Recalls in January 1970

Jan. 14, 2003

American Power Conversion Corporation (APC) is voluntarily recalling about 900,000 back-up power supply devices. These devices are primarily used to protect computers in case of a power failure. The power supply device can fail, causing the unit to overheat, which may pose a fire hazard to consumers.

APC has received six reports of units overheating resulting in the melting of the unit's outer casing and three reports of minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

The recalled Back-UPS CS Uninterruptible Power Supply devices include the Back-UPS CS350 and the Back-UPS CS 500 models. The model number can be found on the front of the unit, along with the words, "Back-UPS CS" and "APC." In addition, one of the following numbers shows up on the bar code label located on the bottom of the unit: BK350, BK500, BK500BLK. The recalled power supply devices also have one of the following serial numbers - AB0048 through AB0251, BB0104 through BB0251, and JB0125 through JB0251 - which can be found on the bottom of the unit. Units with an "R" at the end of the serial number within the above ranges are not part of this recall.

Retailers, computer and electrical distributors, and catalogs nationwide sold the power supply devices from November 2000 through December 2002 for between $70 and $130.

Consumers should immediately stop using the power supply devices by turning off the power to all connected equipment, turning the Back- UPS CS off, and then unplugging it from the electrical outlet. To obtain a free replacement unit, consumers should contact the company at (866) APC-RELY (272-7359) between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or log on to the company's website at www.apc.com/rely

September 25, 2003

About 700 Blason Turbo Style hand-held hair dryers are being recalled. Some of the hair dryers do not have an immersion protection device on the power cord and could present a serious electrocution hazard if dropped in water.

The recalled units are the Blason Turbo Style model 4030 electric hand-held hair dryers without an immersion protection device. These units have a pistol-style grip and a black plastic casing with a two-prong power cord labeled in part, "Blason Turbo Style Mod. 4030. 110V/60HZ/1500W."

The units were sold at retail drug stores and hair accessories and salon retail operations from May 2002 through June 2003 for about $40.

Consumers should return the hair dryer to Blason International Trading Corp. for a refund. Call Blason toll-free at (888) 625-2766 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.

July 24, 2003

Black & Decker Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 265,000 18-volt cordless drill/drivers. The drill's switch can malfunction and overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Black & Decker has received twenty reports of melting, smoking, or fires in the drills, including two minor burn injuries.

The recalled 18-volt, cordless drill/drivers are orange or jade and have the words, "Black & Decker" printed on the body of the drill. The drill/drivers have the following model numbers and date codes:

December 2, 2003

Two-piece fleece pant set with long waist drawstrings on the jacket are being recalled. Several manufacturers and distributors sold the pant sets, mostly through catalog sales.

The waist drawstring on jacket is longer than 3 inches when the waist is expanded to its fullest width, and there are toggles and knots at the end of the un-tacked drawstring. This can cause the drawstring to catch on protrusions (such as bus doors or handles), potentially causing injury or death if the person is dragged by the vehicle.

The pant sets were distributed by the Lakeside Collection, abcDistributing and LTD Commodities,

The two-piece fleece pant set is pink and royal blue and comes in sizes 4 to 6X.

The pant sets were sold at catalog sales from August 2003 to October 2003 for about $12.

Remedy: Pull the waist drawstrings out of the jacket.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

December 23, 2003

John Deere & Co. is recalling about 4,000 Ten Series compact utility tractors because of a transmission problem that could prevent the transmission from returning to neutral after the pedals are released, allowing the machine to unexpectedly move forward.

The company said it has received several reports of such incidents but knows of no injuries.

The following model and serial numbers can be found on the serial number plate on the tractor frame:

The tractors were sold by authorized John Deere dealers nationwide and in Canada from April 2001 to August 2003 for between $18,000 and $27,000.

Consumers should stop using their tractors immediately and contact a John Deere dealer for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact John Deere?s Customer Communications Center on (800) 537-8233, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am until 6:00 pm (Eastern Time), Saturday, 9:00 am until 3:00 pm, or at the John Deere web site at www.johndeere.com

April 8, 2003

American Promotional Events Inc., doing business as TNT, is voluntarily recalling about 4,000 Party Poppers. The Party Popper is a rocket-shaped device that shoots into the air when the string is pulled.

The cone-shaped top can pop off rapidly, and can hit and injure both children and adults.

