Binky-Griptight Pacifiers Warning NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE October 11, 1984 Release # 84-059 Pacifier May Present Choking Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Binky-Griptight, Inc. of Wallington, New Jersey, is urging consumers to stop using and to discard the Binky Squeaky Pacifier, Model 593, because it may present a choking and suffocation hazard if the one piece nipple/handle separates from the plastic shield. Separation of the nipple/handle from the shield occurred during CPSC structural integrity testing which involves boiling the pacifier and then subjecting the handle to pull forces. The recalled pacifier has a rigid plastic shield with three vent holes and the words "MADE IN JAPAN" embossed on the shield. The shields are pink and blue. The nipple and handle are made of a single piece of rubber. The handle, which is bulbous or round, has a silver-colored metal squeaker on the end. The pacifiers were sold between January and June 1984. Although there have been no incidents involving these particular pacifiers, CPSC and Binky-Griptiqht, Inc. have determined that because of the potential for injury, this warning is in the public interest. Retailers should discontinue sale of the Binky Squeaky Pacifier, model 593 and contact Binky-Griptight, Inc. The product will be replaced by a new model 593 (marked "new" above the number) and identified by a white plastic squeaker instead of the metal one. For further information, consumers may call Binky-Griptight, Inc., at 201-935-4580 for New Jersey residents or 800-526-6320 for residents of other states or CPSC's toll free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (301) 595-7054.
Crib Toy Safety Alert issued by Fisher-Price NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Phone number change. FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE Originally issued October 10, 1984; Revised October 29, 2002 Release # 84-058 CPSC And Fisher-Price Issue Crib Toy Safety Alert WASHINGTON, D.C. -- Fisher-Price, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, today voluntarily issued a product safety alert concerning the company's #155 Play Gym -- an activity bar toy for cribs. In late March the Company received a report that a one-year old child died when a hooded sweater became entangled on a #155 Play Gym. A previous death was reported in May 1980 due to a child's clothing catching on a Play Gym. In 1981, Fisher-Price voluntarily began labeling this crib toy to warn parents to remove the Play Gym from their child's crib when he is able to push up on hands and knees or reached 5 months of age. A child who can push up on hands and knees while wearing loose clothing or any stringlike material around the neck may become entangled on the Play Gym or other similar toys that attach across a crib. There may be unlabeled Play Gyms still in use. Therefore, the Commission and Fisher-Price are issuing this alert and urging parents to remove these toys from cribs and playpens as soon as their child begins to push up on hands and knees. The Commission and Fisher-Price also advise parents against putting children in cribs while the infants are wearing hooded clothing or any loose-fitting garments that could become entangled about a child's neck. Consumers outside of New York State who have questions may call Fisher-Price directly on a toll-free line: 1-800-233-4004. Consumers may also contact the Commission's toll-free hotline for further information at 1-800-638-CPSC. The 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.
Symmons Shower Systems Warning NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 22, 1984 Release # 84-042 Symmons Shower System May Present Scalding Risk When Not Properly Installed And Adjusted Washington, D.C. - The Consumer Product Safety Commission and Symmons Industries, Inc. of Braintree, Massachusetts, today joined in warning the public of the potential scalding hazard associated with their pressure-balancing shower systems when not properly installed and adjusted. The Commission is presently aware of 12 incidents, including 4 deaths, associated with the Symmons shower systems. The shower systems are sold under the brand names "Temptrol", "Safetymix", and "Visu-Temp". The brand names are on the face plate behind the shower handle. These shower systems are most frequently used in motels, hotels, apartments, nursing homes, institutional care facilities, and athletic facilities. A substantial number of these shower systems have been distributed since 1947. They sell at retail between $76.20 and $138.00. The Commission and Symmons warn that scalding may occur in the shower systems when there is a failure on the part of the installer to set the temperature-limiting device in the pressure balancing valve, known as the Limit Stop Screw. As a result, there is unusually hot water in the plumbing system because of a failure of other temperature-controlling devices else where in the plumbing system. Symmons is placing warning statements in its installation and user instructions, and placing warning sticker labels on the shower system to warn the installer of the potential scalding hazard when these units are not properly installed and adjusted. Owners, users, and operators of facilities which have the Symmons shower systems should check the water temperature of the shower system at its hottest setting. If the water temperature is more than 120° degrees F., the shower system and the central hot water system should be checked and adjusted by a plumber. Symmons states that its pressure-balancing shower system are effective in preventing scalds when properly installed and adjusted, and that its cooperation with the Commission is addressing the potential scalding hazard is not an admission that there is any defect in the products involved. Anyone wishing additional information may contact Symmons Industries, Inc. at 617-848-2256; or the Consumer Product Safety Commission toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (301) 595-7054.
