Clothing & Accessories

Flying Gym Playground Swings Repaired by Miracle Recreation Equipment Company NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR RELEASE June 4, 1986 Release # 86-38 Miracle Recreation Equipment Company To Repair "Flying Gym" Playground Swings Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Miracle Recreation Equipment Company of Grinnell, Iowa, today announced a repair program affecting an estimated 1,475 "Flying Gym" playground swings produced by the firm prior to 1985. A ten-year-old boy in Seattle, Washington died from injuries received after part of a "Flying Gym" swing fell and struck him in December 1984. "Flying Gym" is a playground swing consisting of two swings suspended from a cross beam that rotates about a central metal shaft. The units were sold with a metal "cowboy" or "clown" shroud over the center or with no shroud at all. "Flying Gym" swings subject to this program are models 309 (cowboy), 306 (clown) and 305 (no shroud) and were sold nationally to local park and recreation departments and to some schools and churches. From its sales records, Miracle Recreation Equipment Company will contact directly, by registered mail, each known purchaser- of a "Flying Gym" unit to notify them of the potential hazard and arrange for a field repair intended to prevent the swing assembly from separating from the central shaft. The firm will provide needed parts, without charge, for the repair and an allowance of $50.00 for welding costs. The manufacturer sold some units prior to 1972, the earliest year for which it currently has sales records. Any owner of play- ground purchased prior to 1972 who believes he may have a "Flying Gym" should contact Miracle Recreation Equipment Company for assistance in identifying the product and obtaining information about the repair. Until the repair has been completed, the Commission and the manufacturer urge that the swings be removed from all "Flying Gyms" to prevent their use. For additional information, please contact Miracle Recreation Equipment Company, P.O. Box 275, Grinnell, Iowa 50112 (515-236-7536).

Poisoning

Fall

Racquets Replaced/Refunded by DP NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 19, 1984 Release # 84-068 Diversified Products (DP) Announces Racquetball Racquet Replacement/Refund Program WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Diversified Products Corporation, known nationally as "DP", and headquartered in Opelika, Alabama, is voluntarily offering to refund or replace certain older aluminum frame racquets sold under the brand name "Leach", and refurbish certain older Leach plastic-molded models used for playing racquetball. It has been reported that, upon the release of the racquet during the swing, the butt-plate (plastic plug located at the base of the handle) of the racquet has on seven occasions, pulled out of the racquet handle and the racquet has struck an opposing player. The majority of racquets in question were marketed by Leach Industries, Inc. ("Leach") before DP purchased the company in March, 1980. The racquets were sold between January 1, 1979, and June 30, 1982. DP will refurbish the butt-plate at no charge. Additionally, at the owners option, a new leather grip and wrist thong will be attached for $4.00. The aluminum racquets involved were sold prior to December 31, 1980. DP is offering a $4.00 refund, or again at the owners option, a new aluminum racquet for $10.00. More specific details may be obtained by consulting a local racquetball club or calling DP at 1-800-633-5730. Anyone wishing additional information may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 1-800-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (301) 595-7054.

Binky-Griptight Pacifiers Warning NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 11, 1984 Release # 84-059 Pacifier May Present Choking Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Binky-Griptight, Inc. of Wallington, New Jersey, is urging consumers to stop using and to discard the Binky Squeaky Pacifier, Model 593, because it may present a choking and suffocation hazard if the one piece nipple/handle separates from the plastic shield. Separation of the nipple/handle from the shield occurred during CPSC structural integrity testing which involves boiling the pacifier and then subjecting the handle to pull forces. The recalled pacifier has a rigid plastic shield with three vent holes and the words "MADE IN JAPAN" embossed on the shield. The shields are pink and blue. The nipple and handle are made of a single piece of rubber. The handle, which is bulbous or round, has a silver-colored metal squeaker on the end. The pacifiers were sold between January and June 1984. Although there have been no incidents involving these particular pacifiers, CPSC and Binky-Griptiqht, Inc. have determined that because of the potential for injury, this warning is in the public interest. Retailers should discontinue sale of the Binky Squeaky Pacifier, model 593 and contact Binky-Griptight, Inc. The product will be replaced by a new model 593 (marked "new" above the number) and identified by a white plastic squeaker instead of the metal one. For further information, consumers may call Binky-Griptight, Inc., at 201-935-4580 for New Jersey residents or 800-526-6320 for residents of other states or CPSC's toll free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (301) 595-7054.