CPSC and TNT have not received any reports of incidents involving the Party Poppers. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

The recalled Party Poppers are packaged in units of four. The Party Poppers were sold in clear cellophane wrappers with blue, yellow and red cardboard headers. The Party Poppers and the packaging are labeled "TNT BIG FUN PARTY POPPER." The Party Poppers are shaped like rockets with 3 1/2-inch wooden support sticks.

Wal-Mart stores sold these Party Poppers nationwide from January 2003 through March 2003 for about $2.

Consumer should stop using these Party Poppers immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a refund. For more information, consumers can contact TNT toll-free at (800) 243-1189 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

Feb. 20, 2003

Fireworks of Alabama, Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 72,000 boxes of bamboo stick sparklers. The sparklers' bamboo-stick handles can catch fire, burn and disintegrate and emit burning fragments during use. These sparklers present a fire hazard and a risk of burn injury.

CPSC and Fireworks of Alabama have not received any reports of injuries associated with these bamboo stick sparklers. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

The recalled sparklers are packaged in a multicolored cardboard box and sold with six sparklers per box. The sparklers measure about 7- inches long. Labels on the packaging read in part "Bamboo Stick Color Sparklers," "6 PIECES," and "MADE IN CHINA." Only bamboo sparklers with "LB-N011-7" printed on the packaging are included in the recall.

Variety stores sold these sparklers nationwide from June 2002 through December 2002 for about $2 a box.

Consumers should stop using these sparklers immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers can contact Fireworks of Alabama, Inc. at (800) 289-5569 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

July 2, 2003

"TNT" Reloadable Tube Fireworks are being recalled by American Promotional Events Inc. The firework device has a defective base and can break during launch. If reused, the launching device could then send fireworks in unintended directions, possible causing injury.

There have been two reports of the base of these fireworks devices breaking. No injuries were reported.

The firework device consists of a black base with a multicolored PVC material tube having approximate dimensions of 11 inches high by 1.25 inches in diameter. Each product is sold with six shells with fuses. The product is labeled "Model No. CP983," "Item No 460070," "TNT," and "#1 SELLING BRAND."

The units were sold at firework display stands and tents and retail operations in those states where the sale of consumer fireworks is legal. They were sold from June 2003 through July 2003 for about $35.

Return the entire firework device to the retailer for a refund or contact TNT for further directions.

Consumer Contact: American Promotional Events Inc., (TNT) at (800) 243-1189 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

July 2, 2003 -- About 75,000 "Egg Dippers" Easter Plush Toys are being recalled by the manufacturer, Small Small World. The toys' seams can separate and allow small beads to be released, presenting an aspiration hazard to young children.

There have been two reports of children ingesting beads coming out of these plush toys. No injuries have been reported.

The recall includes four animal plush toys. The white rabbit has a purple egg which reads "Happy Easter," the green rabbit has a yellow egg which reads "Happy Easter," the purple bear has a purple egg which reads "Happy Easter," and the yellow duck carries a green egg which reads "You're Egg-stra Special." Each toy has a permanent label affixed which reads "The Boyd's Collection, Ltd."

Department and specialty stores nationwide sold these toys from February 2003 through April 2003 for about $8.

Consumers should call the firm for information on getting a free replacement toy. Call The Boyds Collection at (800) 377-3050 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.

December 12, 2003

Wal-Mart is recalling several candle gift sets -- the "Home Trends Ice Holiday Collection," "Snow House," "Snowman Candle" and "Snowflake Candle."

Paint on the exterior surface of the candles could potentially sustain flame posing a potential fire hazard.

Each Home Trends Ice Holiday Collection Candle gift set contains three candles with one of these scenes painted on the exterior: Snow House Winter; Snowman; or Snowflake design.

Wal-Mart stores nationwide sold these candle gift sets from September 2003 through November 2003 for about $10.

Consumers should immediately stop using the product and return the candle gift set to Wal-Mart for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Wal-Mart at (800) 925-6278 between 7 am and 9 pm CT Monday through Friday.

June 25, 2003

Dorel Juvenile Group Inc. is again voluntarily recalling Cosco Arriva and Turnabout infant car seats/carriers to address a problem with the carry handle.

On July 8, 1999, the two federal agencies and Cosco, now known as the Dorel Juvenile Group, announced the recall of 670,000 of these infant car seat/carriers made from March 1995 through September 1997. This recall adds 1.2 million of the same model infant car seats/carriers made through January 2000.

When the seat is used as a carrier, the plastic handle locks can unexpectedly break or release from the carrying position, causing the seat to unlatch or flip forward. When this happens, an infant can fall to the ground and suffer injuries.