Enterprise Amusement Rides Corrective Plan NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 10, 1984 Release # 84-031 CPSC Announces Corrective Action Plan For Popular "Enterprise" Amusement Park Ride Washington, D. C. -- After a thorough investigation of an accident involving the "Enterprise" amusement ride, on October 17, 1983, at the Texas State Fair in Dallas, in which one rider died and at least three persons were hospitalized, the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has announced an interim corrective action plan for mobile "Enterprise" rides operating in the United States. The vote was 3 to 1 to accept the corrective action plan. Commissioners Stuart M. Statler, Terrence M. Scanlon and Saundra Brown Armstrong voted for the plan. CPSC Chairman Nancy Harvey Steorts dissented (dissent attached). The Enterprise ride is one of the most popular amusement rides in this country. The incident in Texas occurred when one car of the Enterprise separated from the sweep arm of the ride and fell onto the midway of the Fair. The ride was operated by Continental Park Attractions and manufactured by Heinr, Wilhelm Huss & Company of West Germany. The corrective action, which is to be implemented by Huss Trading Corporation in conjunction with owners of 6 similar mobile Enterprise rides operating in the United States, would include upgrading key structural components of the rides to bring them up to the latest manufacturing design. The plan will require intensive inspections--on a daily, monthly, and annual basis-- by ride owners and operators, in an effort to detect early-on the presence of significant structural damage or other problems affecting the Enterprise ride so as to avert similar tragedies in the future. The voluntary plan with the CPSC covers only mobile Enterprise rides (those transported from site to site) since the CPSC has no jurisdiction over rides permanently fixed to a site. However, the CPSC intends to provide information on this corrective action plan to all identified Huss Enterprise ride owners in this country in an effort to ensure total ride safety. Additionally, State officials will be requested to assist in the monitoring of the interim plan for the Enterprise. Presently 23 States regulate the operation of amusement rides in some manner or another. The Commission is continuing its investigation of the Dallas incident. Meanwhile, it will monitor inspections by the owners and take additional action where warranted. The investigation to date has led to inspections of most of the mobile Huss Enterprise rides and uncovered a number of examples of structural and other cracks, inadequate re-welds, missing turn buckles, loose screws and incomplete inspections. While not admitting the need for corrective action, the distributor of the ride, the Huss Trading Corporation of America, has agreed to work with the Commission in implementing the plan developed in cooperation with the Commission and the following mobile ride owners, Conklin Shows, West Palm Beach, Florida; Continental Park Attractions, East Karminsdale, New York; Foley and Burke Combined Shows, Redwood City, California; FunTastic Rides, Portland, Oregon; Klaesan Brothers, Ft. Pierce, Florida; Murphy Brothers Expo, Tulsa, Oklahoma; and James E. Strates Shows, Orlando, Florida. In addition to the seven mobile units, there are 12 stationary Enterprise sites in the following locations: Brooklyn, New York; Sandusky, Ohio; Aurora, Ohio; Hershey, Pennsylvania; West Mifflin, Pennsylvania; Seattle, Washington; Wildwood, New Jersey; Haines City, Florida; Myrtle Beach, South Carolina; Warwick Neck, Rhode Island; Shakopee, Minnesota; and Kansas City, Missouri.
May 2, 1984 Release # 84-028 CPSC Warns Of Carbon Monoxide Hadard With Oil/Wood Combination Furnaces Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission today warned consumers of a carbon monoxide hazard with certain oil/wood combination furnaces. These units were manufactured by Itasca Manufacturing, Inc. of Menahga, MN. The firm is in the process of filing for bankruptcy and is unable to undertake any corrective action for the products. The units involved were sold under the names Itasco Duo Model W0330 and Home Duo Model W0320. CPSC believes the units have demonstrated a pattern of weld failure that could allow carbon monoxide to escape and be drawn into the home. Carbon monoxide can cause Headaches, nausea, and lead to death. Over 100 complaints associated with cracks in the welds of the furnace were reported to the firm. At least one complaint involved various levels of carbon monoxide being emitted into the home. No injuries are known to have occurred. Approximately 12,000 units have been produced and sold since 1972. The model number w0330 and w0320 can be found on a metal plate attached to the unit. CPSC urges owners of these furnaces to contact a qualified professional heating equipment installer and arrange for the furnace to be inspected for cracks, particularly at the top of the heat exchanger between the creosote collectors and around the firebox doors. If cracks are found, consumers should have a certified welder repair them. Any welding repairs should be reinspected yearly. Consumers wishing to pursue a claim may contact the offices of Arntson, Hagen, Wentz and Klein, Suite 520, Gate City Bldg., 500 Second Avenue North, P.O. box 2025, Fargo ND 58107-2025. Consumers wishing to verify model numbers may call the CPSC toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-705
Honeywell-V5130 Gas Valve Announcing Issuance Of Complaint NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 24, 1984 Release # 84-027 Honeywell-V5130 Gas Valve Announcing Issuance Of Complaint Washington, D.C.-- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces that its staff has issued an administrative complaint against Honeywell, Inc., of Minneapolis, Minn., which alleges that Honeywell's V5130 gas combination control valves contain a defect which, when used with LP gas water heaters, presents a substantial risk of injury to the public from fires and explosions. The Commission has learned of approximately 64 explosion incidents involving this control valve-- including 16 deaths and approximately 35 incidents of personal injury to consumers. The complaint is limited to valves used in water heaters fueled by LP gas. Since LP gas is heavier than air, it does not vent easily and, in the case of a leak, tends to settle toward the floor, accumulate there, and may lead to an explosion when touched off by a nearby ignition source. The combination valve serves the dual purpose of regulating the gas supplied to the water heater and the safety function of shutting off the gas supply when the pilot light becomes extinguished. The complaint alleges that the design of the valve knob, which utilizes plastic lugs keyed into the metal slots of the gas cock, is defective. It maintains that V5130 controls which were made between 1958 and 1976, have knobs that can be easily worn and broken such that the knob can become reversed (rotated 180°) with respect to the gas cock. Should this happen, the knob could become stuck in the depressed position and defeat the pilot-flame safety system. Thereafter, if the pilot flame should go out, the water cools, the thermostat calls for heat, and the control valve opens to heat the water. As a result, substantial quantities of unburned gas will be released through the pilot and main burners and create a serious explosion and/or fire hazard. This control was used on various water heaters manufactured by numerous different manufacturers. Some of the controls are identifiable by the Honeywell name on the front faceplate. Others may only have the name of the water heater manufacturer. The consumer may need to consult his LP gas supplier or a qualified plumber to get positive identification of the valve. Persons who become aware of explosion or fire incidents that may be associated with this product should contact the CPSC on its toll-free Hotline 800-638-CPSC. Information regarding this matter may also be obtained by calling the CPSC toll-free Hotline. The teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.