CPSC Recalls in 2000

Scoop Pour 'N Squirt squirting fish bath toy Recalled for Safety Concern

The fish's size, texture, shape and easy compressibility make it possible for an infant to compress the toy and place it in his or her mouth. If the toy reaches the back of the mouth and expands, it may block the child's airway.

Consumers should immediately take these squirting fish away from young children and throw them away.

Propane gas Recalled for Fire Hazard

The propane may not have contained enough odorant to allow consumers to smell leaking gas, presenting a fire, explosion or thermal burn hazard to consumers.

Consumers who had propane deliveries or purchased propane from these dealers since June 1, 2000, should immediately contact their propane gas suppliers or retail locations, where portable cylinders were filled to arrange for testing of the propane. The amount of odorant in the propane can be corrected on-site if the levels are found to be too low to detect by smell.

Miniature Christmas lights and icicle-style lights Recalled for Fire Hazard

The lights have undersized wires that can easily pull out of the plugs and light sockets, posing electric shock and fire hazards to consumers.

Stop using the lights immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Professional Series Fiber Optic 3 ft. Tree Recalled for Fire Hazard

A color wheel in the tree stand, that is used to light the trees can overheat and catch fire.

Stop using the trees immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Musical and miniature Christmas lights Recalled for Fire Hazard

The lights have undersized wires that can easily pull out of the plugs and light sockets, posing electric shock and fire hazards to consumers.

Stop using the lights immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Miniature Christmas Lights Recalled for Fire Hazard

The lights have undersized wires that can easily pull out of the plugs and light sockets, posing electric shock and fire hazards to consumers.

Stop using the lights immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.

DEWALT and Black & Decker battery chargers used with co Recalled for Fire Hazard

The battery charger can fail to automatically shut off after the battery is fully charged, which can cause the battery to burst, and poses fire, burn and electrical shock hazards to consumers.

Consumers should stop using these battery chargers immediately, and take them to a DEWALT or Black & Decker service center for a free replacement.

Kolcraft Ranger and Ranger Quattro strollers Recalled for Injury Hazard

Lock mechanisms, found on both sides of the stroller, can break and create a pinch-point hazard. Young children can be injured when their fingers, arms or hands are pinched between parts of the locking mechanism.

Consumers should stop using the strollers immediately and call Kolcraft to receive a free repair kit.

Excite Super Speeder II and Viper scooter Recalled for Injury Hazard

The front of the folding mechanism, where the steering column meets the base of the scooter, can create a pinch-point. Fingers can be injured while folding or unfolding the scooter.

Consumers should stop using these Excite scooters immediately and contact Excite Ltd. to receive a free cap that will cover the front of the folding mechanism.

Lawn and garden tractors Recalled for Fire Hazard

The hood latch on these tractors can damage the fuel tank and cause fuel to leak when the hood is raised and lowered, presenting a fire and explosion hazard.

Consumers should stop using the recalled tractors immediately and contact White Outdoor Products Co. to verify their unit is part of the recall. If recalled, consumers will receive a replacement hood latch and fuel tank inspection instructions.

Formby's Conditioning Furniture Workshop Furniture Refi Recalled for Fire Hazard

Fire & Fire-Related Burn

Nostalgic Oak Bentwood Glider Rockers Recalled for Fall Hazard

Fall

GE and Hotpoint dishwashers Recalled for Fire Hazard

The dishwashers have a slide switch that can melt and ignite, presenting a fire hazard.

Both the CPSC and GE strongly urge consumers who have not replaced their recalled units under the original rebate program to contact GE right away to schedule a free rewiring or participate in the original rebate program. Until the dishwasher has been rewired, consumers should keep the dishwasher door unlatched at all times to prevent the flow of electrical current that creates a risk of fire. With the free rewire option, a GE-authorized technician will rewire the slide switch at no cost to consumers. This supplements the original rebate program announced October 19, 1999.

Dayton Electric Motors Recalled for Laceration Hazard

Electrocution/Electric Shock

Stuffed snowman and reindeer toys Recalled for Choking Hazard

The toys have small parts, which could come loose, posing a possible choking hazard to young children.

Firm no longer in business. Recall remedy no longer available. Discard the product. Do not donate or resell.

