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Showing posts with label U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Show all posts
Showing posts with label U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission. Show all posts

Sunday, December 22, 2013

Every Year There Are Thousands of Holiday-Decorating Injuries


Holiday safety is an important concern. Today's post is shared from The Atlantic.

It was the day after Christmas, 1994, and the Garber family had gathered around its table for a post-holiday dinner. The atmosphere: still festive. The turkey: still juicy. The tree: still in full regalia. All was still merry and bright, in other words, as we sat down to our day-after leftovers.
Until, that is, someone smelled the smoke. At first, we thought, the oven had been left on. Or maybe a neighbor had lit a fire? But then the scent started to take on a sour tinge. Like burning plastic? Or maybe—eek—lighter fluid? And then someone saw the smoke. It was wafting in toward the table. We weren't smelling something from outside. It all was coming from inside the house.
The Christmas of 1994, in other words, was the Christmas the Garber family became a statistic: Our tree had caught fire. We are still not sure how. But it was probably, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission would say, because we had let our tree go under-watered. Or over-lighted. Or, even more possibly, overdone with reflective ornaments. Perhaps, on the other hand, we had simply situated it too close to a heat source.
Regardless: Do not be like the Garbers! Heed the warnings of the CPSC, for your own safety, or at least that of your home! Each year, the Commission publishes, Cassandra-like, a nearly identical list of recommendations meant to help Americans...
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Saturday, December 21, 2013

Winter Warning: Portable Generators Hold Top Spot in CPSC Report on Carbon Monoxide Deaths & Incidents

Garment workers protest in Savar, Dhaka, on 24 November 2013


Carbon monoxide (CO) is an invisible killer, and portable gas generators emit a lot of CO. Portable generators were involved in the majority of carbon monoxide deaths involving engine-driven tools from 1999 through 2012.  At a carbon monoxide safety event in Chicago today, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Acting Chairman Robert Adler announced that a new agency report finds that portable generators were linked to more than 85 percent of non-fire CO deaths associated with engine-driven tools, or 800 out of 931 deaths, during that 14-year period.  Most of the deaths have occurred since 2005, when Hurricane Katrina and a series of winter ice storms hit the U.S.
CPSC’s report also found that African Americans died at nearly twice their proportion of the population.  CPSC staff found that 23 percent of generator-related fatalities involved African Americans. African Americans make up about 12 percent of the U.S. population, according to the U.S. Census Bureau.
Men of any race were most likely to die from CO poisoning from generators, accounting for 73 percent of the deaths.
Most of the generator fatalities, or 74 percent, occurred at fixed-structure homes. Many of these incidents involved generators that were operated in the home’s living space.
Portable generators have fuel-burning engines.  Engine exhaust contains high levels of poisonous carbon monoxide, which can be fatal within minutes if used...
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Friday, December 13, 2013

Trek Recalls Madone Bicycles Due to Crash Hazard; Front Brake Can Fail

Today's post was shared by U.S. CPSC and comes from www.cpsc.gov

Trek Madone 5.2
Trek Madone 5.2
Units
6,800
Description
This recall involves model year 2013 Trek Madone bicycles with model numbers 5.2, 5.9, 6.2, 6.5, 7.7 or 7.9, and serial numbers starting with WTU and ending with G or H. A list of all serial numbers included in the recall is at www.trekbikes.com. Some of the recalled models are custom-ordered Project One Madones. The model number is printed on the bicycle frame. The serial number is printed on a sticker underneath the frame of the bicycle. The bicycles were sold in a variety of colors.
Incidents/Injuries
Trek has received five reports of loose front brake attachment bolts. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled bicycles and take the bicycles to a Trek dealer for a free replacement front brake system. 
Sold at
Bicycle stores nationwide from July 2012 through December 2013 for between $3,400 and $6,300, and for custom models between $4,000 and $15,000. 
Importer
Trek Bicycles Corp., of Waterloo, Wis.
Distributor
Trek Bicycles Corp., of Waterloo, Wis.
Manufactured in
Taiwan, United States and Germany

