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Recall: Lasko Portable Electric Heaters Due To Fire Hazard

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Type of Product: Portable electric heater

Units: About 107,500 units.

Manufacturer: Lasko Products Inc., of West Chester, Pa.

Hazard: An electrical connection in the base of the unit can overheat, causing it to melt and expose the electrical connection, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Lasko received a total of 36 reports of the electrical connection overheating with no reports of injury. There were 18 reports of minor burn damage to floors or carpets.

Description: The portable, electric, tower heaters are 20.5 inches tall x 8.25 inches wide x 9.25 inches deep. They are dark grey with silver front covers and black vent slats. The brand names Lasko or Air King are on the top, center of the front cover. The Lasko Model 5540 and Air King Model 8540 subject to this recall were manufactured in 2002 and have date codes that begin with a “2.” The date code is on the label located on the bottom of the unit. The date code is a four-digit number on the bottom left area of the label, above the voltage number. Heaters with date codes beginning with “3,” “4” or “5” are not subject to this recall.

Sold at: The Lasko Model 5540 was sold at Sam’s Club and other retailers from September 2002 through early 2004 for $39 to $49. The Air King Model 8540 was sold primarily through the maintenance, repair and operating products supply company, W.W. Grainger Inc. from late 2002 to 2004 for approximately $80.00

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the heaters immediately and contact Lasko to receive a free replacement heater.

Consumer Contact: For additional information and pictures of affected models, visit Lasko’s website at www.Laskoproducts.com, or call Lasko anytime, toll-free at (800) 363-8044.

Winter Weather Warning: CPSC and USFA Issue Home Heating Safety Alert

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The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and the United States Fire Administration (USFA) are urging consumers to play it safe as winter weather blankets the United States.

According to USFA, home fires spike in winter months. Cooking and home heating are the leading causes of residential building fires during the winter. The risk of fires also increases with the use of supplemental heating, such as space heaters.

CPSC estimates that home heating was associated with an average of 33,300 fires and 180 fire deaths per year from 2005 to 2007.

Carbon monoxide (CO) is also a serious threat in the winter months. Any fuel-burning appliances in the home, including furnaces and fireplaces, are a potential CO source. Carbon monoxide is called the “invisible killer,” because it is an odorless, colorless and poisonous gas.

There has been an increasing trend in unintentional, non-fire CO deaths associated with consumer products since 1999. CPSC staff estimates there were 184 CO poisoning deaths on average per year from 2005-2007 compared to 122 deaths per year from 1999-2001. Since 1999, the majority of CO deaths have been associated with heating systems and portable generators.

Smoke and carbon monoxide alarms are an important line of defense in the home, and they give consumers valuable escape time. About two-thirds of fire deaths occur in homes with no smoke alarms, or in homes where consumers have removed the alarm’s batteries or where the batteries are dead. Recently, there were tragic deaths in homes where alarms could have made a difference:

* In Citra, Fla., a fire killed five children on November 8. Their home did not have smoke alarms.
* In Penfield, N.Y., a 54-year-old man died of CO poisoning in November. Prior to his death, the home’s CO alarms reportedly beeped and were removed from the house.

CPSC and USFA recommend that in addition to having working smoke and CO alarms, consumers should follow these safety tips to prevent fires and CO poisoning:

Preventing Fires:

* Place space heaters on a floor that is flat and level. Do not put space heaters on rugs or carpets. Keep the heater at least three feet from bedding, drapes, furniture, and other flammable materials; and place space heaters out of the flow of foot traffic. Keep children and pets away from space heaters.
* To prevent the risk of fire, NEVER leave a space heater on when you go to sleep or place a space heater close to any sleeping person. Turn the heater off when you leave the area. See CPSC’s electric space heater safety alert for more space heater safety tips (pdf).
* Never use gasoline in a kerosene space heater. Even small amounts of gasoline mixed with kerosene can increase the risk of a fire.
* Have fireplace flues and chimneys inspected for leakage and blockage from creosote or debris every year.
* Open the fireplace damper before lighting a fire, and keep it open until the ashes are cool. An open damper may help prevent build-up of poisonous gases inside the home.
* Store fireplace ashes in a fire-resistant container, and cover the container with a lid. Keep the container outdoors and away from combustibles. Dispose of ashes carefully, keeping them away from dry leaves, trash or other combustible materials.

