Electronics

Choking

Safety Tips For Fimco Electric Pressure Washers NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE November 1, 1984 Release # 84-064 Fimco Offers Safety Tips For Electric Pressure Washers To Reduce Shock Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Fimco, Inc., of Sioux City, Iowa, today announced that it will voluntarily provide safety kits to modify the handles of its approximately 14,150 electric pressure washers purchased before January 1984. The affected washers, which pump water under high pressure to clean porches, houses, motor vehicles, outdoor power equipment or farm equipment, were sold nationally under the "Big Butch" trade name by various retailers and under the Sears brand name through Sears catalogs. There have been no injuries or deaths involving the Fimco machines; however; the Commission is aware of 10 electrocutions associated with other electric pressure washers. The washer does not present a hazard if operated according to instructions, according to Fimco. However, the metal handle or other exposed metal part could become electrically charged if the machine is not properly grounded and a fault occurs. Such fault could occur if an improper or faulty extension cord is used, if the connection between the power cord and an extension cord becomes wet or if a fault exists within the pressure washer's electrical system. Under these circumstances, a severe or fatal electric shock could result when the user touches the metal handle or other exposed metal part of the machine. The safety kit being offered consists of four easy to install insulated bolts that replace existing bolts. Consumers should call FIMCO toll-free at 800-831-0027 (in Iowa call 800-352-0016) to obtain the free kit and complete instructions. Consumers may also call the CPSC toll-free Hotline for information or assistance at 800-638-CPSC. The Commission's teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (301) 595-7054.

NuTone Paddle Fans Corrective Plan NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE August 21, 1984 Release # 84-052 Voluntary Corrective Action Plan For Paddle Fans Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, NuTone of Cincinnati, Ohio today announced a voluntary corrective action plan for approximately 250,000 "NuTone" brand fans manufactured since May, 1983. The Company has received reports of several incidents of fans falling, including 4 incidents involving personal injury. The paddle fans involved have a ball and socket ceiling mounting device. Under certain conditions, the ball may pull through the socket allowing the fan to fall. Only those NuTone paddle fans manufactured and sold after May 1, 1983, are involved in the corrective action plan. MuTone fans can be identified by the name "NuTone" stamped on each of the 4 blade irons which connect the fan blades to the paddle fan. The plan calls for the addition of a retaining ring which will be installed free of charge to all installations containing ball and socket mounting device made on or after May 1, 1983. This ring will prevent the ball from pulling through the socket and will help insure that the fan will not fall. Consumers in the continental United States with NuTone Paddle Fans installed on or after May 1, 1983, should call l-800-543-8687; consumers in Ohio should call l-800-582-2030. All others should write NuTone, Madison and Red Banks Road, Cincinnati, Ohio, 45227, Attention: Paddle Fans. Give name, address and telephone number plus a simple statement "Paddle Fan Inspection Desired". NuTone will arrange for a service representative to inspect the fan and install the retaining ring. The paddle fans were sold nationwide between May 1983 and July 1984, through NuTone electrical distributors. Information concerning this corrective action plan is also available to consumers by calling CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (301) 595-7054.

Gemco Whistler Glass Tea Kettle Warning NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 26, 1984 Release # 84-043 CPSC Warns Of Scald And/Or Burn Injuries With Gemco Whistler Tea Kettle Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in cooperation with GEMCO Ware, Inc., Freeport, New York, today warned consumers of a possible hazard associated with the use of the Whistler Glass Tea Kettle manufactured by GEMCO Ware, Inc. The product is an 8-cup glass tea kettle with a plastic collar and handle. Imprinted on the front of the glass tea kettle is "The Whistler." If the tea kettle is placed off center over a high flame on a gas range, it may cause the plastic handle to soften and as a result the collar may loosen and dislodge from the glass tea kettle. If the kettle is then lifted, boiling water could splash on the user and result in scalds or burns. The CPSC is aware of some 33 incidents resulting from handle failure where the handle softened and detached from the glass tea kettle. Sixteen scald or minor burn injuries have been reported. GEMCO has manufactured in excess of 1 million units each year since 1977. The company has redesigned the handle of The Whistler Tea Kettle. The new model will have a stainless steel collar. To avoid injury, consumers should observe the following precautions: 1. Boil on low or medium flame only. 2. Pot should be placed on center of burner. 3. Always make sure that there is water in the pot when it is being heated. Never allow it to boil dry. 4. On open electric element use a trivet. In addition, consumers are urged to follow all of the manufacturer's warnings imprinted on the pot and on the enclosed labels. If you have one of these pots and the handle shows signs of deformation, discontinue use of the pot and discard it. No other GEMCO glass tea kettles or other products are involved. Information concerning this matter may be obtained from GEMCO Ware Inc., One Gemco Plaza, Freeport, New York 11520, Telephone 516-623-9300 and is available to consumers on CPSC's toll free hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number of hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.

