Tag Archives: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission

393 Fire Incidents Prompt York International to Reannounce Recall of 225,000 Gas Furnaces for Manufactured Homes in USA & Canada

February 4, 2012 By in CPSC News, CPSC Recalls, Fire Hazard, Fire Prevention, News Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
February 3, 2012
Release #12-102		 Firm‘s Recall Hotline: (800) 665-4640
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983

Fire Concerns Prompt York International to Reannounce Recall of Gas Furnaces for Manufactured Homes

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Coleman, Coleman Evcon and Red T Gas Furnaces for Manufactured Homes

Units: About 223,600 in the U.S. and 2,400 in Canada (previously recalled in November 2004)

Manufacturer: Unitary Products Group (UPG), a division of York International Corp., of York, Pa.

Hazard: The furnace can overheat and cause the heat-exchanger to crack and create openings that allow flames to be exposed. When this happens, drywall and other nearby combustibles are exposed to the flames, posing a fire and smoke hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received reports of 393 incidents, including some involving extensive property damage that could be related to these hazards, 366 of those reports were received after the November 2004 recall announcement. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recall involves Coleman, Coleman Evcon and Red T brand furnaces. The furnaces are silver with white access panels. “Coleman,” “Coleman Evcon” and “Red T” brand names are located on the middle of the front access panel. The model number is written on a faceplate, found by removing both front access panels. The faceplate is found mounted on the left inside surface behind the lower panel. Models included in the recall are:

DGAM075BDD
DGAM075BDE
DGAM075BDF		 DGAT070BDD
DGAT070BDE
DGAT070BDF		 DGAT075BDD
DGAT075BDE
DGAT075BDF		 DLAS075BDD
DLAS075BDE
DLAS075BDF

Sold by: Nationwide between 1995 and 2000 as original equipment in manufactured homes and as replacement furnaces in manufactured homes.

Manufactured in: U.S.A. between 1995 and 2000

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the furnace until it has been inspected and repaired. Consumers should contact UPG to schedule a free inspection and repair of any furnace involved in the recall.

Consumer Contact: For more information, including information about installation issues that may lead to the hazard, contact UPG toll-free at (888) 665-4640 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit their website at www.dgatprogram.com. UPG Technical Services is also conducting a comprehensive notification and communications program and working with its distributors to locate owners.

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1416

Furnace Front Access

Faceplate

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov

CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.gov, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

Chariot Carriers Recalls 44,000 Child Bicycle Trailers and 70,000 Conversion Kits Due to Injury Hazard

January 11, 2012 By in Child Safety, Consumer Alert, Consumer Safety, CPSC News, CPSC Recalls, Jack Benton, News Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Chariot bicycle trailers and bicycle trailer conversion kits

Units: About 44,000 bicycle trailers and 70,000 bicycle trailer conversion kits

Manufacturer: Thule Child Transport Systems Ltd., d/b/a Chariot Carriers, of Calgary, Canada

Hazard: The bicycle trailer’s hitch mechanisms can crack and break, causing the trailer to detach from the bicycle. This poses an injury hazard to children in the bicycle trailer.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 24 incident reports worldwide, three of which occurred in the United States, involving the bicycle trailers and the conversion kits. No injuries have been reported.

Description: Chariot Carriers convert to strollers, jogging strollers and bike, hike or ski trailers. This recall involves Chariot bicycle trailers and bicycle trailer conversion kits. Recalled trailers have serial numbers from 1205-xxxx to 0710-xxxx (representing manufacture dates December 2005 through July 2010) located the left side on the frame. Recalled conversion kits have hitch arms that attach the carrier to the bicycle with model number “20100503” printed on a label attached to the aluminum tube next to the warning label. Older conversion kits without a label, but with a release push button located where the hitch arm inserts into the carrier, are also being recalled.

Sold at: Specialty bicycle stores nationwide and on various websites from December 2005 through August 2010 for between $400 and $925 for Chariot bicycle trailers and from October 2002 through August 2011 for between $40 and $70 for bicycle trailer conversion kits.

Manufactured in: Canada

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycle trailers and bicycle trailer conversion kits and contact Chariot Carriers for a free repair kit which the consumer can install.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Chariot Carriers at (800) 262-8651 between 10 a.m. and 6:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.chariotcarriers.com

Recalled Trailer’s & Versa Wing

Upgraded Versa Wing

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov

CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

BatteriesPlus Recalls 111,800 Replacement Battery Packs Used with Cordless Tools Due to Explosion Hazard

December 27, 2011 By in Consumer Alert, Consumer Safety, CPSC News, CPSC Recalls, Jack Benton, News, Personal Safety, Workplace Safety Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Rayovac NI-CD Cordless Tool Battery Packs

Units: About 111,800

Importer: BatteriesPlus LLC, of Hartland, Wis.

Hazard: The replacement battery pack can explode unexpectedly, posing a risk of serious injury to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: BatteriesPlus has received five reports of exploding batteries. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves RAYOVAC-branded replacement battery packs used with cordless power tools. “RAYOVAC,” “NI-CD” and a part number beginning with “CTL” are printed in white lettering on the product. The battery packs were sold in voltages ranging between 2.4 and 18 volts in various sizes and shapes. They were sold as replacement batteries to the following brand tools: Black and Decker, Bosch, DeWalt, Makita, Milwaukee, Panasonic, Ryobi and Skil.

