Consumer Products Recalls

Choking

October 17, 1994 Release # 95-008 Washington, D.C. - CPSC and the Lyons Group of Richardson, Texas, urge parents who own a 6-inch BARNEY doll with a red and white scarf and red Santa hat to remove a potential choking hazard from the doll. Parents should snip off the small white pom-pom from the tip of the hat to ensure that their child will not choke on the pom-pom.CPSC and the Lyons Group are issuing this safety warning after the company received seven reports of the pom-pom coming off of the hat on the doll. In one case, a child needed medical attention for choking on the pom-pom. The child fully recovered.About 594,000 videotapes and BARNEY dolls with a red and white scarf and red Santa hat were sold nationwide last holiday season in retail stores as the Barney Holiday Gift Pack. The Lyons Group sent notices to retailers, who still have the Santa Barney in stock, to remove the pom-pom before selling the dolls. The Lyons Group, which is also sending 800,000 notices of the choking hazard to members of the Barney Fan Club, removed pom- poms from the dolls for this year's holiday season.Consumers should remove the pom-pom from the doll immediately. The Lyons Group is asking consumers to attach the pom-pom to a 3" by 5" card, with their name and address also written on the card, and send it to the Lyons Group, P.O. Box 9523, Allen, TX 75002. Cards, which are received by Dec. 15, 1994, will be entered into a sweepstakes for a chance to win a 4-foot BARNEY or 4-foot Baby Bop doll. One of each doll, retail-valued at approximately $250, will be awarded in a random drawing on or about Dec. 16. More information and complete sweepstakes rules can be obtained by calling (800) 791-8093

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Originally issued October 4, 1994; Revised March 3, 2011Release #95-003 CONTACT: Elaine Tyrrell(301) 504-6815 CPSC And Industry Redesign Products To Save Lives Washington, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced today a major cooperative effort with the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) to protect children from strangling in window covering pull cords. Window covering pull cords are associated with at least 140 deaths since 1981, a rate of one death per month.CPSC Chairman Ann Brown said, "This collaborative effort between CPSC and manufacturers, importers, and retailers of drapery and blind cords epitomizes how government and industry can work together to save lives. This program will change future production, and give consumers who have or will buy window coverings a way to prevent the needless deaths of children."CPSC, which investigated seven window covering cord strangulation deaths this year in Virginia, Michigan, Wisconsin, Florida, Mississippi, Nevada, and California, is currently investigating an eighth death in the state of Washington.Although some children were described as "entangled" or "wrapped" in window covering cords, most were found hanging in the loop of the cords. The younger victims, usually 8 to 23 months old, were in cribs, which were placed near window covering pull cords. While a few older children found the cords hanging near the floor, most of these victims, usually between 2 1/2 to 4 years old, became entangled and strangled in cords when they climbed onto furniture to look out windows.Although a few of the older children were previously seen playing with the cords, most of the accidents occurred when the children were alone in a room for only a short time. CPSC and the Window Covering Safety Council announced a three-part program that will eliminate the loop in most window blind cords by (1) improving the safety of existing window coverings, (2) modifying the future production of window coverings, and (3) implementing an educational campaign for consumers. Part one - Consumers who have window coverings in their homes should call the toll free number (800) 506-4636 immediately. The Window Covering Safety Council will either give the names of retail stores where consumers can pick up safety tassels now or send consumers safety tassels free-of-charge with installation instructions. Callers should be prepared to specify the number of individual tassels needed in their households. Part 2 - As of Jan. 1, 1995, two-corded window coverings sold in stores will be manufactured with a new safer design. Part 3 - The industry is committed to an educational campaign, which includes, brochures, posters for pediatricians offices and public health offices nationwide, and product alerts in window covering packaging. In the interim, consumers should look for brands already manufactured with a safer design or get the tassels from retailers when they purchase new blinds. Consumers should add the safety tassels to new blinds immediately upon installation. Parents should KEEP WINDOW COVERING CORDS AND CHAINS PERMANENTLY OUT OF THE REACH OF CHILDREN. Never place a child's crib within reach of a window blind. Unless the cords can be completely removed from the child's reach, including when the child climbs on furniture, CPSC recommends against knotting or tying the cords together because this creates a new loop in which a child could become entangled. Upon receiving their replacement safety tassels, consumers should install them as follows: For two-corded HORIZONTAL BLINDS, Cut the cord above the tassel, remove the equalizer buckle, and add a new safety tassel at the end of each cord. For two-corded PLEATED OR CELLULAR SHADES: leave the cord ball or buckle near the top rail in place, cut the cord above the tassel and add a separate safety tassel at the end of each cord. When shades are raised, a loop will appear above the cord stop. Keep cord out of the reach of children. VERTICAL BLINDS, CONTINUOUS LOOP SYSTEMS, DRAPERY CORDS and CHAINS cannot be fixed with the replacement safety tassels but can be fixed with tie-down devices. Consumers should call CPSC at (800) 638-CPSC for information on modifying these types of window coverings