CO2 Pistol Modification Announced By Smith & Wesson And Daisy NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 1983 Release # 83-066 CO2 Pistol Modification Announced By Smith & Wesson And Daisy In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Smith & Wesson, Springfield, Massachusetts and Daisy Manufacturing Company, Rogers, Arkansas, today announced a voluntary retrofit program for 200,000 CO2 pellet pistols produced by them, to decrease the possibility of an accidental firing when the gun is dropped. In order for a pistol to fire accidentally, it is necessary for it to be dropped so it lands precisely on both the front and rear sight simultaneously or on the rear of the barrel or grip with the muzzle up in certain attitudes. The companies have not received any reports on injuries from an accidental firing caused as a result of dropping the affected pistols. Models of CO2 pistols affected include approximately 172,000 Smith & Wesson models 78G and 79G which are designed and manufactured by them for 1970 through 1980 and approximately 25,500 Daisy models 780 and 790 manufactured from 1980, when Daisy purchased the tooling from Smith & Wesson, through June of 1982. The pistols were distributed nationally and retail for approximately $60.00. All Smith & Wesson model 78G and 79G require retrofit Daisy models 780 and 790 requiring retrofit have lot numbers beginning in C, F, G, L, LG, M, or Q. Pistols having the letter D on the butt of the grip frame do not require retrofit and should not be returned. Daisy Manufacturing Company is handling all retrofits for affected pistols, whether they were manufactured by Daisy or Smith & Wesson. Owners of affected pistols are urged to return them to the Service Department, Daisy Manufacturing Company, 2111 South 8th Street, Rogers, Arkansas 72756, by United Parcel Service or Parcel Post. The normal UPS fee will be refunded. Returned pistols should not contain CO2 cartridge since such mailings are not allowed under applicable regulations. The full name and street address of the sender should be included with the returned pistol since it cannot be returned to a post office address. Daisy will make the necessary retrofit and will return the pistol free of charge. Consumers should allow eight weeks for modifications to be completed and the pistol returned. Consumers requiring additional information may call either Daisy Manufacturing Company or Smith & Wesson at the following numbers: Daisy - 501-636-1200: Smith & Wesson - 413-781-8300, Attention: Air Gun Service Department. Further information can also be obtained by calling the Commission's toll free hotline at 800-638-CPSC.

Adapters For TI 99/4A Computer Provided by Texas Instruments NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 1983 Release # 83-071 Texas Instruments Providing Adapter For TI 99/4A Computer Washington, D.C. -- In cooperation with U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Texas Instruments Incorporated said today that it is conducting a voluntary program of providing transformer adapters free of charge to correct a potential defect recently discovered in one model of the transformers supplied with the Texas Instruments 99/4A home computer. Over four hundred thousand transformer units are involved. The transformer is the small black box which plugs in between the computer and the electrical outlet. Consumers are instructed to plug in their adapter between the transformer and the wall outlet. The company reported it had found by laboratory testing that there is a remote possibility that a failure of the transformer could result in certain metal parts of the computer console becoming electrified thus presenting a possible shock hazard. Neither the Consumer Product Safety Commission nor Texas Instruments has received any report of hazardous incident or injury from the hundreds of thousands of Texas Instruments home computers in use. The 99/4A model home computers have been sold in a variety of retail outlets over the past year at suggested retail prices of $450 and $375 with $100 rebate in effect since September 11, 1982. All owners of the 99/4A known to the company through rebate cards or warranty cards will receive the adapters automatically by mail. The company asks owners who are not sure their names and addresses are in its files to call the Texas Instruments toll free numbers (800-858-4565 or 800-527-3550 ) (Texas only: 800-858-1802), and request that the adapter be sent to them. Prior to receipt and installation of the adapter plug or cord, the company advises consumers to unplug and discontinue using computer if any sign of transformer overheating, unusual odor, or computer malfunction occurs. Texas Instruments is also instituting a green "Safety Check" label for easy recognition by customers that the transformers in inventory at retail stores have been inspected and modified as necessary. A similar label will be placed on the transformer and its wrapper inside the box. Consumers who desire further information or who have questions regarding the Texas Instruments 99/4A home computer may call CPSC's toll free hotline: 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.

Entrapment

Attic Ventilators Recalled by Emerson NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 17, 1982 Release # 82-020 Emerson Electric Company Recalling Powered Attic Ventilators In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Emerson Electric Company, St. Louis, Missouri, today announced a voluntary recall of 11,500 roof-mounted powered attic ventilators sold by Sears, Roebuck and Co. The motors of the ventilators may overheat and cause roof-top fires. The attic ventilators were sold nationwide through Sears retail stores and catalog sales in 1980 and 1981, for approximately $70.00. The ventilators have a light-gray molded polyvinyl outer hood. The identification plate on the back of the motor bears the Model No. 758.648360. The manufacturer has received several reports from consumers, since September 1981, alleging that these ventilators were involved in roof-top fires. No consumers have been injured in these fires. Consumers should examine the back of their attic ventilator and check the model number. Owners of the affected ventilators should discontinue using them and contact Emerson Electric Company on their toll-free number: l-800-325-4130. Missouri residents may call collect at 314-595-2507. The Companies will arrange for a service technician to visit the consumer's home and replace the motor of the ventilator free of charge.