Tecumseh Products Engines - October 1999
Tecumseh Products Co., of Grafton, Wis., is voluntarily recalling about 118,000 engines equipped with a fuel shut-off valve on various brands of outdoor power equipment. Fuel can leak from a small hole in the engine's fuel line, presenting fire and explosion hazards to consumers.
Tecumseh Products Co. has received two reports of fuel lines leaking. No injuries have been reported.
The Tecumseh engines with fuel shut-off valves that are being recalled have D.O.M. numbers from 9121 through 9233. The D.O.M. number is located on the engine's label. The Tecumseh name is found on the engine and on the engine's label. These engines are primarily on snow blowers. Augers and post hole diggers, log splitters, shredders, irrigators and ventilating fans also have been equipped with these engines.
Power Equipment
Brand Name
Snow Blowers
Ariens
Frigidaire
Garden Way
MTD
Murray
Simplicity
Snapper
ToroAugers and Post Hole Diggers
Ardisam
General Equipment Co.
Log Splitters
Brave
Shredders
Garden Way
Irrigators
Wade
Ventilating Fans
Super Vacuum
Tempest Technology
Mass merchandise stores nationwide sold power equipment with the recalled engines from June 1999 to September 1999 for about $800 to $2,000. The products were also sold through authorized factory dealerships.
Consumers should stop using the equipment immediately and call Tecumseh toll-free at (888) 271-4048 between 6 a.m. and 6 p.m. CDT Monday through Saturday to arrange for a free repair.
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Olympic Deck Cleaner - October 1999
PPG Architectural Finishes (PPGAF) is voluntarily recalling about 420,000 jugs of Olympic Deck Cleaner. Caps used to seal the plastic jugs can allow air pressure to build up and cause the cleaner to seep past the cap or be expelled when the cap is removed. Eye damage or skin irritation could occur from direct contact with the product.
PPGAF has received one consumer report and three reports from stores that noticed that containers of the deck cleaner had bulged or seeped.
No injuries have been reported.
The recalled Olympic Deck Cleaner was sold in 1-gallon and 2.5-gallon sizes. The beige jug has a green cap. The recalled deck cleaner has batch codes beginning with: 06C, 07C, 08C, 09C, 10C, 11C, 12C, 01D, 02D, 03D, 04D, 05D and 06D. The batch code is stamped on the back of the jug above the use instruction label. The label reads, in part, "OLYMPIC DECK CLEANER," "RESTORES THE CLEAN, NATURAL LOOK," and "FAST & EASY TO USE."
The deck cleaner was sold at home improvement centers, hardware stores, and lumber yards nationwide from June 1998 through June 1999 for $7 to $9 for the 1-gallon jug and $14 to $16 for the 2.5-gallon jug.
Consumers with this unused deck cleaner should not open the containers, and immediately call PPGAF toll-free at (888) 774-7332 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday for information about obtaining a free replacement cap.
Jugs of Olympic Deck Cleaner sold with beige-colored caps are not part of this recall.
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New Buffalo Corp. Fluorescent Work Lights - October 1999
PRODUCT: Work Lights - New Buffalo Corp., of Chesterfield Mo., is recalling about 2,800 Buffalo Fluorescent Work Lights. They are a 16- inch fluorescent tube light with wire hanger for use in awkward locations. These Buffalo Fluorescent Work Lights have model number PL-16 written on the packaging. The light fixture is about 19.5 inches long, and has yellow plastic caps on each end. It has a yellow cord and two "S" hook hangers. A red insert sold in the plastic tube of the light reads, "INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF MODEL 15D" and "Featuring new push- button starter." In addition, the light's packaging reads, "BUFFALO," "Stays Cool," "Glare Free," "New Buffalo Corporation" and "MADE IN TAIWAN." Hardware and auto supply stores sold the lights nationwide between March 1996 and December 1998 for about $13.
PROBLEM: These lights can have undersized wiring and exposed electrical parts on the plug, posing a shock and fire hazard.
INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None.
WHAT TO DO: Consumers should immediately stop using these Buffalo work lights, and return them to the firm for a full refund plus postage. For more information, consumers should call New Buffalo Corp. at (800) 568- 6657 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday.
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Water Distillers - October 1999
the West Bend Co., of West Bend, Wis., is recalling about 16,000 model W10120 water distillers used to purify water. These distillers can overheat, posing a fire hazard.
West Bend has received three reports of these distillers overheating and catching fire. There have been no reports of injuries.
The oval-shaped distillers purify water, are made of white plastic, and have a clear, blue collection jug. The housing looks similar to a large automatic coffeemaker. They were sold under various trademarks which are printed on the front of the distillers. These trademarks include Millennium, Mountain Stream, Pure Logic, Sci Can, WaterWise, TIC, Usana, Table Charm, Roex and West Bend. A label on the bottom of the unit has the model number, W10120, and a date code from 9722 to 9848 in black print. Labels with red or gold print are not part of the recall.