October 3, 1994 Release # 95-002 Washington, D.C. - CPSC, BernzOmatic, once located in Medina, New York (now a brand under Irwin Industrial, located in Wilmington, OH), is offering owners of model TX900 and TX900A propane heaters $250 to return the heaters to the company. Carbon monoxide poisoning caused by a defective burner in the heaters has killed at least 42 people, six of them since 1987.About 40,000 of these portable propane gas radiant heaters were sold for $30-35 nationwide from 1962 to 1966. Bernzomatic originally recalled the camping-style heaters in 1966 and reissued the recall in cooperation with CPSC in 1987. Bernzomatic repeated the recall in 1988, 1989, and 1990.About 7,000 of the recalled heaters are believed to still be in use. The heaters are often re-sold in yard sales and in second-hand stores.Recalled heaters have a green metal cabinet that is approximately 9 inches wide, 14 inches high, and 7 inches deep with room inside for one or two 14.1 ounce propane gas cylinders. "BernzOmatic" appears on the front of the heater and on the instructions inside the rear door. The model number TX900 or TX900A and the words "Portable Gas Radiant Heater" also appear on the instructions inside the rear door.Consumers should stop using the heater and call call Irwin Industrial (which owns the BernzOmatic brand name) toll-free at 800-654-9011 for instructions on how to return it for the $250 bounty

Choking

September 20, 1994 Release # 94-134 Washington, D.C. - CPSC, USA Maxam Inc. (also known to the public as Wholesale World and Tech Mart) of Houston, Texas, is recalling approximately 230,000 extension cords. CPSC testing found that the cords' wires are undersized and the cords' plugs were put together improperly. The cords can catch fire or shock people. The recalled extension cords were sold in the following lengths: 6 feet (item PA-1106S), 9 feet (item PA-1109S), 12 feet (item PA-1112S), 15 feet (item PA-1115S), 18 feet (item PA-1118S), and 21 feet (item PA-1121S). The cords were sold in cardboard sleeves labeled in part, "***ft. *** TECH man *** MADE IN CHINA *** Extension Cord ***125V***." The individual cords, which may be labeled "Made in China," were distributed to retail stores in New York, Florida, Georgia, California, and Indiana from June 1992 through January 12, 1994.Consumers should stop using these dangerous extension cords and return them to the stores where purchased for a full refund. Consumers may also return them by mail for a refund to USA Maxam Inc., 5610 Savoy, Houston, TX 77036.Neither CPSC or USA Maxam Inc. is aware of any injuries involving these extension cords. However, a recent CPSC study estimated that in 1987, 4,600 fires involving extension cords resulted in 70 deaths, 230 injuries, and $42 million in property damage. These extension cords were discovered during routine CPSC marketplace surveillance

