Consumer Products Recalls

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

Choking

Choking

Fall

Contemporary Times "Stralighter" Cribs Warning NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 22, 1982 Release # 82-040 Dangerous Baby Cribs WASHINGTON, D.C. -- The Consumer Product Safety Commission today warned consumers that in excess of 1,000 "Stralighter" non-full size baby cribs manufactured between 1975 and 1978 by Contemporary Times, Inc., St. Petersburg, Florida, present a neck entrapment hazard. A nine-month-old baby died as a result of asphyxiation when her neck became entrapped in the crib slats. The "Starlighter" crib is made of plastic and has hinged fold-down side rails. When the top half of the side rail is folded down, the lower half of the side rail presents a picket fence configuration in which the baby's neck may become entrapped. In addition to the entrapment hazard, the baby may fall out of the crib and sustain injury as a result of improper crib side height. The side rail in its lowest position is below the top of the mattress in its highest position, making it possible for the baby to fall out of the crib. Consumers should immediately discontinue the use of the "Starlighter" crib. There is no adequate and feasible "fix" for the entrapment hazard. Consumers should not attempt to make such a "fix" because it is most likely to present other hazards to babies. Contemporary Times, Inc. is insolvent and undergoing a federal bankruptcy proceeding. The firm has, therefore, refused to recall or repurchase the cribs. The crib was sold nationwide at retail for approximately $200.00.

Fall

Choking

Entrapment

Entrapment

Choking

Attic Ventilators Recalled by Emerson NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 17, 1982 Release # 82-020 Emerson Electric Company Recalling Powered Attic Ventilators In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Emerson Electric Company, St. Louis, Missouri, today announced a voluntary recall of 11,500 roof-mounted powered attic ventilators sold by Sears, Roebuck and Co. The motors of the ventilators may overheat and cause roof-top fires. The attic ventilators were sold nationwide through Sears retail stores and catalog sales in 1980 and 1981, for approximately $70.00. The ventilators have a light-gray molded polyvinyl outer hood. The identification plate on the back of the motor bears the Model No. 758.648360. The manufacturer has received several reports from consumers, since September 1981, alleging that these ventilators were involved in roof-top fires. No consumers have been injured in these fires. Consumers should examine the back of their attic ventilator and check the model number. Owners of the affected ventilators should discontinue using them and contact Emerson Electric Company on their toll-free number: l-800-325-4130. Missouri residents may call collect at 314-595-2507. The Companies will arrange for a service technician to visit the consumer's home and replace the motor of the ventilator free of charge.

Strangulation