Furniture

Entrapment

Entrapment

Choking

November 18, 1982Release #82-049 CPSC Warns Of Explosion Hazard with Fireplace-Powered Water Heaters Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today warned consumers of an explosion hazard with certain fireplace-powered water heaters used to supplement home heating systems. Units involved were sold under the brand names "Hydrohearth," "Hydroplace," and "Aqua Grate." Manufacturers of these units - Ridgeway Steel Fabricators, Inc. of Ridgeway, Pennsylvania and Shark Manufacturing Corporation of Greenlawn, New York are no linger in business. These devices are made of tubular steel or steel plate and resemble a fireplace grate or liner. Plumbing connects the unit to the hot-water heating system of the home. When these is a fire in the fireplace, furnace heat is either supplemented or replaced entirely by heat generated through the fireplace. Slowing or stopping the flow of water through the unit (resulting from circulator pump failure, electrical power failure, or frozen pipes) may result in water in the unit boiling into steam. If the unit does not have an adequate pressure relief device, properly installed, the build-up of pressure can cause an explosion. CPSC urges consumers who have one of these units to have its installation checked by a qualified, licensed plumber who has specific knowledge of boilers, water pumps, pipe freezing problems, and pressure relief valves. Of particular importance is the location, pressure rating, and flow capacity of the safety valve. If there is no safety valve, have one installed with a pressure rating and flow capacity suitable for any type of fire. The safety valve should be installed in the outlet piping as near to the unit as possible without risking damage due to overheating. It should be oriented according to the valve manufacturer's recommendation to avoid safety valve clogging. The outlet pipe from the unit to the safety valve should contain no valves or other restrictions. The safety valve should be checked periodically by triggering it to be sure that it will relieve pressure. This should be done with caution, by a knowledgeable person, to avoid hot water scalding. Other fireplace-powered water heaters that contain built-in safety devices such as burst disks, fusible plugs, or blowout plugs, are not subject to this warning. Information on the devices involved and what owners of these devices should do can be obtained by calling the Commission's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC

Strangulation

Plastic Table Lamps Warning NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 3, 1981 Release # 81-029 Consumers Warned That Four Million Plastic Lamps May Pose Electrocution Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. ( Dec. 3 ) -- Three firms today alerted consumers that approximately four million plastic table lamps if misused or carelessly handled may pose a risk of eIectrocution or electrical shock. The warning was issued voluntarily in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission by A-Bee Syndicate, Inc., of New York, New York; B & D Molded Products, Inc., of Shelton, Connecticut; and Injection Corporation, of Plainfield, New Jersey. CPSC staff has identified these companies as manufacturers and distributors of the lamps according to definitions in the Consumer Product Safety Act. According to the firms, the lamps were designed and manufactured in conformity with existing industry practices. They could, however, pose a potential safety hazard if the lightbulb socket is dislodged or removed from the lamp base, thereby exposing two electrical terminals positioned on either side of the socket. The lamps consist of a black plastic base with three legs which supports a plastic shade covered with bubble-like protrusions. The shades were produced in three colors: white, lime-green and neon-orange. The lamps stand approximately 16 inches tall, and some were made with the name "A-Bee" on the smooth collar at the base of the shade. The lamps were sold nationwide for approximately $1 each in variety retail stores from 1965 through 1975, although the majority were distributed in the eastern half of the U.S. Some lamps may have been given away as promotional items. Consumers who own one of the lamps should take the following steps to determine if there is a safety hazard: Unplug the lamp; Remove the shade and turn the lamp upside down; Throw the lamp away if the bulb socket falls out of the base or is loose enough to expose the electrical terminals. Anyone requiring additional information about this warning should contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772. Warning Certain of the pictured table lamps may contain a potential electrocution or shock hazard. Each lamp consists of a black, plastic three-legged base supporting a plastic shade covered with bubble-like protrusions. The shades are available in white, neon-orange, and lime-green. The lamps were distributed from 1965 through April 1975 and sold for approximately $1.00. The lamps may often be identified through the name "A-BEE" which may be visible on the smooth collar on the base of the lamp's shade. If the lamp is titled or tipped, the bulb socket may dislodge from the lamp's base, thereby exposing two copper electrical terminals. Consumers should check to see if their lamp is one affected by talking the following steps: Unplug the Lamp Remove the shade from the lamp's base Turn the lamp upside down If a bulb socket works itself loose or falls out exposing the electrical terminals, the lamp should not be used. In certain of the affected table lamps, the bulb socket may not be securely fastened to the lamp's base or may have been able to work itself loose from the lamp's base. Consumers owning one of the affected lamps are warned to immediately stop use of the lamp and remove it form children's access.

Suffocation

Fall

Explosion/Projectiles

Entrapment; Strangulation

Entrapment; Strangulation

Choking