Consumer Products Recalls

Strangulation

Eyes And Nose Are Choking-Hazards On Koala Bear Fur Banks NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE February 23, 1989 Release # 89-015 Eyes And Nose Are Choking-Hazards On Koala Bear Fur Banks WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Koala Bear Fur Banks, distributed at carnivals and fairs in the northeastern United States during the summer of 1988, have small parts which may present serious choking hazards to young children. The yellow plastic eyes and black plastic noses of the bears can be pulled oft and may be ingested or choked on. The U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the distributor, ACE Novelty Company, Bellevue, Washington advise consumers to: 1) destroy the banks, or 2) remove and destroy both the eyes and the nose. The novelty banks are six inch tall koala bears covered with black, brown, grey or green fur and are molded in a sitting position. On the chest is a paper label which reads: "I AM A BANK." A coin slot is hidden in the fur on the back of the bear's head. The Koala Fur Banks, imported from Korea, were identified by U.S. Customs Service at the Port of Seattle, Washington during "Operation Toyland,11 a joint surveillance program conducted with CPSC.

Strangulation

Choking

Choking

Fall

Choking

Choking

Choking

Choking

Entrapment; Internal Injury; Strangulation

Choking

December 28, 1988 Release # 88-116 CPSC Wants "Monster" Ride Inspected For Defects Washington, D.C. -- After a preliminary investigation of an amusement park accident that killed one person and injured at least six others at the Broward County, Florida Fair in November 1988, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has asked owners and operators of all "Monster" amusement rides nationwide to undertake immediate metallurgical inspections of the ride to protect the public.According to the Commission, the Hallendale, Florida accident occurred when one of six sweeps of the ride broke, causing four cars at the end of the ride's arm to fall to the ground. The ride was operated by the James Strates Shows of Orlando, Florida and was manufactured by the Eyerly Aircraft Company of Salem, Oregon. Eyerly no lonqer makes amusement rides.CPSC said a 1982 safety bulletin issued by Eyerly Aircraft company emphasized that the sweeps of the "Monster" need to be thoroughly examined visually and with non-destructive test methods to identify cracking of critical structural areas. Such testing methods include magnetic particle technique, ultrasonic measurements, and dye-penetrant inspection. A preliminary investigation indicates that a crack in one of the sweeps may have caused the Florida accident. There was no indication, however, that the crack had been painted over.Although the agency has no jurisdiction over permanent amusement rides, the inspection notice will be supplied to both permanent and mobile "Monster" ride owners. The CPSC said it was sending copies of the inspection plan to all identified "Monster" ride owners in an effort to ensure total ride safety.The Commission staff said it was also asking state amusement ride inspectors to assist in implementing the inspection program. Presently, 32 states regulate amusement rides in one form or another.<br style="font-family: Arial, Helvetica, Geneva, Swiss, SunSans-Regular; font-size:small; line-height: normal;" />The Commission's investigation of the Florida accident is continuing. Meanwhile it will monitor inspections by the owners of the rides and take additional action as warranted. Rides similar to the Monster while not affected by this inspection program are also under review by the Commission staff

Choking

Choking

Choking

Release # 88-112 WASHINGTON, D. C. --In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and the New York State Attorney General's Office, Century Products Company Macedonia, Ohio were offering a redesigned replacement horn for its Century Roadster Walker. The horn is located in the center of the steering wheel and can be torn or bitten off by a child occupant. There have been eleven potential choking incidents reported, including one in which a horn piece was removed from a child's mouth to prevent his choking. Approximately 80,000 walkers with defective horns were distributed nationally. To prevent a potential choking hazard, consumers are urged to remove the horn immediately from the steering wheel by grasping the horn with pliers and pulling the horn out. Owners should check the date of manufacture on the carton and on a sticker located underneath the "fender." Walkers manufactured after January 1, 1989 come equipped with the redesigned horn and do not need to be replaced. The replacement horn is no longer available. Please remove the horn, and then discard or destroy it. More information can be obtained by calling the company's customer service number at 800-345-4109