Household

Recall: One World Technologies Ryobi Cordless Tool Battery Pack Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

February 27, 2013 By NightOwl

Name of product:

Ryobi Lithium 18 V 4Ah Battery Pack

Hazard:

The battery pack can overheat and burst while on a charger, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Consumer Contact:

One World Technologies, at (800) 597-9624 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, ET or online at www.ryobitools.com and click on Important Safety Information at the bottom of the page for more information.

Units:

About 54,200 in the United States and 2,200 in Canada

Description:

This recall involves Ryobi brand, Lithium 18 V 4Ah battery packs, with model P108 and part number 130429028. The battery pack is green, silver and black. “Ryobi” and “Lithium+18V” are printed in white lettering on both sides of the battery pack. The model and part number can be found on the data plate located on the bottom of the battery pack.

Incidents/Injuries:

One World Technologies has received four reports of battery packs overheating, resulting in minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy:

Consumers should immediately remove the battery from the charger, stop using the recalled battery pack and contact One World Technologies for instructions on the free shipping and repair of the recalled product.

Sold at:

The Home Depot stores nationwide and in Canada, online at Homedepot.com, and at other retailers from September 2012 to December 2012 for about $99.

Importer:

One World Technologies, Inc., of Anderson, S.C.

Manufacturer:

Techtronic Industries (Dongguan) Co. Ltd. of China

Manufactured in:

China

Recall: Electric Blower Vacuums by OWT Industries Due to Laceration Hazard

February 23, 2013 By NightOwl

Name of product:Expert Gardener Electric Blower Vacuums

Hazard:

Objects that are drawn into the unit during vacuum mode can break through the plastic housing, posing a laceration hazard.

Consumer Contact:OWT Industries Inc.; at (800) 597-9624 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.expertgardenertools.com and click on Safety Notices for more information.

Units:

About 131,500

Description:

This recall involves Expert Gardener electric blower vacuums with two different model and serial number ranges, including model 20254EG with serial numbers BMP3010001 through BMR3311972, and model 20254EGC with serial numbers EUP3120001 through EUP3630730. Model and serial numbers are located on a label on the left side of the motor housing. The blower vacuums are green and black. “Expert Gardener” and “BlowerVac 2 Speed Quiet 150 MPH Powerful 220 MPH” are printed on the side of the green motor housing and on the black plastic blower tube.

Incidents/Injuries:

There has beenone report of an incident with the recalled blower vacuums. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy:

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled blower vacuums and contact OWT Industries Inc. for a free replacement blower vacuum.

Sold exclusively at:

Walmart stores nationwide and online at www.walmart.com from January 2012 through December 2012 for about $40.

Importer:

OWT Industries Inc., of Pickens, S.C.

Manufacturer:

Changzhou Globe Tools Co. Ltd. and Techtronic Industries (Dongguan) Co. Ltd., of China

Manufactured in:

China

Recall: Homelite Electric Blower Vacuums Due to Laceration Hazard

February 21, 2013 By NightOwl

Name of product:

Homelite Electric Blower Vacuums

Hazard:

Objects that are drawn into the unit during vacuum mode can break through the plastic housing, posing a laceration hazard.

Consumer Contact:

Homelite Consumer Products; at (800) 597-9624 from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or online at www.homelite.com and click on Safety Notices for more information.

Units:About 241,000 in the United States and 13,600 in Canada

Description:

This recall involves Homelite electric blower vacuums with two different model and serial number ranges, including model UT42120 with serial numbers BMP3540001 through BMR2103100, and model UT42120A with serial numbers BMR2120001 through BMR3421250. Model and serial numbers are located on a label on the left side of the red motor housing. The blower vacuums are red and black. “Homelite BlowerVac 2 Speed Powerful 220 MPH” is printed on the side of the motor housing and on the black plastic blower tube.

Incidents/Injuries:

Homelite receivedone report of an incident with the recalled blower vacuums. No injuries have been reported.

Remedy:

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled blower vacuums and contact Homelite for a free replacement blower vacuum.

Sold exclusively at:

Home Depot stores nationwide and online at www.homedepot.com from February 2012 through December 2012 for about $40.

Importer:

Homelite Consumer Products Inc., of Anderson, S.C.