Trek Madone 5.9
Trek Madone 6.2

Trek Madone 6.2
Trek Madone 6.5
Trek Madone 6.5
Trek Madone 7.7
Trek Madone 7.7
Trek Madone 7.9
Trek Madone 7.9
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Saturday, November 16, 2013

“Stand By Your Pan”: Cook Safely This Thanksgiving to Prevent Kitchen Fires

Today's post was shared by U.S. CPSC and comes from www.cpsc.gov

Pan on fire on a stove

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is alerting consumers that the threat of fires in the kitchen triples on Thanksgiving Day.  From 2009 through 2011, there was an average of about 1,300 cooking fires on Thanksgiving Day. This is more than three times the average daily rate from 2009 through 2011 of about 400 cooking fires a day.

“As fire safety experts have said for years, ‘Stand by your pan!’” said CPSC Chairman Inez Tenenbaum. “If you are frying, grilling or broiling food, stay in the kitchen. Not following this advice can be a recipe for disaster on Thanksgiving and throughout the year.”

When it comes to fires in the home, cooking fires are number one.  They accounted for nearly 150,000 fires (more than 40 percent of  all annual unintentional residential fires) each year from 2009 through 2011.  Unattended cooking is the top cause of cooking fires.  Cooking fires also caused the most home fire-related injuries, with an estimated annual average of  nearly 27 percent, or 3,450 injuries each year.

Overall, CPSC estimates an average of 362,300 unintentional residential fires, 2,260 deaths, 12,820 injuries and nearly $7 billion in property damage attended by the fire service occurring each year between 2009 and...
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Saturday, November 9, 2013

Chrysler Recalls 1.2 Million Ram Trucks

Chrysler is recalling about 1.2 million Ram trucks to correct problems that could result in a loss of steering, as well as almost 94,000 of its 2014 Jeep Grand Cherokees because of electronic problems that could disable two safety systems, the automaker said on Friday.

In a statement, the company said it was aware of seven accidents involving the Rams, resulting in two injuries. A Chrysler spokesman, Eric Mayne, said in an email that he was not aware of the extent of the injuries.

The automaker estimated that 453,000 of the trucks would need repairs because the steering systems’ tie rods were not aligned properly, though it said it needed to recall all 1.2 million trucks to find the flawed vehicles.

Earlier Friday, Chrysler told the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration in a report on the safety agency’s website of the problems in the Jeep Grand Cherokees.

In addition, Toyota said it was recalling about 3,800 Tacoma pickups from the 2013-14 model years because their 4-cylinder engines could be damaged and possibly stop running.

In the Chrysler report, which was dated Oct. 1, the automaker said a software problem with the anti-lock braking module could disable the anti-lock braking and electronic stability-control systems. In addition, the issue could cause the “illumination of multiple warning lights” and a loss of lighting for the instrument cluster.

Chrysler said that it had begun an investigation in April after receiving complaints...


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Thursday, October 24, 2013

Six Retailers Announce Recall of Buckyballs and Buckycubes High-Powered Magnet Sets Due to Ingestion Hazard

Today's post was shared by U.S. CPSC and comes from www.cpsc.gov



Buckycubes sets
Buckycubes sets

Recall Details

Description
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), in cooperation with six retailers, is announcing the voluntary recall of all Buckyballs and Buckycubes high-powered magnet sets sold by these companies. CPSC continues to warn that these products contain defects in the design, warnings and instructions, which pose a substantial risk of injury and death to children and teenagers.

Imported by Maxfield & Oberton LLC, of New York, N.Y., Buckyballs and Buckycubes consist of sets of numerous, small, high-powered magnets. These sets vary in the number of magnets included and come in a variety of colors. Individual magnets in the set are about 5 millimeters in diameter. Individual magnets in Buckyballs are spherical and individual magnets in Buckycubes are cube-shaped.