Direct selling dealers and door-to-door sales representatives nationwide sold these recalled distillers from May 1998 through August 1999 for about $500.
Consumers should stop using these water distillers immediately. Consumers should call West Bend to get free pickup and repair of the water distillers. In addition, the company will return each repaired water distiller with three free charcoal post filters and an additional year warranty. For more information or to have your water distiller repaired, call West Bend at (800) 377-3038 anytime.
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RIDGID® Brand Stepladders - October 1999
Louisville Ladder Group LLC, of Louisville, Ky., is recalling about 10,700 RIDGID® brand stepladders. Some ladders have steps that are too short and are improperly attached to the ladder. The step can detach from the ladder, causing a consumer to fall.
Louisville Ladder has received one report of a ladder's step detaching from the ladder. No injuries have been reported.
The ladders being recalled are fiberglass Type 1A stepladders in lengths of 6 feet (model R-3011-06), 8 feet (model R-3011-08) and 10 feet (model R-3011-10). The ladders have a red plastic top and gray railings. The brand name RIDGID appears on the plastic top and on the sides of the railings. The recalled ladders have manufacture dates listed as April 1999, May 1999, June 1999 and July 1999. The model number and manufacture date are on a white label on the side of the ladder.
Home Depot stores nationwide sold the ladders from May 1999 through July 1999 for between $119 and $223.
Consumers should inspect their ladders to determine if there is a short step that is improperly attached. If so, consumers should stop using the recalled ladders immediately and call Louisville Ladder toll- free at (888) 318-7911 anytime or access their web site at www.ridgidladder.com/notice.htm. The company will help consumers determine if the steps are attached properly. If the steps are not attached properly, they should return the ladders to the nearest Home Depot store for an exchange or refund of the purchase price.
Ladders with "OK" marked on the inside of the front rail have been inspected and are not included in this recall.
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Holmes Portable Heaters - November 1999
Holmes Products Corp., of Milford, Mass., is recalling about 45,000 heaters. The thermostats in some of these heaters are improperly positioned, which can cause them to overheat, posing a fire hazard.
Holmes Products has received 11 reports of these units overheating and catching fire. Six of these incidents resulted in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.
These "Wide-Angle," portable heaters, manufactured in 1998, are approximately 12 inches high, and are in the shape of a half-circle. The front is white, and the back is gray. The units have two knobs on the top. The date code, which includes the number 98, is located on the back, right-hand corner of the units just above the box containing the Underwriter's Laboratories (UL) logo. Other writing inside the UL box includes, "MODEL: HFH-297" and "MADE IN CHINA." "Holmes(r)" also is written in the UL box and on the front of the unit.
Mass merchandise stores, such as Kmart and Target, sold these heaters from September 1998 through July 1999 for about $27.
Consumers should immediately stop using these heaters, and contact Holmes for information on how to receive a refund. For more information, call Holmes at (888) 227-8936 anytime. Consumers also can access Holmes' web site at www.holmesproducts.com.
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GE & Hotpoint Dishwashers - November 1999
General Electric (GE) Appliances, of Louisville, Ky., is voluntarily recalling about 3.1 million GE and Hotpoint brand dishwashers, manufactured between April 1983 and January 1989. The dishwashers have a slide switch that allows consumers to choose between heat drying and energy saver functions. Over time, the slide switch can melt and ignite, presenting a fire hazard.
GE and CPSC have reports of 50 fires, seven of which spread beyond the dishwashers. In three cases, the structure of the house or apartment was damaged. No injuries have been reported.
The GE and Hotpoint dishwashers that are being recalled are model GSD500D, GSD500G, GSD540, HDA467, HDA477 or HDA487 with a serial number that has a second letter of A, M, R, S, T, V or Z (for example, BM12345). The model and serial numbers are located on a rectangular label that is on either the right or left front edge of the inner tub. The GE or Hotpoint brand name is on the front of the dishwasher.
Consumers should stop using the recalled dishwashers immediately. Keep the dishwasher door unlatched to prevent the flow of electric current from the latch to the slide switch. GE is offering consumers a rebate toward the purchase of a new dishwasher. Contact GE at (800) 599-2929 anytime or www.geappliancerecall.com for information on how to participate in the rebate program.
Consumers can view a video news release about this recall. It is about 10 megabytes long and the download time depends upon the speed of your Internet connection.
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Shine Cigarette Lighters - November 1999
Shine International Trading Co. Inc., of Flushing, N.Y., is recalling about 2.4 million cigarette lighters. The lighters child-resistant mechanisms fail to meet the requirements of the Consumer Product Safety Act. Young children could ignite the lighters, presenting fire and burn hazards. Additionally, the lighters can leak fuel and remain on after consumers have used them, which also presents fire and burn hazards.
CPSC and Shine International Trading Co. Inc. have received three incident reports with these lighters. One incident involved two lighters that continued to burn after the consumer put them down, one involved two lighters that spontaneously blew apart while unattended, and one involved a lighter that burst into flames resulting in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.