Candle holders Recalled for Fire Hazard

The plastic marshmallow can ignite when it is used with a burning candle, presenting a fire and burn hazard.

Firm no longer in business. Recall remedy no longer available. Discard the product. Do not donate or resell.

Sesame Street Busy Poppin' Pals toys Recalled for Choking Hazard

Small springs inside these toys can break loose, posing a choking and laceration hazard to young children.

Consumers should take these toys away from young children immediately, and contact Playskool to get information about how to receive a free redesigned replacement toy.

Leap Frog "Alphabet Pal" electronic pull toys Recalled for Choking Hazard

The toy has a two-part red plastic connector on the pull string, designed to separate under tension. The plastic pieces can detach from the string when the connector is pulled apart and could pose a choking hazard to young children.

Consumers should cut the red plastic string connector off of these toys immediately, or return it to the firm to receive a free replacement toy without a plastic connector.

Kent Kickin' Mini-Scooters and Kash 'N Gold Racer X20TM Recalled for Fall Hazard

The Kent scooter handles can unexpectedly come out of the steering column if the clamp holding them in is not tight, causing the rider to lose control, fall and possibly suffer injuries. For the Kash 'N Gold scooters, the plastic "T" joint between the handlebars can break, causing the rider to lose control, fall and possibly suffer injuries.

Kent: Consumers should stop riding these Kent scooters immediately, and call Kent International to receive a free replacement handlebar with pins to secure the handlebars. Kash 'N Gold: Consumers should stop riding these scooters immediately, and return them to the store where purchased for a refund or a new scooter with a metal "T" joint.

Disc bakes on DiaTech 2000 model bicycles Recalled for Crash Hazard

The disc brakes on these bicycles can stick and prevent the brake pads from returning to the proper position, when the brake lever is released. This can cause the rider to lose control and crash.

Consumers should stop riding these bicycles immediately, and return them to their dealer for free replacement of the front and rear brake calipers.

"Pacee" pacifiers Recalled for Choking Hazard

The pacifiers failed CPSC testing standards. These pacifiers present a choking hazard to infants.

Consumers should take the pacifiers away from infants immediately, and return them to the firm for a refund.

Mountain bike handlebar stems Recalled for Crash Hazard

The stem connects the bicycle's handlebars to the fork. These stems can break during use, causing the bicycle rider to crash and suffer serious injuries.

Consumers should stop using bicycles with these stems immediately, and either call Profile Design to get a free replacement stem, or return the bicycle with the recalled stem to a Profile-Design retailer, to have the stem replaced free of charge.

Fondue sets Recalled for Fire Hazard

Some sets have alcohol burners that can produce high flames beyond the intended-cooking surface of the fondue pot. Another set, which uses chafing fuel, is being recalled because the chafing fuel holder could tip as it burns down. Both problems present potential fire and burn hazards to consumers.

Consumers should stop using the burners immediately and contact the company to find out how to dispose of the burners. Consumers with recalled alcohol burners will be sent a $4 coupon toward the purchase of Sterno® canned chafing fuel.

"Stack-On" or "Sentinel" gun cabinets Recalled for Fire Hazard

The gun cabinets have push button locks that can be opened without the use of a key, allowing unauthorized access to firearms.

Consumers with these gun cabinets should contact Stack-On Products for information on receiving a free push button replacement lock.

Options 5 High Chairs Recalled for Fall Hazard

The high chairs are adjustable and have both recline and upright positions. In the recline position, the seats can separate from the frame and fall to the ground. In the upright position, the seats can slip from their set height position to the lowest position or can fall to the ground. Additionally, some seats were sold with a metal restraint anchor that can slip through the back of the seat, allowing the child to fall to the ground. Infants and toddlers can suffer head, face and bodily injuries.

Consumers should stop using these high chairs immediately. Repair kits are no longer available. New cash incentive is being offered or replacement product. Do not use these products. Please discard or destroy these products.

Halo Brand Metropolitan Ice Series #945 and #1945 reces Recalled for Laceration Hazard

The glass ring exterior portion or trim of these lights can fall from the fixture, posing a risk of lacerations and impact injuries.