About three million sets of Buckyballs and Buckycubes have been sold in U.S. retail stores nationwide and online since 2010 for between $5 and $100.

Consumers should take the high-powered magnet sets and all associated individual magnets away from children and teenagers and contact the retailer from which they purchased the product to obtain instructions for their remedy:

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Friday, October 4, 2013

Schneider Electric Recalls APC Surge Protectors Due to Fire Hazard

Today's post was shared by U.S. CPSC and comes from www.cpsc.gov

Consumers should stop using this product unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
APC 7 Series SurgeArrest surge protector
APC 7 Series SurgeArrest surge protector
APC 8 Series SurgeArrest surge protector
APC 8 Series SurgeArrest surge protector
Model and serial numbers are located on the bottom of the surge protector
Model and serial numbers are located on the bottom of the surge protector

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov

CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.

Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.

To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go...
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Thursday, September 26, 2013

Votive Candle Holders Sold at Cracker Barrel Old Country Store Recalled Due to Fire Hazard; Made by Mercuries Asia

Mercury has been long known to be a dangerous substance for workers. In fact, the Mad Hatter who is described in the Alice in Wonderland, suffered from mercury poison. Today's post was shared by U.S. CPSC and comes from www.cpsc.gov


Consumers should stop using this product unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Mercuries Asia “Ant” Votive Holders Packaging

Recall Details

Units
About 7,900
Description
This recall involves candle holders designed to resemble a large ant. The black metal candle holders are 6 ½-inches tall and were sold as either a male or female. The male ant has a polka dot bow tie and the female has a white pearl necklace. Both ants hold up a clear glass votive cup. The words “Backyard BBQ” and “Glass Votive Holder” are printed on the front of the packaging. SKU number 426154 can be found on the underside of the packaging.
Remedy
Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled votive candle holders and return them to any Cracker Barrel Old Country Store location or mail to Mercuries Asia USA, Ltd., 1501 Gary Street, Bethlehem, PA 18018 for a full refund, including shipping.
Sold exclusively at
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store locations nationwide from May 2013 through June 2013 for about $6
Importer
Cracker Barrel Old Country Store® of Lebanon, Tenn.
Manufacturer
Mercuries Asia Ltd., of Taipei, Taiwan
Manufactured in
China

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov...
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Saturday, September 21, 2013

Frigidaire Recalls Professional Blenders Due to Laceration Hazard

Today's post was shared by U.S. CPSC and comes from www.cpsc.gov


Consumers should stop using this product unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Frigidaire Professional blender
Serial plate with model and serial numbers on bottom of unit
This recall involves Frigidaire Professional© brand blender model FPJB56B7MS with a serial number between FFP 49 1203 0001 and FFP 49 1237 00974. The model and serial numbers are located on a serial plate on the underside of the blender’s motor base. Frigidaire Professional is printed on the front base of the blenders. The 5-speed blender is brushed aluminum and has black buttons on the front. The blender container is a 56-oz. clear glass jar with a black lid and a black base.
Incidents/Injuries
Frigidaire has received eight reports of the blender’s blade shaft assembly breaking. No injuries have been reported.
Remedy
Consumers should stop using the recalled blenders immediately and contact Frigidaire for instructions on returning the blenders for a free replacement blender.
Sold at
Best Buy, Target and other stores nationwide and online at amazon.com, bedbath.com and other online retailers from March 2012 through July 2013 for about $130.
Distributor
Electrolux Home Care Products Inc., of Charlotte, N.C.
Manufactured in
China

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience...
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Saturday, September 14, 2013

Cambridge Metal & Plastics Recalls Motorcycle Training Wheels Due to a Crash Hazard