Preventing CO poisoning:

* Schedule a yearly professional inspection of all fuel-burning home heating systems, including furnaces, boilers, fireplaces, wood stoves, water heaters, chimneys, flues and vents.
* NEVER operate a portable gasoline-powered generator in an enclosed space, such as a garage, shed, or crawlspace, or in the home.
* Keep portable generators as far away from your home and your neighbors’ homes as possible – away from open doors, windows or vents that could allow deadly carbon monoxide into the home.
* When purchasing a space heater, ask the salesperson whether the heater has been safety-certified. A certified heater will have a safety certification mark. These heaters will have the most up-to-date safety features. An unvented gas space heater that meets current safety standards will shut off if oxygen levels fall too low.
* Do not use portable propane space heaters indoors or in any confined space, unless they are designed specifically for indoor use. Always follow the manufacturer’s directions for proper use.
* Never use gas or electric stoves to heat the home. They are not intended for that purpose and can pose a CO or fire hazard.

More information can be found in CPSC’s Safety Alert, Reducing Fire Hazards for Portable Electric Heaters (pdf)

Recall: Food Dehydrator by NESCO American Harvest Due to Fire Hazard

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Name of Product: NESCO American Harvest Gardenmaster Food Dehydrator

Units: About 4,800

Manufacturer: The Metal Ware Corporation, of Two Rivers, Wisc.

Hazard: A defective capacitor in the electronic control module can overheat, posing a smoke and fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: NESCO received three reports of overheating resulting in smoke or fire. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled product includes a base with stackable trays to place food. The top of the unit houses the electronic control module. Model number FD-1020 and production date codes: 09E 0610; 09E 0624; and 09E 0903 are molded into the underside of the dehydrator’s electronic control module.

Sold at: National mass merchandisers and retailers and online at www.nesco.com and other websites from July 2009 to January 2011 for about $140.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled product and contact NESCO for instructions on how to receive a free electronic control module.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact NESCO at (800) 726-4457 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.nesco.com

Recall: GE and Professional Series Brand Dehumidifiers Due to Fire Hazard

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Name of Product: GE and Professional Series Brand Dehumidifiers

Units: About 198,000

Importer: GEA Products L.P., of Louisville, Ky., and CEM Global LLC (Professional Series) of China

Manufacturer: GD Midea Air Conditioning Equipment Ltd., of China

Hazard: A component in the dehumidifier’s compressor can short circuit, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Midea and GE have received a total of 14 reports of incidents involving smoke and fumes emitting from the unit and eight reports of fires. In six of the reported fire incidents, property damage extended beyond the unit. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves 30-pint and 40-pint portable dehumidifiers manufactured between November 2006 and August 2007, and during April 2008. The dehumidifiers are white with a front-loading water bucket. “GE” or “Professional Series” and digital controls are located on top of the dehumidifier. Model and serial numbers are located on the back of the dehumidifiers. Model and serial numbers included in the recall are:
Brand :

GE

Model Number Begins With:
AHK30LK, AHW30LK, AHM30LK, AHK40LK, AHH40LK, and AHM40LK

Serial Number Begins With
VL1, ZL1, AM1, DM1, FM1,GM1, HM1, LM1, MM1, RM1

CEM “Professional Series”

Model Number Begins With:
PS78303

Serial Number Begins With
from C10102336010841 4100001 to C10102336010841 5103037

Sold at: Walmart, Sam’s Club, Home Depot, Menards and other retail stores nationwide from February 2007 through June 2009 for between $140 and $180.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled dehumidifiers and contact Midea to determine if their product is included in the recall. Consumers with recalled dehumidifiers will return their product to an authorized service center for a free repair. Consumers should not return the recalled dehumidifiers to the place of purchase.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Midea toll-free at (877) 593-8721 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.recallverification.com

Recall: White-Rodgers Home Heating and Cooling Thermostats Due to Fire Hazard

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Name of Product: Programmable thermostats

Units: About 180,000 in the United States and 8,300 in Canada

Manufacturer: White-Rodgers of St. Louis, Mo.

