Recall: Black & Decker Recalls Trimmers/Edgers Due to Laceration Hazard from Projectiles

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
July 20, 2007
Release #07-248

Firm's Recall Hotline: (888) 742-9158
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

This recall has been reannounced

Black & Decker Recalls Trimmers/Edgers Due to Laceration Hazard from Projectiles

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: Black & Decker GH1000 Grasshog XP String Trimmer/Edgers

Units: About 202,000

Manufacturer: Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md.

Hazard: The trimmer/edger's spool, spool cap and pieces of trimmer string can come loose during use and become airborne projectiles, posing a laceration hazard to the user as well as bystanders. The trimmer/edgers can also overheat posing a burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Black & Decker has received 707 reports of incidents, including 58 reports of injuries. Serious injuries included cuts to two consumers' legs that required medical attention. Minor injuries included bruises, lacerations, and facial injuries such as a welt and broken skin over a consumer's eye. There were also reports of property damage, including two broken windows.

Description: The Black & Decker GH1000 Grasshog XP String Trimmers/Edgers are electric-powered. Trimmer/edgers with date codes 200546 through 200645 (representing manufacture dates of November 14, 2005 through November 6, 2006) are included in this recall. The date code is located on the underside of the trimmer/edger's handle. Only trimmers with black spools caps are included in the recall. Those with orange spool caps are not included in the recall.

Sold at: Major home center and hardware stores nationwide from November 2005 through January 2007 for about $70.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the string trimmers/edgers immediately and contact Black & Decker for a free repair kit.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Black & Decker at (888) 742-9158 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.blackanddecker.com


Picture of Recalled Trimmer