Manufacturer:

Changzhou Globe Tools Co. Ltd., of China

Manufactured in:

China

Recall: Samsonite Dual-Wattage Travel Converter Kits Due to Fire, Burn Hazards

February 13, 2013 By NightOwl

Name of product:

Dual-Wattage Travel Converter Kits

Hazard:

The converter can overheat if a load in excess of 50 watts is applied to the converter while in the 50-watt setting. This poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Consumer Contact:Samsonite; toll-free at (800) 382-7259 from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday; at e-mail recall@samsonite.com or online at www.samsonite.com/recall

Units

About 20,000

Description

This recall involves the Samsonite Dual-Wattage Travel Converter Kits used to make standard U.S. and Canadian appliances usable abroad. The kit includes one black converter to change 220-volt AC electricity to 110-volt AC, two adapter plugs with round prongs, two with flat prongs and one grounded adapter plug with three flat prongs. The converter has a red switch to adjust the wattage of the appliance from 50 to 1600 watts. The words “Dual-Wattage Converter” and “Do Not Use 50W on Hair Dryer” appear on the front of the converter. The Samsonite logo appears on each piece in the set.

Incidents/Injuries

None reported in the U.S.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled travel converters and contact Samsonite to return the product for a full refund.

Sold at

Retail stores nationwide and at the Samsonite on-line store from January 2011 through December 2012 for approximately $35.

Importer

Samsonite LLC, of Mansfield, Mass.

Manufactured in

China

Check Your Home for These Cold Weather-Related Products Recalled Last Summer

February 4, 2013 By NightOwl

Here’s a reminder from the Consumer Product Safety Commission:

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (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.

With winter weather upon us, you may be hauling out products recalled by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) last summer. Play it safe by checking if your cold weather-related products have been previously recalled. It could save your life or that of your family. You can find out about these and other recalled winter products at www.SaferProducts.gov

Product	Recall Press Release	Hazard	Photo
ECHO Bear Cat log splitters (120 units)	12-189	The end cap of the log splitter’s hydraulic cylinder can break away from the body of the log splitter, posing an impact hazard to the user or bystander.
Big Lots Portable Ceramic Space Heaters (70,500 units)	12-200	The heaters can overheat and melt, posing a fire or electric shock hazard.
Harbor Breeze Bath Fans with Heater and Light (68,000 units)	12-212	The fan’s heater blades can fail to rotate properly, causing the fan to overheat and posing a fire hazard.
Snowpulse Avalanche Airbags (1,200 units in the United States and 2,600 in Canada)	12-268	A leak in the airbag’s cartridge can result in the airbag not deploying, posing a risk of death and injury in the event of an avalanche.

Recall: Harbor Freight Tools Cordless Drill Due to Fire and Burn Hazard

November 29, 2012 By NightOwl

Name of product: Cordless Drill

Hazard: The black trigger switch on the 19.2v cordless drill can overheat, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Consumer Contact: Harbor Freight Tools; toll-free at (800) 444-3353, from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or www.harborfreight.com and click on Recall Safety Information under Customer Service for more information. Consumers can also email the firm at recall@harborfreight.com

Units :About 108,000

Description:

This recall involves Harbor Freight Tools Cordless Drills, model number 96526. The drills are blue and black and have a black trigger switch. They have a 19.2v rechargeable battery pack. The drill’s model number is located on a yellow label on the left side of the drill. “Made in China” appears in black and red lettering on a yellow warning sticker located on the right side of the unit.

Incidents/Injuries:

Harbor Freight Tools has received one report of a drill overheating and burning through the handle of the unit, which resulted in a consumer receiving a minor injury.

Remedy:

Consumers should stop using the recalled drill immediately, remove the rechargeable battery and contact Harbor Freight Tools to receive a free replacement drill.

Sold at:

Harbor Freight Tools stores nationwide, via catalog and online at www.harborfreight.com from April, 2008 through May 2012 for between $27 and $30.

Importer:

Harbor Freight Tools, of Camarillo, Calif.

Manufactured in:

China

Recall: Ceiling Fans by Emerson Air Comfort Products Due to Injury Hazard

August 26, 2012 By NightOwl

Name of Product: Emerson Corsair Ceiling Fans

Units: About 870

Importer: Air Comfort Products, a division of Emerson Electric Co., of St. Louis, Mo.

Hazard: The ceiling fan’s hanger bracket can spread apart due to heat from the motor and/or out-of-balance operation, causing the fan to fall from the ceiling. This poses a risk of injury to bystanders.

Incidents/Injuries: Emerson is aware of three reports of these Corsair fans falling from the ceiling. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Emerson “Corsair” model ceiling fans with two blades and 44- or 52-inch blade spans. The fans were sold in two finishes, oil-rubbed bronze and antique pewter.