Today's post was shared by U.S. CPSC and comes from www.cpsc.gov

Motorcycle dealerships nationwide and at Mooseracing.com, Parts-unlimited.com and other online retailers from July 2012 through June 2013 for about $130.
Manufacturer
Cambridge Metals & Plastics, a Division of Water Works Manufacturing Inc., of Cambridge, Minn.
DLeMans Corporation Inc., of Janesville, Wis.
Manufactured in
United States

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in...
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Tuesday, November 22, 2011

10 Worst Toys for 2011

A consumer group in Boston, W.A.T.C.H., has published its "10 Worst Toys for 2011" list. The toys nominated represent toys with the potential to cause childhood injuries, or even death. W.A.T.C.H.'s annual "Toy Conference" has generated extensive national press and media coverage. Because of these efforts, and the positive response from both the media and the public, there have been many toy and product design changes.

1. TWIST ‘n SORT
Price: $13.35
Manufacturer or Distributor: Guidecraft, Inc.
Purchased: WonderBrains.com
Age Recommendation: “Ages 3+”
Warnings: “WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts.  Not for children under 3 yrs.”
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR CHOKING INJURIES!  
This play set consisting of a “brightly colored geometric block and solid wood base” is sold to provide “years of developmental fun” with “problem solving challenges” and “fine motor practice.” On October 20, 2011, certain lots of these toys were recalled because “[t]he small pegs on three of the four posts can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children”. After issuance of the recall, a newly purchased Twist ‘n Sort toy exhibited the same “choking hazard” identified in the government’s recall notice.



2. POWER RANGERS SAMURAI MEGA BLADE
Price:  $26.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: Bandai
Purchased: Toys R Us (also available Kmart.com and Walmart.com)
Age Recommendation: “4+” and “Ages 4 and up”
Warnings: Package insert:  “CAUTION: PLEASE READ BEFORE PLAYING WITH TOY.
Do not: (1) aim toy at anyone, (2) hit anyone with toy, (3) poke anyone with toy, (4) swing toy at anyone….”; and  other cautions and warnings.
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR IMPACT INJURIES!
Young children are encouraged to pull a release and flip-open this rigid plastic Power Rangers Samurai “sword”, which “extends 2 feet!” according to the packaging. The blade has the potential to cause serious facial or other impact injuries.



3. FOLD & GO TRAMPOLINE 
Price:  $99.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: The Original Toy Company
Purchased: Stellabella Toys (also available Sears.com)
Age Recommendation: “ages 3+ YEARS”
Warnings: “WARNING:  CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts.  Not for children under 3 years”, and other safety information including: “Misuse and abuse of this trampoline is dangerous and can cause injuries.”
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR HEAD, NECK AND OTHER BODILY INJURIES!
This trampoline is sold in the toy aisle for children as young as 3-years-old. Remarkably, the package insert instructs, in part, as follows:
“Never attempt any other functions or gymnastic functions or rough play on the trampoline, this trampoline is designed for young children ONLY. The only function on this trampoline should be a controlled bounce (exercise), for young children. No other functions should occur other then [sic] controlled bounce.” The many hazards associated with trampoline use should make it apparent to manufacturers and retailers that such equipment should not be sold as a playtime activity for young children.

4. PULLING ANIMAL DUCK
Price:  $29.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: Haba
Purchased: Creatoyvity
Age Recommendation: “Age 1+”
Warnings: “WARNING:  Do not make a knot or grip in the string.” (stick-on label on box only).
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR STRANGULATION INJURIES!
This wooden duck, which “[w]addles amusingly when pulled”, is sold as a pull toy for 1-year-old babies. The duck’s cord is approximately 33” long, presenting a serious potential strangulation  hazard. The industry’s standard limits strings on crib and playpen toys to 12” in length.


5. SCHOOL BUS
Price:  $4.00
Manufacturer or Distributor: Schylling
Purchased: Toy Shop of Concord (also available online retailers)
Age Recommendation: “Not for children under 3 years.” (stick-on label only).
Warnings: “WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under 3 years.” (stick-on  label only).
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR CHOKING INJURIES!
These miniature yellow school buses are sold with a “choking hazard” warning on a removable, stick-on label. The firm rubber tires, mounted on plastic wheels, can be removed, presenting the potential for a serious choking injury for oral age children.