Consumers with the recalled lights will receive free replacement trims. The firm will send consumers free shipping labels to return the trims.

Kawasaki KX65 Model Year 2000 motorcycles Recalled for Crash Hazard

A frame down tube on these motorcycles can crack below the steering head. Use of the motorcycle with a cracked down tube can result in failure of the frame, which can cause the rider to lose control of the motorcycle and crash, resulting in injury or death.

Consumers with the recalled motorcycles should stop using them immediately and call their local Kawasaki dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair.

Year 2000 and 2001 Honda XR50R off-road motorcycles Recalled for Crash Hazard

The two bolts that attach the handlebars can break. If the handlebars separate from the motorcycle, the rider loses steering control and can crash, posing the risk of serious injuries.

Consumers should stop using these motorcycles immediately, and call their local Honda motorcycle dealer to schedule a free repair.

Power Strips and Extension Cords Recalled for Fire Hazard

The power strips have undersized wires, lack over-current protection and grounding, and the plastic case is flammable. The extension cords have undersized wires and lack over-current protection. Both the power strips and the extension cords can overheat, presenting electrocution, shock and fire hazards.

Consumers should stop using these products immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.

Plush rabbit toys: Natalie Nibblenose and Nickie Nibble Recalled for Choking Hazard

The eyes on these toys could detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Consumers should take these toys away from young children immediately, and return them to the store where purchased, for a free replacement toy.

T16-inch "PIONEER" brand desk fans Recalled for Fire Hazard

The fans could overheat during use, and do not have sufficient guards to prevent possible finger entrapment. These fans present electrocution, shock, fire, and finger amputation hazards.

Consumers should stop using these fans immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund.

GBC Shredmaster 75X-2 paper shredders Recalled for Laceration Hazard

These paper shredders do not have a protective shield to guard against exposure to the cutting blades. Consumers could lift the paper shredder lid while it is running and come into contact with the turning blades. Consumers could suffer cuts or amputations of finger tips, if they touch the turning blades.

Consumers should stop using the recalled paper shredders immediately, and call GBC to receive a free replacement paper shredder or a refund.

Children's Snuggle-Up slippers Recalled for Choking Hazard

The drawcord around the ankle of these slippers can break and release the toggle used to tighten the drawcord. The toggle presents a choking hazard to young children.

Consumers should take these slippers away from young children immediately, and return them to L.L. Bean for an exchange or refund.

Variflex Inc. "X-Games Aggressive" Bicycle Helmets, NHS Recalled for Fall Hazard

These helmets fail impact testing required under CPSC's Safety Standard for Bicycle Helmets, violating the Consumer Product Safety Act. Riders wearing these helmets are not adequately protected from falls, and could suffer severe head injuries or death.

Variflex Inc.: Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately, and return them to the store where purchased, for a refund or replacement helmet. NHS: Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately and return them to NHS Inc., not to the store where purchased, for a refund. First Team Sports: Consumers should stop using these helmets immediately, and return them to the store where purchased, for a refund.

Electric fans: a 12-inch desk fan, a 16-inch desk fan, Recalled for Laceration Hazard

The fans could overheat during use, present an electrocution hazard and do not have sufficient guards to prevent fingers from contacting the fan blades, posing the risk of finger amputations.

Stop using these fans immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund.

Curious George musical pull toys Recalled for Strangulation Hazard

The toy has two elastic cords that form a loop, posing a strangulation risk to young children.

Consumers should stop using this toy immediately and return it to Kmart, for a replacement toy.

Craftsman® radial arm saws Recalled for Injury Hazard

These radial arm saws were sold without a guard that covers the entire blade. Consumers have come into contact with the blade or have been hit by pieces of wood kicked back by the saws, resulting in severe injuries.

Emerson will provide $100 for the return of the saw carriage of recalled radial arm saws. Consumers must contact Emerson to arrange for a return of their saw carriage at no charge to the consumer. Consumers should have the model and serial numbers of their saw available when they call the toll-free number or visit the website.

Sterling-brand screwdriver-type circuit testers Recalled for Shock Hazard

The circuit testers can fail to indicate if electric current is present, posing a risk of electric shock to consumers.