Sold at: Fan and lighting stores nationwide and various websites, including www.emersonfans.com and www.amazon.com, from January 2009 through June 2012 for between $450 and $530.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled ceiling fans and contact Emerson Air Comfort Products to schedule a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Emerson Air Comfort Products toll-free at (866) 994-8759 between 8 a.m. through 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.emersonfans.com (pdf)

Recall: Energizer Night Lights Due to Burn Hazard; Sold Exclusively at Target

August 26, 2012 By NightOwl

Name of product: Energizer Rotating Night Lights

Units: About 260,000

Importer: Energizer, of St. Louis, Mo.

Manufacturer: Ningbo Sun-alps Industry Develop Co. Ltd, of China

Hazard: The night lights can overheat and smoke, posing a burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Energizer has received nine reports of the night lights overheating, including three reports of minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Energizer LED rotating night lights. The night lights are white and have an LED light inside an adjustable dome on top. The night lights measure about 2 inches wide by 2 ½ inches long. Model number “NLPLROT” and date codes between 0110 (for January 2010) through 0111 (for January 2011) are included in this recall. The model number is stamped onto the side of the night light. The date code is stamped in a circle on the back of the night light. The arrow points to the month of production (i.e. 12 = December) and the number positioned on either side of the arrow represents the year (i.e. “10” = 2010).

Sold exclusively at: Target stores nationwide from February 2010 through July 2012 for about $6.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using and unplug the recalled night lights. Contact Energizer for instructions on returning the night lights for a $7 coupon towards the purchase of an Energizer product.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Energizer at (800) 383-7323 between 8 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.energizer.com

Recall: Sears Kenmore Dehumidifiers Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

August 6, 2012 By NightOwl

Name of Product: Kenmore Dehumidifiers

Units: About 795,000

Retailer: Sears, Roebuck and Co. and Kmart Corporation, of Hoffman Estates, Ill.

Manufacturer: LG Electronics (Tianjin) Appliance Co., Ltd., of Tianjin, China

Hazard: The dehumidifiers can overheat, smoke, melt and catch on fire, posing fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received 107 reports of incidents, with more than $7 million in property damage and three reports of smoke inhalation injuries.

Description: This recall involves 35-, 50- and 70-pint dehumidifiers with a Kenmore logo on the front top of the unit, manufactured between 2003 and 2005. The dehumidifiers are made of white plastic and are between 21 and 24 inches tall, about 15 inches wide and about 13.5 inches in depth. They have fan and humidity controls on their top front panels and some models include remote controls. They come with front-loading water buckets. The model number can be found on the right side of the interior of the unit once the bucket has been removed. Recalled units have the following model numbers:

35-pint (2004) – 580.54351400

50-pint (2003) – 580.53509300

70-pint (2003) – 580.53701300

70-pint (2004) – 580.54701400

70-pint (2005) – 580.54701500

Sold Exclusively at: Sears and Kmart stores nationwide and Sears.com and Kmart.com from 2003 to 2009 for between $140 and $220.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately turn off and unplug the dehumidifiers and contact the firm to receive a Sears gift card for either $75, $80, $90 or $100, which may be used at any Sears or Kmart store or at Sears.com or Kmart.com. The gift card amount will depend on the capacity and year of the dehumidifier. In lieu of a gift card, consumers may request a check for the refund amount. All consumers with recalled units will also receive a $25 coupon that may be used at Sears Department Stores or Sears.com toward the purchase of a new Kenmore dehumidifier.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the Recall Fulfillment Center toll-free at (855) 400-4641 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday and between 8 a.m. and 2 p.m. CT Saturday, or visit www.Kenmoredehumidifierrecall.com

Recall: Big Lots Recalls Portable Ceramic Space Heaters Due to Fire, Electric Shock Hazard

June 20, 2012 By NightOwl

Name of Product: Portable Space Heater and Portable Oscillating Space Heater

Units: About 70,500

Importer: Big Lots, of Columbus, Ohio

Hazard: The heaters can overheat and melt, posing a fire or electric shock hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Big Lots has received four reports of the product overheating and melting. There are no reports of injury, fire or property damage.

Description: This recall is of two models of 1500 watt Climate Keeper ceramic heaters. Both models have a fan, two dials on top, a wire mesh panel in front and the name “Climate Keeper” and a label on the bottom with the model number and ETL 3130679. Model #FH107A has grey plastic housing. Model #PTC-902T is an oscillating heater with silver-grey plastic housing, a molded handle on top of the heater and a small extra button between the two dials which controls the oscillation.

Sold exclusively at: Big Lots stores nationwide from September 2010 through March 2012 for about $20 for Model #FH107A and $25 for Model #PTC-902T.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled product immediately and return it to a Big Lots store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Big Lots toll-free at (866) 244-5687 between 9 a.m. through 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.biglots.com