Dorel Juvenile Group has received 416 reports of the handle locks on the additional recalled infant car seats/carriers breaking or unlatching, resulting in nine injuries to children. These reports include bruises and scratches to the head and face. According to the reports, some injuries occurred to children restrained in the seat.

The recalled car seats/carriers were sold under the Cosco Arriva and Turnabout brand names and were manufactured by Dorel Juvenile Group in the U.S. The car seat/carriers have the following model numbers:

The model number and manufacture date are located on the instruction and warning label on the side of the car seat/carrier. The recalled seats were manufactured on or before Jan. 31, 2000.

Juvenile product, mass merchandise, department stores and major discount stores nationwide sold the Arriva and Turnabout infant car seats/carriers from Sept. 10, 1997 through December 2000 for between $30 and $60 when sold alone or $90 to $140 when sold with strollers. The recalled seats are no longer available for purchase.

Consumers should continue to use the Arriva and Turnabout as a car seat but should stop using it as a carrier immediately and contact Dorel Juvenile Group to receive a free repair kit. Consumers should call Dorel at (800) 880-9435 between 7 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or by going to the firms Web site at www.djgusa.com. Consumers with questions about the recall campaign can call the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration Auto Safety Hotline at (888) DASH-2- DOT (327-4236). Consumers also can call the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Hotline at (800) 638-2772 for more information.

July 31, 2003

Earlyears Bobbie Bear Stacking Rings manufactured by International Playthings are being recalled.

Plastic knobs on the rings can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children. The firm has received three reports of small parts detaching from the rings, though no injuries have been reported.

The recalled Bobbie Bear Stacking Rings have a blue and orange rounded bottom, two multicolored stacking rings, and an orange plastic bear head topper. The toy can be spun like a top and makes a rattling sound when shaken. The toy is designed for children ages 6-24 months and has a model number of E00421, which can be found on the packaging.

Specialty toy stores nationwide sold these toys from April 2002 through March 2003 for about $10.

Consumers should contact the company for instructions on how to return the toy to receive a free replacement item of similar value. Call International Playthings at (800) 445-8347 anytime or log on to the company's Website at www.intplay.com/recall.htm.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

July 31, 2003

Ideal Solenoid Voltage Testers manufactured by Ideal Industries Inc. are being recalled. They can short out at high voltages. Consumers can suffer burns.

Ideal has received 11 reports of these testers shorting out at higher voltages, resulting in the faceplate blowing off the units. Two users were burned when their units reportedly shorted out. One reportedly sustained third-degree burns on his hands, forearms, neck and face, while the other suffered second- and third-degree burns to his hands.

These are Ideal voltage and voltage/continuity testers with model numbers 61-065, 61-066, 61-067, 61-076, 61-079, and 61-080. "IDEAL" and the model number are located on the front of the tester. The tester body is yellow. The wire leads have one black and one red test probe. Recalled units were manufactured between November 1999 and May 2002. Contact Ideal to determine if your electrical tester is included in this recall.

The units were sold at electrical distributors, industrial distributors and home centers nationwide between December 1999 and July 2003 for between $30 and $65.

Contact Ideal to receive a free replacement tester.

Consumer Contact: Ideal toll-free at (877) 557-8598 between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. Consumers also can access Ideal's Web site at www.idealindustries.com.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

August 21, 2003

Small World Toys is recalling about 3,000 "Puzzibilities" recycling truck puzzles. One of the puzzle pieces (a stack of newspapers) poses a small parts choking hazard to young children.

The recalled puzzle has nine wooden pieces that form a green recycling truck, three workers, a container for plastics, a bundled set of newspapers, and a recycling bin. The top of the puzzle reads, "Recycling Truck," and "2574" and "2003 Small World Toys" are printed at the bottom.

Small toy stores nationwide sold the puzzles between February 2003 and August 2003 for about $10.

Consumers should stop young children from playing with these puzzles immediately and return the puzzle to the store where it was purchased for a refund. For more information, contact Small World at (800) 421-4153 between 8:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.smallworldtoys.com.

January 25, 2003
About 1,200 "Aire Trek" ceiling fans made by Vaxcel International Co. Ltd., are being recalled. Some of the fans were improperly assembled with a metal sleeve that could cause exposed wiring. If this occurs, consumers are at an increased risk of receiving an electrical shock during installation or removal.

A second recall covers other brand names.