Consumers should stop using these recalled circuit testers immediately. Consumers with these testers should contact Kole Imports to learn how to receive a refund.

Murray Outrage go-karts Recalled for Injury Hazard

The seatbelts on these go-karts can unintentionally unlatch, posing a risk of serious injury to riders.

Consumers should stop riding these go-karts immediately. Call Murray for instructions on how to get your go-kart repaired free of charge.

Honda TRX400EX and Rancher TRX350 model ATVs Recalled for Crash Hazard

A mounting bracket on the front suspension of the Honda Rancher TRX350 models could be welded improperly to the frame. If this mounting bracket breaks, the vehicle could lose steering control and crash. The brake pads on the Honda TRX400EX models could have been assembled incorrectly. This can cause the brakes to fail, resulting in severe injury or death.

Consumers should stop using these ATVs immediately, and call their local Honda ATV dealer to schedule a free inspection and repair, if needed.

Computer Room Cooling System Recalled for Fire Hazard

Fire & Fire-Related Burn

Route 66 fleece sweatshirts Recalled for Burn Hazard

These garments, which fail to meet the federal mandatory standards for fabric flammability, could ignite easily and present a serious risk of burn injuries.

Consumers should immediately stop wearing the sweatshirts and contact Five-Y Clothing, to receive a refund.

Toy xylophone Recalled for Choking Hazard

The red mallet sold with the toy xylophone can get lodged in the throats of young children, posing a choking hazard.

Consumers should immediately take this toy away from children and return it to their local Dollar General store for a full refund.

Window blinds with pull cords and inner cords Recalled for Strangulation Hazard

The recall involves millions of window blinds with pull cords and inner cords that can form a loop and cause strangulation.

Consumers who have window blinds with cords in their homes should call the Window Covering Safety Council to receive a free repair kit for each set of blinds in the home. The repair kit will include small plastic attachments to prevent the inner cords from being pulled loose. The kit also includes safety tassels for pre-1995 window blinds with outer pull cords ending in loops. Consumers should cut the loops and install a safety tassel at the end of each pull cord. Consumers who have vertical blinds, draperies or pleated shades with continuous loop cords should request special tie-downs to prevent strangulation in those window coverings. Parents should keep window covering cords and chains permanently out of the reach of children. Never place a child's crib within reach of a window blind. Unless the cords can be completely removed from the child's reach, including when the child climbs on furniture, CPSC recommends that parents never knot or tie the cords together because this creates a new loop in which a child could become entangled.

Sharper Image Power Tower CD Rack Recalled for Fire Hazard

Fire & Fire-Related Burn

Battery packs used with Compaq Armada notebook computer Recalled for Fire Hazard

These battery packs can short circuit, causing them to overheat, release smoke and possibly catch fire.

Consumers should immediately stop using these battery packs and contact Compaq to learn how to discharge them and return them. Consumers with the recalled batteries will receive two free battery packs for each recalled battery pack they return.

"John Lennon" crib mobiles Recalled for Fall Hazard

The screws that connect the mobile's arm assembly and crib clamp can become loose if overtightened. The arms can detach and fall into the crib, injuring the baby inside.

Consumers should stop using these mobiles immediately, and call The Betesh Group to receive a free replacement plastic mobile with stuffed animals.

Playworld Stainless Steel Playground Slides Recalled for Safety Concern

Amputation

Toro Key Start power mowers Recalled for Fire Hazard

The wiring on these mowers can short circuit, posing a fire hazard.

Consumers should stop using these recalled mowers immediately, and have the wiring harness inspected and replaced, if needed, free of charge. Consumers with these mowers should contact a Toro service dealer to have their mower inspected.

Chest freezers Recalled for Suffocation Hazard

Although some manufacturers had freezers that were in compliance prior to the 1970 standards, most old chest freezers have latches that can trap a child. Children playing "hide-and-seek" have found the non-working freezers a deadly place to hide. When the lid closes, children can become trapped inside and suffocate - usually in less than ten minutes.

Consumers should properly dispose of these non-working freezers immediately or disable the latch, if disposal is impossible. Even if a consumer has a pre-1970 chest freezer that is working, they should still call the toll-free number to get information on what to do, when the freezer is no longer working.