The lighters being recalled are non-refillable, oval-tube-shaped, with a transparent solid-colored (red, green, yellow, orange or purple) plastic body and a metal top. The lighters measure about 3.25 inches high and 1 inch wide. "SHINE" is imprinted into the metal top of the lighter. There is a warning label on the lighter. "SHINE" and "MADE IN CHINA" are written on the label. The lighters operate with a roll and press type of ignition mechanism to produce a flame.
Small stores and souvenir shops nationwide sold these lighters from August 1998 through July 1999 for about $1.
Consumers should stop using these lighters immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, call Shine International Trading Co., Inc. toll-free at (888) 491-6676 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday.
U.S. Customs alerted CPSC to this product hazard.
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Bath & Body Works Halloween Pumpkin Tealight Candles - November 1999
Universal Candle Co., of China, is voluntarily recalling about 21,000 Halloween pumpkin tealight candles sold at Bath & Body Works. The candles can burn with a high flame, presenting fire and burn hazards to consumers.
A Bath & Body Works store received one report of a candle generating a high flame. No injuries have been reported.
The recalled tealight candle has an orange pumpkin face, with yellow eyes, nose and mouth and a green stem. Purple outlines the features on the pumpkin face. The wick is placed above the pumpkin's nose. The candle is contained in an aluminum base. A label on the base of the candle reads in part, "Specially made in China for Bath & Body Works." Bath & Body Works stores nationwide sold the candles throughout September 1999 for about $1.
Consumers should stop using the candles immediately, and return the candles to any Bath & Body Works store for a full refund and a $10 gift certificate per customer. For more information, consumers should call Bath & Body Works toll-free at (800) 395-1001 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
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York International Corporation Diamond 80 Furnaces - November 1999
York International Corp., of York, Pa., is recalling about 21,000 York International Corporation Diamond 80 downflow mid- efficiency furnaces with model numbers starting with P2DP, PBKD, and XED02. Because of inadequate gluing, the insulation surrounding the heat exchanger can separate from the cabinet wall of the furnace, and fall onto the heat exchanger. This could cause surrounding combustible material and drywall to catch on fire, which has the potential to cause burn injuries and deaths.
York began this recall in late 1997. However, only about 9,000 of the recalled furnaces have been repaired to date.
York International and CPSC are aware of 11 incidents involving this furnace, including five fires causing $74,000 in property damage. York and CPSC wish to reinforce the seriousness of the situation and continue efforts to promote increased participation. York is offering its distributors a $25 bounty for each furnace they locate.
These furnaces were sold under the brand names York, Fraser- Johnston, Luxaire and Moncrief. The furnaces were sold with the model numbers P2DP, PBKD and XEDO2, and with serial number beginning with EECM through EGEM. The model number and serial number can be found on a label inside the furnace cabinet.
York dealers sold these furnaces nationwide from May 1994 through July 1996 for about $680.
Consumers should contact their local York dealer immediately to schedule a free repair visit. For more information, consumers should call York International/UPG Technical Services toll-free at (877) 874- 7378 between 8 a.m and 5 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday, or visit the York web site at www.york.com/upgsafe/safety.htm.
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Scrub Free Daily Shower Cleaner and Scrub Free Daily Shower Spray - November 1999
Benckiser Consumer Products Inc. of Greenwich, Conn., is voluntarily recalling 230,000 bottles of Scrub Free Daily Shower Cleaner and Scrub Free Daily Shower Spray that can contain a bacteria. The bacteria usually does not affect healthy individuals, but could cause respiratory or other infections in individuals with chronic health problems or in individuals who have impaired immune systems.
Benckiser has not received any report of injury associated with this bacteria and these products.
Scrub Free Daily Shower Cleaner is sold in a clear plastic, 32- ounce spray bottle. The spray cap is white with a purple screw cap and pull-lever. The front of the bottle shows either a picture of a star fish or an octopus. The Scrub Free Daily Shower Spray is sold in white plastic, 32-ounce spray bottles and 64-ounce refill bottles. "Just Mist for Self-Cleaning Action!" is written on the label. The 32-ounce spray bottles also were sold with the refill bottles attached as a special promotion.
Supermarket, drug and discount department stores nationwide sold the affected lots of Scrub Free Daily Shower Cleaner and Scrub Free Daily Shower Spray from May 1999 through October 4, 1999 for about $2 to $4.
Consumers should immediately stop using Scrub Free Daily Shower Cleaner and Scrub Free Daily Shower Spray purchased prior to October 5, 1999. Shower enclosures that have been sprayed with these products should be washed with a diluted solution of vinegar (one part vinegar to two parts water). Consumers should call Benckiser at (800) 286-9055 between 9 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive a coupon for a free replacement bottle of any Scrub Free product. Consumers will need to provide information from their bottle of shower cleaner to get the coupon, and should then throw away the bottle of cleaner.
Scrub Free Daily Shower Cleaner and Scrub Free Daily Shower Spray purchased after October 4, 1999, and Scrub Free Mildew Remover and Scrub Free Soap Scum Remover are not included in this recall.
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