Consumer Products Recalls

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

Choking

Explosion/Projectiles

Plastic Table Lamps Warning NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE December 3, 1981 Release # 81-029 Consumers Warned That Four Million Plastic Lamps May Pose Electrocution Hazard WASHINGTON, D.C. ( Dec. 3 ) -- Three firms today alerted consumers that approximately four million plastic table lamps if misused or carelessly handled may pose a risk of eIectrocution or electrical shock. The warning was issued voluntarily in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission by A-Bee Syndicate, Inc., of New York, New York; B & D Molded Products, Inc., of Shelton, Connecticut; and Injection Corporation, of Plainfield, New Jersey. CPSC staff has identified these companies as manufacturers and distributors of the lamps according to definitions in the Consumer Product Safety Act. According to the firms, the lamps were designed and manufactured in conformity with existing industry practices. They could, however, pose a potential safety hazard if the lightbulb socket is dislodged or removed from the lamp base, thereby exposing two electrical terminals positioned on either side of the socket. The lamps consist of a black plastic base with three legs which supports a plastic shade covered with bubble-like protrusions. The shades were produced in three colors: white, lime-green and neon-orange. The lamps stand approximately 16 inches tall, and some were made with the name "A-Bee" on the smooth collar at the base of the shade. The lamps were sold nationwide for approximately $1 each in variety retail stores from 1965 through 1975, although the majority were distributed in the eastern half of the U.S. Some lamps may have been given away as promotional items. Consumers who own one of the lamps should take the following steps to determine if there is a safety hazard: Unplug the lamp; Remove the shade and turn the lamp upside down; Throw the lamp away if the bulb socket falls out of the base or is loose enough to expose the electrical terminals. Anyone requiring additional information about this warning should contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772. Warning Certain of the pictured table lamps may contain a potential electrocution or shock hazard. Each lamp consists of a black, plastic three-legged base supporting a plastic shade covered with bubble-like protrusions. The shades are available in white, neon-orange, and lime-green. The lamps were distributed from 1965 through April 1975 and sold for approximately $1.00. The lamps may often be identified through the name "A-BEE" which may be visible on the smooth collar on the base of the lamp's shade. If the lamp is titled or tipped, the bulb socket may dislodge from the lamp's base, thereby exposing two copper electrical terminals. Consumers should check to see if their lamp is one affected by talking the following steps: Unplug the Lamp Remove the shade from the lamp's base Turn the lamp upside down If a bulb socket works itself loose or falls out exposing the electrical terminals, the lamp should not be used. In certain of the affected table lamps, the bulb socket may not be securely fastened to the lamp's base or may have been able to work itself loose from the lamp's base. Consumers owning one of the affected lamps are warned to immediately stop use of the lamp and remove it form children's access.