Hazard: The programmable thermostats constantly charge the backup AA batteries used to power the thermostat’s clock. This can cause the batteries to leak, resulting in a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm is aware of three incidents involving minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

Description: This recall involves all White-Rodgers programmable thermostats with model numbers 1F88-XXX and 1F85RF-275 and date codes beginning with 05, 06, 07, 08, 09 and 1001 through 1039. The model number is printed on the thermostat’s front pull-down panel door. The date code is located inside the removable front cover. White-Rodgers and/or the utility company’s name and logo are printed on the front of the thermostat. These thermostats were able to be controlled by power companies in homes that took part in energy demand reduction programs.

Distributed by: More than 40 utility companies to consumers nationwide who took part in energy conservation programs and by various HVAC wholesalers for about $150.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the two AA batteries from the thermostat and contact White-Rodgers for a free repair kit. If battery removal causes changes in furnace operation, contact White-Rodgers.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact White-Rodgers toll-free at (888) 624-1901 between 7 a.m. and 6 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.regcen.com/Thermostat

Note: Health Canada’s press release is available at http://cpsr-rspc.hc-sc.gc.ca/PR-RP/recall-retrait-eng.jsp?re_id=1217

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 it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

Recall: Quoizel Inc. Outdoor Hanging Lantern Due to Fall Hazard

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Name of Product: Outdoor hanging lantern

Units: About 150

Importer: Quoizel Inc. of Goose Creek, S.C.

Hazard: The glass lantern can separate from the top support ring and fall, injuring people who are nearby.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported

Description: The recall involves outdoor hanging lanterns labeled as “Northridge” in the Quiozel 2009 Catalog with the model number #AGNT1912K. The lantern is made of black aluminum; yellow, orange and white glass; and red, orange and beige agate stones. It is 19.5″ tall and 12″ diameter. The model number is located on the side of the lantern’s box, on a tag attached to the lantern, on the instruction sheet and on the lantern’s ceiling mount.

Sold at: Specialty lighting retail shops and online from June 2008 to January 2010

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the outdoor hanging lantern and contact Quoizel Inc. for a free replacement.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, call Quoizel Inc. toll-free at (877) 316-2589 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.quoizel.com

Recall: American Honda Snowblowers Due to Fire Hazard

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Name of Product: Honda snowblowers

Units: About 18,500

Importer: American Honda Motor Co. Inc., of Torrance, Calif.

Hazard: The fuel tank joint and O-ring located on the underside of the fuel tank can seep or drip fuel over time, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: Honda has received 90 reports of fuel either seeping or dripping. No fires have been reported.

Description: This recall involves Honda snowblowers with model numbers and frame serial numbers listed below. The snowblowers are red and black. The frame serial number is located on the rear of the machine just below the engine. The name Honda and the model number are located on the side of the front scoop.

Model Frame Serial Number
HS724 SZBE-1037913 through 1046577
HS928 SZAS-1151080 through 1169012
HS1132 SZBF-1018734 through 1025998

Sold at: Honda Power Equipment dealers nationwide from April 2005 through November 2010 for between $2,000 and $3,400.

Manufactured in: Japan

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled snowblowers and contact any Honda Power Equipment dealer to arrange for a free fuel tank joint and O-ring replacement. Registered owners of the recalled snowblowers will be mailed a notice.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Honda at (888) 888-3139 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.hondapowerequipment.com
Picture of Recalled Snowblower

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 it by visiting https://www.cpsc.gov/cgibin/incident.aspx

Recall: STIHL Inc. Chain Saws Due to Laceration Hazard

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Name of Product: STIHL MS 361C chain saws (C-Q version)

Units: About 5,000

Manufacturer: STIHL Incorporated of Virginia Beach, Va.