These dual-motor, 36-inch ceiling fan were sold in chrome, stone white, brush nickel, polished brass, antique brass, or weathered patina finishes. Model number 355-6645 is printed on a label located on the central housing of the ceiling fan. The brand name of the fan, "Aire Tek" is written on the packaging only.

The fans were sold at independent retail lighting stores nationwide between January 2002 and May 2002 for between $350 and $450.

Consumers should contact Vaxcel to determine if their unit is defective. A free, replacement ceiling fan will be provided to consumers with defective units. To avoid the risk of shock while removing a recalled fan, consumers are encouraged to use a professional electrician. Vaxcel will reimburse consumers up to $75 for charges incurred in removing recalled fans.

Call Vaxcel at (800) 482-9235 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.

May 22, 2003

International Playthings is recalling 126,000 toy vehicles sold at toy shops nationwide for about $1. Small parts on the vehicles can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

The company has received one report of small parts detaching. No injuries have been reported.

The Viking Mini Chubbies are toy wagons, tractors, helicopters, cars, airplanes, and jeeps. The toys measure about 3-inches long and were sold in red, blue and yellow. Model numbers are printed on the bottom of the toy. Models included in the recall are AW01119, AW41111, AW61005 and AW81119.

Consumers should contact the company for information on receiving a refund. Call International Playthings toll-free at (800) 445-8347 anytime.

The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).

Jan. 9, 2003

Pace Products Inc. is voluntarily recalling about 145,000 children's soap making kits. The soap may get too hot when heated in the microwave oven and leak from the tray mold posing a burn hazard to children.

CPSC has received three reports of burn injuries from the heated soap, including a 6-year-old girl who received burns to her hand. The soap kits were sold under the name 'Soap Making for Kids." The kits include a plastic mold tray, three bars of glycerine, string and an instruction book. "SCHOLASTIC INC." and "Made in U.S.A." are printed on the back of the soap kit box.

Scholastic Book Clubs and Book Fairs sold the recalled soap kits at schools nationwide from March 2000 through November 2002 and bookstores sold the recalled soap kits from March 1998 through November 2002 for about $8.

Consumers should take these soap kits away from children immediately and contact Pace Products at (800) 541-7670 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive instructions on returning the soap kits for a refund. Consumers also can visit the firm's web site at www.paceplace.com

WASHINGTON, July 2, 2003 -- About 13,000 S.I.T. gas temperature controls on GSW water heaters are being recalled because of a potential burn hazard from ignition flashback or an increase in tank water temperature.

No injuries have been reported in the U.S. In Canada, where 140,000 units were sold, there were 45 incidents reported, including 15 reports of minor burns.

This recall involves GSW water heaters with S.I.T. model 650 AC4 gas/temperature controls. The temperature control knobs on GSW propane water heaters are red and the control knobs on GSW natural gas water heaters are blue. The controls can be found on GSW Water Heaters with serial numbers ranging from 0202694162 to 0304507825.

The units were sold at regional appliance distributors from February 2002 through April 2003 for between $150 and $550.

Remedy: When installing a GSW water heater with a SIT AC4 gas control valve in the identified group, or re-lighting the pilot light, the following instructions must be complied with:

1. Make sure that the water heater contains cool water prior to lighting the pilot by opening a hot water faucet near your water heater and allowing the water to run for five minutes. Close the faucet.
2. Turn the gas/temperature control knob clockwise to the maximum (VERY HOT) setting, and then slowly turn the knob back counterclockwise to the PILOT position, indicated by the yellow button. Listen for the main valve to close- this would be a popping or snapping sound. This sound is different from the clicking sound that the knob makes as you turn it.
3. If you hear the popping sound then the valve is working properly. You should then read and follow the "Installation and Operating Instructions". If you do not hear the popping sound then do not attempt to light the pilot and replace the valve.
4. If the unit has been stored or is being installed in a cold environment and the main valve does not close before the knob is turned back to the PILOT position, the gas control valve must be warmed up to a temperature above 32 degrees F or 0 degrees C. Once warmed up, repeat the procedure above. If the gas control valve does not close (popping sound), replace the valve. If the water is too hot or if the temperature and pressure valve opens, turn down the temperature using the temperature control. If the water remains too hot or the temperature and pressure relief valve continues to open, then replace the valve.

Call GSW toll-free at (800) 263-3502 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.gsw-wh.com. Consumers can also contact S.I.T. Controls USA Inc. at (704) 369-2810 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.