Recalls: Home Appliances, Maintenance and Structures
Sears/Kenmore Vacuum Cleaners Repair by Whirlpool NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 04, 1987 Release # 87-14 SOME SEARS CANISTER VACUUM CLEANERS NEED TO BE MODIFIED TO PREVENT INJURIES WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Whirlpool Corporation of Benton Harbor, Michigan, today announced a modification program involving numerous Sears Kenmore canister vacuum cleaners. The motor in some of these cleaners has an opening which exposes moving parts when the canister is opened, the motor filter removed, and when the motor is running. These moving parts may cause severe lacerations or amputations to fingers placed in the opening. There have been 19 serious injuries involving these motor openings. Since 1976, approximately 1.3 million of these canister vacuums were sold nationwide through Sears, Roebuck & Co. stores and catalogs under the Kenmore name and model number. Models with various features sold for between $50 and $280. An easy-to-install, stick-on motor safety screen kit which covers the opening on top of the motor is being provided free of charge to owners of affected models. However, not all Sears Kenmore canister vacuum cleaners sold since 1976 need the kit. Whirlpool is informing known purchasers by direct mail. Consumers who bought canister vacuum cleaners at Sears since 1976 can find out if their vacuum motor requires a safety screen and receive additional information by calling 800-654- 1820 toll-free (have the model number from the bottom of the canister ready) or by visiting the customer service counter of the nearest Sears store. Consumers are warned to take extra care in handling their canister vacuum cleaners until the safety screen is installed. Whenever using the cleaner, unplug it before opening the canister lid. Read more.
Cs-500VL Chain Saw Recalled by Echo NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 Note: Phone number. FOR RELEASE Originally issued August 28, 1986; Revised April 1, 2005 Release # 86-53 Echo Recalls Model Cs-500VL Chain Saw Washington, DC -- In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Echo Incorporated of Lake Zurich, Illinois today announced the voluntary recall of all model 500VL gasoline powered chain saws manufactured from 1979 to 1980. Some 8,500 Echo model 500VL chain saws with flywheel problems are being recalled voluntarily by the company and replaced with a new solid- state magneto chain saw at no cost to the consumer. The firm said a special tool is required to remove the flywheel during routine chain saw maintenance, but some flywheels have been removed by consumers without aid of the tool. If the flywheel becomes distorted as a result of such removal, the flywheel may be subject to stress and vibration. Pieces of the flywheel may fly apart and strike the operator as was the case in the three accidents reported to Echo, which resulted in lacerations, fractures and amputation to the fingers of the operator's left hand. Consumers should discontinue using the Echo 500 VL chain saw immediately. Owners of Model 500VL chain saws with serial numbers inclusive to 0023000 should contact their Echo Dealer to arrange for replacement of the saw at no charge. The new Echo saw, model 510 EVL, comes equipped with a solid-state electronic magneto which is not removed during routine maintenance. Consumers desiring more information about the product recall should write to Echo, Incorporated, 400 Oakwood Road, Lake Qurich, Illinois 60047, or call Echo's Service Department at (847) 540-8400. Read more.
Nine-Inch Oscillating Desk Fans Recalled by Tatung NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE April 10, 1986 Release # 86-23 Tatung Recalls 80,000 Nine-Inch Desk Fans In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), the Tatung Company of America, Inc., of Long Beach, California today announced the voluntary recall of 80,000 nine-inch 2-speed oscillating desk fans. The fans were sold in 1985 under the Tatung brand name and included models LF-9GKA, LF-9BKA, LF-9GKP, LF-9BKP, and under the Crosley brand name as model CF-9T. All of the fans are subject to flexural cord failure after an unknown period of use. Cord failure can result in fan failure or ignition of the plastic case. The Commission staff believes the fan presents a fire hazard. Numerous incidents of fan failure occurred in 1985, including seven reports that the fan caught fire. Although no injuries were reported, several, fires occurred while consumers were asleep. Consumers should check their nine-inch oscillating fans for the Tatung or Crosley brand names on the decorative base plate, and for one of the listed model numbers printed on the fan bottom. Owners of a recalled fan should stop using it. Owners can receive instructions for getting a new fan motor and base assembly free of charge by writing to the Fan Recall Program, Tatung Company of America, Inc., 2350 El Presidio Street, Long Beach, California 90810. The owner's letter should include the return name and address. Tatung and Crosley brand fans were imported by Tatung in 1985, and were sold nationwide by a variety of retail stores. Most fans sold for about twenty dollars. Consumers who have questions about this recall or who request additional information can call Tatung's toll free hot line at 800-828-8641, or write to The Fan Recall Program at the company's listed address. Read more.
Proven Value Antifreeze Recalled By Sharp NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Office of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207 FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 17, 1986 Release # 86-19 Sharp Industrial Chemical Supply, Inc., Fails To Properly Package Antifreeze Washington, D.C. -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Sharp Industrial Chemical Supply, Inc., today announced a voluntary recall of one-gallon containers of "Proven Value Antifreeze" distributed by Sharp. This recall is being undertaken because gallon-sized containers of "Proven Value Antifreeze" were distributed with incorrect labeling and without the child-resistant closures (CRCS) required by federal law. The Commission is aware of no cases of accidental ingestion of "Proven Value Antifreeze." However, the Commission said, the recall is in the public interest to preclude the possibility of such ingestion. If a child ingests ethylene glycol, a serious injury or death could result if first aid treatment is not administered immediately. The American Association of Poison Control Centers estimated there were 1.4 million childhood poison exposures in 1983. These findings were based on Poison Control Center reports. This figure is too high and the Commission will continue to pursue its goal of significantly reducing childhood poison exposures. "Proven Value Antifreeze" has been sold principally in Texas, New Mexico and Louisiana. In 1985, approximately 106,000 gallons were distributed. Consumers who have unused containers of "Proven Value Antifreeze" should return the containers to the place of purchase and request replacement units and/or approved CRCS to be affixed to these containers. Extreme care should be taken to keep these containers out of reach of children until such time as they can be returned to place of purchase. Read more.