September 19, 1994 Release # 94-128 Washington, D.C. - CPSC and Melitta North American of Cherry Hill, N.J., urge coffeemaker owners to check whether they own a Melitta Aroma Brew Automatic Drip coffeemaker model ACM-10S. About 175,000 of these coffeemakers sold before Feb. 1, 1994, have hinges on the plastic filter holders that may have been damaged in transit or in use. Damaged hinges can cause the coffeemaker filter holder to unexpectedly swing open during brewing, spilling hot water or coffee on people nearby.CPSC first learned of this problem from a complaint and coffeemaker sent by Ralph Nader. Subsequently, the commission learned that at least three people have been burned from spilled liquid. Melitta and CPSC worked in close cooperation to evaluate these incidents and identify appropriate remedies.The coffeemakers, available for between $30 and $35, were sold nationwide in retail stores from April 1993 through January 1994.The coffeemakers involved are white, black, teal, or plum with the word "Melitta" printed on the filter holder and "MODEL ACM-10S" engraved on the bottom of the coffeemaker.Melitta reports that some Aroma Brew's filter holder hinges may have been damaged in transit or by a consumer improperly opening the filter holder when cleaning or disposing of coffeegrounds. Consumers are asked to immediately stop using these coffeemakers and call Melitta at 1-888-635-4882. Melitta will send a free filter holder replacement kit and installation instructions. The new filter holder contains a stronger hinge pin to keep the filter securely in place during brewing.All Melitta coffeemakers sold after February 1, 1994, which have redesigned filter cone hinge pins, are not involved in the replacement program

September 19, 1994 Release # 94-130 Washington, D.C. - CPSC, Sub-Zero Freezer Company Inc. of Madison, Wis., is voluntarily offering to inspect, at no cost, its model 550 and 501 built-in refrigerators/freezers installed between June 1989 and December 1992. Sub-Zero has received 30 reports of the refrigerators/freezers tipping forward, including nine injuries. All tipovers involved refrigerators that were not properly secured during installation.Approximately 61,000 refrigerators/freezers were sold nationwide through kitchen dealers and appliance stores. The refrigerators are 36 inches wide and have the name "Sub- Zero" on the ventilating grill. The model number is on a sticker attached to the interior door frame. Model 501 refrigerators/freezers have a single door with the motor on the bottom. Model 550 refrigerator/freezers have a drawer on the bottom, a single refrigerator door, and the motor on top. These refrigerators/freezers are intended to be secured to the wall studs or to solidly-attached surrounding cabinets. Failure to secure them during installation could allow the refrigerators/freezers to fall forward during use.Owners of Models 501 and 550 refrigerators/freezers installed between June 1989 and December 1992 should contact Sub-Zero to arrange for a free installation inspection and, if necessary, correction by calling 1-800-222-7820, or by sending their name, address, and telephone number to: Sub- Zero Freezer Company Inc., P.O. Box 44130, Madison, WI 53744-4130

September 15, 1994 Release # 94-127 Washington, D.C. - CPSC, Char-Broil, of Columbus, Ga., announced today a program to give the owners of "Char- Broil" brand charcoal water smokers a kit to close a hole in the charcoal pan to reduce a fire risk.Approximately 80,000 Char-Broil brand charcoal water smokers sold since March 1993 have a hole in the exposed charcoal pan that can cause a fire if used over a flammable surface like a wooden deck. Using the smoker over a flammable surface is contrary to current warnings and instructions included with the Char-Broil smokers.According to Char-Broil, charcoal water smokers typically have a charcoal pan with a hole in it, a water pan in the middle of the unit, and grills for food above the water pan and at the top. CPSC is investigating other brands of charcoal water smokers that may present a similar risk of fire. CPSC views all charcoal water smokers, which have exposed charcoal pans with holes that may allow coals to fall out, as a potential fire risk. CPSC, which is seeking corrective actions against other companies, will announce these actions at the earliest possible time.Although Char-Broil has not received any reports of fires with its smokers to date, the company is participating in this program to help prevent the possibility of fires.The recalled smokers were sold nationwide in mass market retail stores for $29 to $39 each. They are red or black and are labeled "Char-Broil H2O Smoker" on the body of the smoker. Only smokers that have a hole in the exposed charcoal pan are involved in this recall. Call Char-Broil at (800) 241-8981 for a free kit to close the hole in the pan. To help reduce the risk of fire even after the hole is closed, do not operate the charcoal water smoker on or near flammable surfaces