Symmons Shower Systems Warning NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 22, 1984 Release # 84-042 Symmons Shower System May Present Scalding Risk When Not Properly Installed And Adjusted Washington, D.C. - The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Symmons Industries, Inc. of Braintree, Massachusetts, today joined in warning the public of the potential scalding hazard associated with their pressure-balancing shower systems when not properly installed and adjusted. The Commission is presently aware of 12 incidents, including 4 deaths, associated with the Symmons shower systems. The shower systems are sold under the brand names "Temptrol", "Safetymix", and "Visu-Temp". The brand names are on the face plate behind the shower handle. These shower systems are most frequently used in motels, hotels, apartments, nursing homes, institutional care facilities, and athletic facilities. A substantial number of these shower systems have been distributed since 1947. They sell at retail between $76.20 and $138.00. The Commission and Symmons warn that scalding may occur in the shower systems when there is a failure on the part of the installer to set the temperature-limiting device in the pressure balancing valve, known as the Limit Stop Screw. As a result, there is unusually hot water in the plumbing system because of a failure of other temperature-controlling devices else where in the plumbing system. Symmons is placing warning statements in its installation and user instructions, and placing warning sticker labels on the shower system to warn the installer of the potential scalding hazard when these units are not properly installed and adjusted. Owners, users, and operators of facilities which have the Symmons shower systems should check the water temperature of the shower system at its hottest setting. If the water temperature is more than 120° degrees F., the shower system and the central hot water system should be checked and adjusted by a plumber. Symmons states that its pressure-balancing shower system are effective in preventing scalds when properly installed and adjusted, and that its cooperation with the Commission is addressing the potential scalding hazard is not an admission that there is any defect in the products involved. Anyone wishing additional information may contact Symmons Industries, Inc. at 617-848-2256; or the Consumer Product Safety Commission toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (301) 595-7054.

May 2, 1984 Release # 84-028 CPSC Warns Of Carbon Monoxide Hadard With Oil/Wood Combination Furnaces Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today warned consumers of a carbon monoxide hazard with certain oil/wood combination furnaces. These units were manufactured by Itasca Manufacturing, Inc. of Menahga, MN. The firm is in the process of filing for bankruptcy and is unable to undertake any corrective action for the products. The units involved were sold under the names Itasco Duo Model W0330 and Home Duo Model W0320. CPSC believes the units have demonstrated a pattern of weld failure that could allow carbon monoxide to escape and be drawn into the home. Carbon monoxide can cause Headaches, nausea, and lead to death. Over 100 complaints associated with cracks in the welds of the furnace were reported to the firm. At least one complaint involved various levels of carbon monoxide being emitted into the home. No injuries are known to have occurred. Approximately 12,000 units have been produced and sold since 1972. The model number w0330 and w0320 can be found on a metal plate attached to the unit. CPSC urges owners of these furnaces to contact a qualified professional heating equipment installer and arrange for the furnace to be inspected for cracks, particularly at the top of the heat exchanger between the creosote collectors and around the firebox doors. If cracks are found, consumers should have a certified welder repair them. Any welding repairs should be reinspected yearly. Consumers wishing to pursue a claim may contact the offices of Arntson, Hagen, Wentz and Klein, Suite 520, Gate City Bldg., 500 Second Avenue North, P.O. box 2025, Fargo ND 58107-2025. Consumers wishing to verify model numbers may call the CPSC toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-705

Suffocation

Poisoning