6. Z-CURVE BOW
Price:  $25.05
Manufacturer or Distributor: Zing Toys, Inc.
Purchased: Amazon.com
Age Recommendation: “DESIGNED FOR KIDS 8+”
Warnings: “WARNING:  Do not aim at eyes or face.  Do not aim or shoot at people or animals”; “WARNING:  Arrows should not be pulled back at more than half strength… Anyone within close distance to intended target should be alerted prior to firing….”; and other warnings on packaging.
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR EYE INJURIES!
This “high-performance” bow and arrow set is sold with three “long-range” foam arrows, which are marketed as being able to fly “over 125 FEET!” Remarkably, among the many “warnings” for children is an instruction that arrows not be pulled back “more than half strength”, and that people nearby “should be alerted” prior to firing.



7. STEPPER “LOW RISE” STILTS
Price:  $10.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: JJI Toys
Purchased: Ben Franklin
Age Recommendation: “Ages 5 and up”
Warnings: None.
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR HEAD AND OTHER IMPACT INJURIES!  
These colorful plastic platforms with attached, adjustable “hand ropes” are sold as  “perfect ‘low rise’ stilts.” The manufacturer provides no warnings or cautions. The instruction on the  throw-away tag invites children, as young as five years old, to “[j]ust step on the platform, pull the ropes up  tight, and begin to walk around” while balancing on top of the cups.

8. SWORD FIGHTING JACK SPARROW
Price:  $15.98
Manufacturer or Distributor: Jakks Pacific
Purchased: Toys R Us
Age Recommendation: “4+”
Warnings: “WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts. Not for children under 3 years” (on box).
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR EYE AND OTHER IMPACT INJURIES!  
The Jack Sparrow action figure, from the popular Pirates of the Caribbean movie franchise, is sold for children as young as four years old. The pirate’s right hand is armed with a 4 ½”-long rigid, plastic sword, which activates in an upward motion at the push of a lever. No warnings are provided regarding the potential for eye or other impact injuries.



9. THE INCREDIBLE SHRINKY DINKS MAKER 
Price:  $29.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: Big Time Toys, LLC
Purchased: Kmart
Age Recommendation: “Ages 8+”
Warnings: “CAUTION:  ELECTRIC TOY” and many more warnings on package, package insert and  product.
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR ELECTRIC SHOCK AND BURN INJURIES!  
This oven uses standard 120-volt house current and shrinks a “shrinky dink” in a “heating chamber” with a 60-watt light bulb. A parent or caregiver needs no further indication that this oven could be dangerous than the litany of warnings and cautions on the toy itself and the packaging, including:
  • “CAUTION-ELECTRIC TOY: As with all electric products, precautions shall be observed…to prevent electric shock.”
  • “WARNING: SHOCK HAZARD. Pull plug before changing light bulb.”
  • “DANGER – To prevent electric shock, do not immerse in water….”
  • “CAUTION – SUPERVISION REQUIRED - ELECTRIC TOY- UNPLUG WHEN NOT IN USE.”

A product with so many inherent hazards does not lend itself to use in a home environment with children.
10. “GIGAN” GODZILLA FIGURE
Price:  $22.99
Manufacturer or Distributor: Bandai
Purchased: Toys R US
Age Recommendation: “4+”
Warnings: “WARNING: CHOKING HAZARD – Small parts.  Not for children under 3 years.”
HAZARD: POTENTIAL FOR IMPACT AND PUNCTURE WOUND INJURIES!  
This “12[-inch] Classic Godzilla Figure”, referenced on the packaging as the character “Gigan”, features rigid, pointed fins and wings, as well as sharp, dagger-like attachments on its arms. Such unforgiving, plastic protrusions present the potential for penetrating and impact injuries.

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