Consumer Products Recalls

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.

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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.

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.

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