP" labeled sweatshirts fail to comply with the Federal Standard for Flammability of Clothing Textiles: Winter white pullover, with small center pocket for hands; and Winter white or blue, with zippered front, regular collar, and two front pockets. Persons who believe they have these sweatshirts should write for refund procedures to: San Francisco Shirt Works, Inc.Attn: Nancy Bush1111 - 17th StreetSan Francisco, California 94107 Or they may call CPSC's toll-free Hotline (800) 638-2772. San Francisco Shirt Works labels on the other suspect shirts say "San Francisco Tea Party," in addition to the Hong Kong labels. The "San Francisco Tea Party" labeled sweatshirts were sold by department stores and specialty shops throughout the nation as part of the company's 1977 holiday line but were not sold by "The GAP." Some 22,000 of these ladies' sweatshirts were imported by San Francisco Shirt Works, Inc., from a Hong Kong manufacturer and distributed nationwide to retailers during October and early November 1977. Sweatshirts which appear to be identical but which were delivered to retailers in approximately July of 1977 have passed the flammability test required by the Standard. Only those sweatshirts sold to retailers during and after October 1977 fail to comply with the Standard. Consumers are urged to stop wearing these sweatshirts and to start the refund process immediately. CPSC warns that burning clothing can cause severe and disfiguring burns, and urges women to return the potentially hazardous sweatshirts at once. This is the first time these companies' products have been the source of such hazards. San Francisco Shirt Works has permanently dropped the suspect fabric from its line of products and will not reorder the same fabrication from the manufacturer. The Gap Stores, Inc. is a national specialty retailer of casual apparel with over 300 stores. --
May 8, 1978 Release # 78-033 Electric Hot Pot Recall WASHINGTON, DC (May 8) -- The Jack Eckerd Corporation of Clear-water, Florida, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), today announced the voluntary recall of electric ceramic hot pots marketed under the names, "Wide Mouth Hot Pots" and "Brew Masters," The pots, intended for heating up to 5 cups of liquid such as water or soup, may pose a shock hazard to the user. According to the CPSC staff, if the heating coil at the bottom of the pot is heated while not immersed in liquid, the coil will be damaged. If a user, while grounded, should subsequently stir the liquid in the pot using a metal article, the user could receive a severe electric shock. These white ceramic hot pots are decorated with several different types and colors of decals. The box in which the unit is packaged is clearly marked with the Jack Eckerd Corporation name. On the bottom of each unit are imprinted the words, "'120V-350W JAPAN." They have been sold in Eckerd Drug Stores for $1.99-$3.49 in the following states: Florida, Texas, Georgia, Louisiana, Mississippi, Oklahoma, Colorado, Alabama and Tennessee. Consumers who have purchased their Brew Masters or Wide Mouth Hot Pots at Eckerd Drug Stores are asked to return them to an Eckerd Drug Store (and, if available, a copy of the sales receipt, the box in which the unit was packaged or other documentation of purchase) for a full refund. Eckerd's removed the electric hot pots from sale in March when it first learned from the CPSC of the potential hazard to users. The Commission is also investigating other importers of this product