Hazard: The throttle trigger may stick after it has been released by the operator, which could cause the engine to continue to run at a speed that drives the saw chain. This can pose a risk of a laceration injury to the user or a bystander.

Incidents/Injuries: STIHL has received three reports of the throttle trigger sticking. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled chain saws have a rear-handle activated chain brake (C-Q version) and have an orange top casing, gray base, black handle and “STIHL MS 361C” printed in an orange circle on the side of the unit.

Sold at: Authorized STIHL dealers nationwide from February 2004 through August 2009 for about $640.

Manufactured in: United States.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these chain saws immediately and return them to an authorized STIHL dealer for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact STIHL at (800) 610-6677 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit STIHL’s website at www.stihlusa.com

Winter Safety Tip – How to Prevent Dryer Fires

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One of the ways that dryers can start household fires is by igniting the excess lint that accumulates around the motor, burner shroud (for gas dryers) and cabinet interior. Lint is composed of very small, dry clothing particles which includes cotton and polyesters–both very good fires starters. Polyesters are particularly pernicious fires starters and are very difficult to extinguish once they ignite. Polyesters, vinyl in particular, pose another fire hazard when used as vent hoses, which we’ll talk more about later.

There are three things you can do to prevent the threat of fire from accumulated lint inside your dryer. First, clean your lint filter before every load. This will minimize the lint blow-by around the filter and save energy by helping the dryer run more efficiently.

Second, inspect your lint filter each time you pull it out. If you see any rips or distortions in the screen, replace the filter immediately.

Finally, have your dryer professionally disassembled and cleaned annually. A thorough professional cleaning removes accumulated lint and dirt from the dryer cabinet interior, motor, and burner or heating elements. In addition to substantially reducing the risk of dryer fires, this type of regular cleaning will help the drum bearings and rollers last longer, preventing or minimizing future service calls.

Many dryer installations use the common, cheap white vinyl vent hose for the dryer exhaust. These hoses were never UL-approved for dryer installations and are increasingly being recognized by local building codes as fire hazards. The American Household Appliance Manufacturers Association (AHAM) recommends the use of either rigid aluminum or steel duct or spiral-wound aluminum flex hose–NOT the white vinyl hose. For any dryer, but especially gas dryers, white vinyl vent hose should never be used and if yours has this installed on it, replace it ASAP with UL-approved materials.

One of the biggest causes of vent hose fires is the ignition of accumulated lint inside the vent hose. Lint gets caught in the folds and creases and sticks there because of the humidity. Over time, the lint builds up to such a degree that the dryer cannot exhaust properly. This results in increased drying times initially and, ultimately, in a fire. Once a fire starts in a vinyl vent hose, the hose itself ignites and burns vigorously creating a fire that is very difficult to extinguish.

Read original post here.

Recall: Sterno Portable Butane Stoves Due to Fire and Burn Hazards

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Name of Product: Sterno Portable Butane Stoves

Units: About 37,500

Importer: The Sterno Group LLC, of Des Plaines, Ill.

Hazard: The stove’s “on-off” valve can fail to close completely when turned to the “off” position, causing butane to leak from the stove. This poses a fire and burn hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Sterno has received one report of a stove failing to completely shut off. No injuries have been reported.

Description: The recalled portable butane stoves have model numbers STO6001 and 50006. The single burner stoves are black and measure about 14 inches wide x 12 inches long x 4 inches high. They use an eight-ounce butane canister as the fuel source. “Sterno” is printed on the front of the stove. The model number and UPC 0-27371-50006-9 or UPC 0-76642-06001-6 is printed on the stove’s packaging.

Sold at: Sporting goods stores and other retail stores nationwide, including Puerto Rico, from September 2009 through September 2010, and to restaurants and restaurant supply stores from August 2006 through September 2010 for between $20 and $30.

Manufactured in: China

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled portable butane stoves and contact Sterno for instructions to return the units to Sterno for a free replacement stove. Do not return the stoves to the place of purchase.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Sterno toll-free at (877) 478-3766 between 8 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.sterno.com