Recall: Shindaiwa Corp. Recalls Backpack Blowers Due to Laceration and Impact Hazards
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE May 15, 2008 Release #08-271 |
Firm’s Recall Hotline: (800) 521-7733 |
Shindaiwa Corp. Recalls Backpack Blowers Due to Laceration and Impact Hazards
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.Name of Product: Shindaiwa Backpack Blowers
Units: About 23,000
Importer: Shindaiwa Corp., of Tualatin, Ore
Manufacturer: Shindaiwa Kogyo Co. Ltd, of Hiroshima, Japan
Hazard: The blower’s impeller (fan) can separate from the base and break apart, causing plastic pieces to be blown out of the machine, and pose a laceration and impact hazard to consumers. The flying pieces also can cause property damage and injury to bystanders. Note: These backpack blowers were previously recalled due to a fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: Shindaiwa is aware of 13 incidents involving broken impellers. One incident involved a minor head injury and minor property damage to a nearby automobile.
Description: This recall involves Shindaiwa Models EB8510 and EB8510RT. All models up to serial # 7014728 are included. The backpack blowers weigh approximately 24 pounds and include Serial Numbers through February 2007 production (S/N 702XXXX) which are located on the side label. These machines are black and blue with a red and black label that reads, “EB8510, Shindaiwa.”
Sold by: Shindaiwa dealers nationwide from September 2005 through January 2007 for about $600.
Manufactured in: Japan
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the backpack blowers immediately and contact Shindaiwa for the closest dealer location to schedule a free inspection and impeller replacement. Consumers who have registered their equipment should have already received correspondence from Shindaiwa about this recall.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Shindaiwa at (800) 521-7733 between 8:00 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.shindaiwa.com