Sold exclusively at: BatteriesPlus retail stores nationwide and online at www.batteriesplus.com between June 2008 and October 2011 for about $60.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using and remove the battery packs from cordless tools. Consumers can contact BatteriesPlus for instructions on how to return the product for a store credit.

Customer contact: For more information, contact BatteriesPlus toll-free at (877) 856-3232 between 9 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.batteriesplus.com

Visit BatteriesPlus.com for a complete list of model numbers included in this recall.

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on www.saferproducts.gov

CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters, and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Under federal law, it is illegal to attempt to sell or resell this or any other recalled product.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.gov, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.

Build-A-Bear Recalls 300,000 Colorful Hearts Teddy Bears Due to Choking Hazard in the US & Canada

December 26, 2011 By in Consumer Alert, Consumer Safety, CPSC News, CPSC Recalls, Jack Benton, News Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
December 23, 2011
Release #12-068		 Firm’s Recall Hotline: (866) 236-5683
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
HC Media Contact: (613) 957-2983

WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Health Canada, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Colorful Hearts Teddy Bears

Units: 284,000 in the United States and 13,200 in Canada

Manufacturer: Build-A-Bear Workshop Inc., of St. Louis, Mo.

Hazard: The teddy bear’s eyes could loosen and fall out, posing a choking hazard to children.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Description: The Colorful Hearts Teddy is a stuffed animal about 16 inches high with black plastic eyes. The bear’s fabric covering is printed with multi-colored heart shapes.

Sold by: Build-A-Bear Workshops nationwide and online at www.buildabear.com from April 2011 through December 2011 for about $18 in the U.S. and $23 in Canada.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately take the recalled teddy bear from children and return it to any Build-A-Bear store to receive a coupon for any available stuffed animal from Build-A-Bear.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the firm toll-free at (866) 236-5683 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, on Saturday between 9 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT and on Sunday between 10 a.m. and 4 p.m. CT, visit the firm’s website colorfulhearts

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1504

Snow Blower Safety Tips!

November 30, 2011 By in News, Personal Safety Tags: , , , , , , , , , , Leave a comment

Snow Thrower / Blower Safety


The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) wants you and your family to be safe when using snow throwers. In a recent year, there were approximately 590 finger amputations involving snow throwers. CPSC estimates that each year on average there are approximately 5,740 hospital emergency room-related injuries associated with snow throwers. CPSC has received reports of 19 deaths since 1992 involving snow throwers. Two people died after becoming caught in the machine. Five deaths were caused by carbon monoxide poisoning resulting from leaving the engine running in an enclosed area.

Injuries most frequently occurred when consumers tried to clear the auger/collector or discharge chute with their hands.

Most snow thrower injuries happen when consumers try to clear snow
from the discharge chute or debris from the auger/collectors. Always
stop the engine before attempting to clear snow and debris from any
part of the snow thrower.


CPSC offers the following safety tips for using snow throwers:

  • Stop the engine and use a long stick to unclog wet snow and debris from the machine. Do not use your hands to unclog a snow thrower.

  • Always keep hands and feet away from all moving parts.

  • Never leave the machine running in an enclosed area.

  • Add fuel to the tank outdoors before starting the machine; don’t add gasoline to a running or hot engine. Always keep the gasoline can capped, and store gasoline out of the house and away from ignition sources.

  • If you have an electric-powered snow thrower, be aware of where the power cord is at all times.

CPSC Announces ANPR for Table Saws to Address Serious Hand and Finger Injuries

October 17, 2011 By in News Tags: , , , , , , , Leave a comment
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 17, 2011
Release #12-011		 CPSC Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC Announces ANPR for Table Saws to Address Serious Hand and Finger Injuries

WASHINGTON, D.C. – In an effort to address the large number of serious hand and finger injuries that occur each year, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission voted unanimously to publish an advance notice of proposed rulemaking (ANPR) aimed at improving the safety of table saws.

Based on the injury data obtained in a 2007 and 2008 CPSC special study (pdf), staff’s injury cost model estimates that consumers suffered about 67,300 medically treated blade contact injuries annually – with an associated injury cost of $2.36 billion dollars in each of those two years.

CPSC staff estimates from its 2007 and 2008 study of emergency department treated injuries related to table saws, that consumers suffered, on average, about 11 fractures, 11 amputations, and 8 avulsions every day from contact with the saw blade.

The ANPR invites written comments from the public regarding the risks of injury associated with table saws and ways in which these risks could be addressed. Following publication of the ANPR, the public will have 60 days to provide comments to the Commission. Comments can be submitted at www.regulations.gov

Commissioner Statements on this vote:

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency’s jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical, or mechanical hazard. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products – such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals – contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury, go online to: www.saferproducts.gov, call CPSC’s Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (800) 638-8270 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain this news release and product safety information at www.cpsc.gov. To join a free e-mail subscription list, please go to https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx.