Consumer Products Recalls

High-Chairs Repaired by Sassy NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 23, 1985 Release # 85-028 Sassy Inc. Announces Voluntary Repair Program For Model 021 And 023 Portable High-Chairs WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Sassy, Inc. of Northfield, Illinois, today announced a voluntary repair program affecting approximately 40,000 Folding Sassy Seats, Models 021 and 023 manufactured between July 1984 and December 1984. The firm has received approximately 100 reports from consumers stating that their chair's plastic material developed cracks around the restraint horn and locking pin tabs (see drawing) prior to the product's removal from retail shelves in December 1984. If the cracks are present and the seat continues to be used, a laceration, falling hazard, or a pinching condition may be present to a user of the chair. There have been no reported injuries. The Folding Sassy Seat is used as a portable high-chair that is easily transported for convenient use in restaurants and when traveling in place of a conventional high-chair. The product consists of round aluminum tubing rails and bright yellow plastic seat and end caps. Other models of Sassy Seats are not affected (Deluxe Sassy Seat and the Original Sassy Seat). To eliminate the possibility of the Seat developing stress cracks, Sassy, Inc. will provide free replacement parts to all owners of their Model 021 and 023 portable high-chair. Retailers who received the chairs manufactured between July and December 1984 have already received notice of the repair program and have received replacement parts. It is believed that 30,000 of the affected chairs may remain in the possession of consumers. Consumers can identify affected chairs by the round aluminum tubing (an earlier Model 020 used square aluminum tubing and is not affected by this action). Consumers owning a Folding Sassy Seat Model 021 or 023 should send their name, address, telephone number, and store where purchased, to Sassy, Inc., 191 Waukegan Road, Northfield, Illinois to obtain a free repair kit. Proof of purchase and/or receipt is not necessary. Until the kit is received, consumers owning the affected models should inspect the Seat for cracks before each use and if cracks are present discontinue use altogether. Consumers who need further information may call the Consumer Product Safety Commission toll free Hotline for information at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (301) 595-7054.,

Choking

Kerosene Heaters Retrofited by Perfection NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Firm name change. Firm is no longer offering retrofit. Do not use these products. Please discard or destroy these products. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued April 11, 1985; Revised Decerber 3, 2001 Release # 85-018 Perfection Kerosene Heaters WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Perfection Schwank (formerly Perfection Product Company) of Waynesboro, Georgia, had announced a retrofit program for Perfection Model 770 and Model 770-l portable kerosene heaters. These kerosene heaters were originally manufactured for outdoor use only and do not contain a flame extinguishing device to extinguish the flames if the units are tipped over. Some consumers may be I using the units indoors where the risk of fire is much greater. The units are black or beige in color, cylindrical in shape and originally sold for approximately $40.00 to $50.00 dollars. Consumers should check the identification label: on their heater for the model number. Consumers owning one of the heaters are urged to stop using it indoors. Perfection Schwank (706-554-2101) is no longer offering the retrofit program. Consumers should not use these products. They should be discarded or destroyed. The firm had agreed to label future production of these heaters and to use an industrial color on the units. Consumers may obtain more information by calling the CPSC toll-free Hotline on 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (301) 595-7054.

Fall

Choking

Choking

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.

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.