Lead

September 1, 1994 Release # 94-121 Washington, DC -- Over a million Brinkmann and COOK'N CA'JUN charcoal water smokers distributed before 1993 have a hole in the charcoal pan that can, if used over a flammable surface like a wooden deck, cause a fire. Use over flammable surfaces is contrary to current warnings and instructions included with the smokers. In addition, some of the metal brackets holding the water pan and/or grills on these models have sharp edges that can cause cuts.Today, Brinkmann, in cooperation with CPSC, announced a program to give the owners of these charcoal water smokers a kit to close the hole and reduce the fire risk. The kit also contains redesigned brackets to replace the original ones. Although Brinkmann is fully confident in the safety and quality of its charcoal water smokers, Brinkmann is voluntarily participating in this program to help prevent injuries.According to Brinkmann, charcoal water smokers typically have a charcoal pan with a hole in it, a water pan in the middle of the unit, and grills for food on the water pan and at the top. CPSC is investigating other brands of charcoal water smokers that may present a similar risk of fire. CPSC views all charcoal water smokers that use exposed charcoal pans with holes that may allow coals to fall out of the smoker as a potential fire risk, and is seeking corrective action from other companies. CPSC will announce these actions at the earliest possible time.Since 1974, Brinkmann has recorded approximately 10 claims of fires allegedly involving holes in the charcoal pan of Brinkmann smokers and 6 claims of cuts allegedly involving the brackets of these charcoal water smokers.To identify your charcoal water smoker, look for the names "Brinkmann" or "COOK'N CA'JUN" on the top or body of the smoker. If either of these names appear, check the charcoal pan at the bottom. If the pan has a hole, it is involved in this program. Only Brinkmann and COOK'N CA'JUN water smokers manufactured before 1993 are included in this program. These water smokers were sold by major retailers nationwide. Charcoal water smokers manufactured after 1993, as well as Brinkmann Gourmet and COOK'N CA'JUN S-80, and Brinkmann and COOK'N CA'JUN electric or gas water smokers are NOT included in this program. These other models either don't have exposed charcoal pans or have no charcoal pan at all. Call Brinkmann at (800) 675-5301 for a free modification kit to close the hole in the pan and to replace the sharp brackets.Even after the hole is closed, to help reduce the risk of fire, do not operate the charcoal water smoker on or near flammable surfaces

August 24, 1994 Release # 94-120 Washington, DC -- CPSC, HydraBaths Inc. of Santa Ana, Calif., is voluntarily recalling its model 20313X, 2031XX, and 203 whirlpool bath suction covers. These covers were manufactured prior to implementation of voluntary industry standards in 1985. HydraBaths estimates that there are about 40,000 whirlpool baths in use that have these suction covers.Whirlpool baths typically have one or two suction openings to draw in and circulate water. Each suction opening should have a cover designed to protect against entrapment of the bather's body parts and hair due to high suction forces. The recalled suction covers, which were not designed with such protection, may entangle a bather's hair into the openings, causing the bather's head to be held under water, which can result in drowning.To date, HydraBaths received two reports of hair entrapments. One entrapment resulted in a drowning death and the other was a near drowning.The recalled round covers can be identified by holes that are slotted or square shaped and larger than 1/8 inch. There are no visible markings on the covers that tell which model they are. The recalled covers were sold nationally before 1985 (as a component on whirlpool baths) to bathtub manufacturers, plumbing wholesalers, and distributors.HydraBaths suction covers distributed after 1985 are not involved in this recall and can be identified by the visible markings HB-8, SC-1, or SC-4 on the cover and by holes that are circular and 1/8 inch or smaller.HydraBaths and CPSC advise consumers to stop using whirlpools with the recalled suction covers. HydraBaths will send you free replacement suction covers. Call them at (714) 556-9133 or write them at HydraBaths, Recall Department, 2100 S. Fairview, Santa Ana, CA 92704 for free replacement suction covers.Consumers who are unsure if they have a recalled suction cover can call or write HydraBaths to help make that determination. Consumers who write should enclose a photo of their cover

Choking

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