Recalls in June 2004

June 29, 2004
More than 500,000 Echo brand grass trimmers, brush cutters, hedge clippers, power blowers and power edgers are being recalled.

The fuel lines on these tools can develop an alligator surface appearance which could develop into a condition that will allow leakage of gasoline and fuel vapor, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

Echo has received three reports of fuel leakage with no reported injuries or property damage.

The specific gas-powered tools involved are identified by the model and serial numbers on the following chart. The model number and serial number is written on the name plate on each product.

The tools were sold at Home Depot, home centers, hardware stores, and power equipment dealers nationwide from February 2003 to May 2004 for between $149 and $300.

Consumers should stop using the recalled tools immediately and contact an Echo dealer for a free repair.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers should call Echo toll-free at (800) 254-4808 between 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit Echos Web site at www.echo-usa.com.

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

June 23, 2004
Ames True Temper Inc. is repeating its recall of about 647,000 wheelbarrows. The plastic wheel assemblies on these wheelbarrows can break when the tires are being inflated. This can result in plastic pieces exploding from the rims of the wheels, possibly hitting nearby consumers and causing lacerations and other injuries.

Ames True Temper has learned of additional serious incidents involving the recalled wheelbarrows since the original recall announcement. A total of 21 incidents have occurred from 1996 to the present, including injuries involving hand, arm and facial fractures and cuts. In a few cases, more serious and permanent injuries have been reported.

To prevent further injuries, consumers should not inflate the tires on these wheelbarrows. Ames True Temper is offering a free replacement steel wheel assembly for each wheelbarrow and is offering consumers a free gardening tool gift as an incentive to have this repair performed.

The wheel assemblies on these wheelbarrows have a black plastic rim and have an approximately 14-inch diameter wheel. They have red, green or orange tubs or trays made of steel or plastic and were sold under the brand names Easy Roller, Homeowner, "Mustang," or "Thoroughbred." The brand name was printed on the label attached to the tray at the time of purchase. Wheelbarrows with metal wheel assemblies are not part of this recall. No True Temper or Jackson wheelbarrow is part of this recall.

Hardware stores and home centers nationwide sold the recalled wheelbarrows from January 1993 through December 2000 for between $20 and $30.

In addition to the free replacement wheel assembly and free gardening tool incentive, the company is conducting the recall campaign with new measures to reach home gardeners who are the primary users of these recalled wheelbarrows. These new measures include placing ads in gardening publications, providing recall information to editors and webmasters of specialty gardening magazines and Web sites, and providing new point-of-sale posters to retailers.

For more information, call Ames True Temper toll-free at (866) 239-2281 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the companys Web site at www.amestruetemper.com.

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

June 15, 2004
Wal-Mart is recalling about 146,000 General Electric Cool Touch slow cookers. The heating element can drop to the bottom of the slow cooker and melt through the plastic outer shell, posing a burn hazard to users.

Wal-Mart has received 27 reports of scorched or damaged countertops, though no injuries have been reported.

The recalled General Electric (GE) Cool Touch 6 Quart Slow Cooker has a removable blue ceramic bowl with a glass lid. The enclosure that surrounds the ceramic bowl is made of plastic. The GE logo is located on the front of the unit underneath the temperature control knob. The model number 168945 is located on a silver label on the bottom of the base.

The units were sold exclusively at: Wal-Mart stores nationwide from June 2003 through May 2004 for about $28.

Consumers should immediately stop using the product and return the slow cooker to Wal-Mart for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Wal-Mart at (800) 876-1288 anytime or log on to www.gehousewares.com.

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

June 10, 2004
Home Depot is recalling about 2.2 million SMC brand oscillating floor fans. The electric power cord can be damaged by the oscillation motion of the fan. The damage to the cord can result in a short circuit and possible ignition of the plastic case, posing a fire hazard.

CPSC is aware of 31 incidents in which the cord on these fans was damaged, which resulted in smoke and fires. At least nine of these incidents resulted in substantial property damage.

The recall includes 18-inch, pedestal floor fans with model number SR-18 or SP-18. The model number is on the back of the fan beside the on/off button. All of the recalled fans are white with the brand name, SMC, written on the face plate of the front grill. The Home Depot sold these fans from January 1997 through October 2001 for about $20. The recalled fans also were sold at other retailers, some of which have gone out of business.

Consumers should stop using the recalled fans immediately and either return them to the Home Depot for a store credit, or contact SMC Marketing Corp. for instructions on receiving a refund. The Home Depot will accept all recalled fans.

For information on receiving a refund, consumers should contact SMC Marketing Corp. toll-free at (800) 527-3675 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. For more information about store returns, consumers can call Home Depot toll-free at (800) 553-3199 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Recall information also is available at the Home Depots Web site: www.homedepot.com.

The Home Depot is a major retailer and importer of these fans. The fans were supplied by Shell Electric Manufacturing (China) Co. Ltd. SMC Marketing Corp. represents Shell Electric Manufacturing (China) Co. Ltd. in the United States.

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

June 9, 2004
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Wisdom Industries Ltd.are announcing a revised safety inspection program for all types of Gravitron amusement rides.

The Gravitron amusement ride is a whirling cylinder which uses centrifugal force to hold riders to their seats as the seats rise, giving the illusion that the floor is dropping out. The ride is also called the Starship, Old Blue, and Trip to Mars. There are approximately 190 such rides in the U.S. and Canada.

On April 2, 2004, at the Miami-Dade County Fair and Exposition in Florida, a wall panel of the Gravitron ride gave way, ejecting three riders. Seven people were injured, including two bystanders who were hit by debris. Injuries included broken bones, concussions, and bruises. A 16-year-old girl ejected from the ride was critically injured.

CPSCs investigation of this incident and its work with the ride manufacturer, Wisdom Industries Ltd., resulted in a revised safety inspection program to prevent future incidents. In brief, some of the elements of the inspection program include:

• Inspect welds and steel components for cracks or breaks.
• Inspect platform hinges for cracks or wear.
• Inspect platform hinge bolts for wear.
• Check tire air pressure.
• Measure wing sag to make sure it is level with main table.
• Inspect the underwing alignment bolts for bending and wear.
• Inspect condition of fiberglass at lower end of the panel for wear.

These new safety guidelines have been sent to all owners of Gravitron rides, state inspectors and amusement ride insurers to help improve maintenance of the rides.

CPSC and Wisdom Industries announced a modification program to improve the safety of the Gravitron rides in 1992. That program included the installation of corner pin reinforcement plates, which were in place on the ride involved in the recent incident. The revised safety inspection program should be performed in addition to the previous modification program. Wisdom Industries Ltd. can be reached at (970) 522-7515 or at their Web site: www.wisdomrides.com.

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