November 30, 2011

Rocketfish Battery Case for iPhone 3G/3GS Recalled by Best Buy Due to Fire Hazard

Name of Product: Rocketfish™ Model RF-KL12 Mobile Battery Cases for iPhone 3G and 3GS

Units: About 31,000 in the U.S. and about 1,000 in Canada

Hazard: The battery case can overheat while charging, posing a fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC and the firm have received about 14 reports of the battery cases overheating in the United States, including three reports of minor burns to consumers and four reports of minor property damage.

Description: This recall includes the Rocketfish™ Model RF-KL12 Mobile Battery Case. The battery case is made of black lightweight, soft-touch rubberized material designed to hold the phone securely, and comes with a built-in battery. The model number “RF-KL12” appears on the front of the product’s packaging, on the packaging barcode, and in white print on the curved inner surface of the product.

Sold exclusively at: Best Buy stores nationwide, Future Shop and Best Buy stores in Canada, and online from about April 2010 through about September 2011 for between $10 and $60.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact Best Buy for instructions on returning the product and receiving a Best Buy gift card for $70 or $105 in Canada.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers should contact Best Buy toll-free at (800) 917-5737 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET any day, or visit the firm’s websites at www.bestbuy.com (US) or www.bestbuy.ca or www.futureshop.ca (Canada).

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November 15, 2011

Michaels Stores Recalls Ashland Brand Glass Vase Due to Laceration Hazard

Name of product: Ashland™ Glass Vase

Units: About 28,000 in the U.S. and 1,800 in Canada

Hazard: The glass vases can break or fracture when a consumer picks them up, posing a laceration hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm has received four reports of the vase shattering, causing lacerations to the hands for all four. One person had surgery, two got stitches.

Description: The vase is rectangular and made of clear glass. It is 12 inches tall, 8 inches wide and 2.5 inches deep. The SKU number "425827" and UPC number "6-927619-661665" are printed on a label on the bottom of the vase.

Sold exclusively at: Michaels Arts & Crafts Stores from January 2008 through October 2011 for about $20.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the vase and return it to a Michaels Arts & Crafts store for a full refund. To avoid the risk of breakage and possible injury, handle the vase with care.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Michaels at (800) 642-4235 Monday through Saturday from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and Sunday from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. CT.

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November 3, 2011

Dutailier Group Recalls Drop-Side Cribs Due to Entrapment and Fall Hazards

Name of Product: Drop-side cribs

Units: About 440 cribs

Hazard: The slats on the drop side can detach from the top and bottom rails creating a space between the slats. An infant or toddler’s body can become entrapped in the space, which can lead to strangulation and/or suffocation. A child can also fall out of the crib.

Description: This recall involves full-size, drop-side wooden cribs with part numbers that begin with E1230C2, E3500C2, E3540C2, E5100C2, E5140C2, E5530C2, E9000C2 and E9100C2. The Dutailier logo and the part number can be found on labels on the inside of the end panels See Products.

Sold at: Children’s products stores and other baby specialty stores from January 2009 through February 2010 for between $425 and $775.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and contact Dutailier Group to receive a free repair kit which consists of a new fixed side to replace the drop-side of the crib. In the meantime, parents are urged to find an alternate, safe sleeping environment for the child, such as a bassinet, play yard or toddler bed depending on the child’s age.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact the Dutailier Group toll-free at (800) 363-9817 on Monday through Thursday from 8:30 a.m to 5:00 p.m ET, and on Fridays from 8:30 a.m.to 4:00 p.m. ET.

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November 1, 2011

Hand Trucks Recalled by Harper Trucks Due to Injury Hazard

Name of Product: Hand Trucks

Units: About 292,000

Hazard: When the tires are overinflated, they can explode causing the wheel hub to separate or break, ejecting pieces of the hub. This poses an injury hazard to bystanders.

Incidents/Injuries: Harper Trucks has received 19 reports of overinflated tires exploding that resulted in 19 injuries, including broken bones, loss of sight in one eye, contusions and lacerations.

Description: This recall involves Harper Trucks hand trucks with model numbers and type of wheels listed below. "Harper Truck" and the model number can be found on an adhesive sticker on the hand truck frame's cross member. Hand trucks with two-piece, grey metal wheels are not included in this recall.

Sold at: The Home Depot from September 2008 through March 2009 and Sam's Club from January 1993 through January 2002 for between $28 and $42.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact Harper Trucks for a free repair kit that includes either lock washers to secure the four bolts on the 3-piece, metal/chrome plated wheels or new design replacement tires for the 1-piece composite tires.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Harper Trucks toll-free at (800) 835-4099 between 8:30a.m.and 4:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, e-mail wheels@harpertrucks.com or visit the company's website at www,harpertrucks.com

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October 26, 2011

Big Lots Recalls Glider Recliners with Ottomans Due to Entrapment and Finger Crushing Hazards

Name of Products: Microfiber Glider Recliners with Ottomans and Leather Glider Recliners with Ottomans

Units: About 375,000

Hazard: An exposed gap between the moving parts of the chair and the base framework can allow access to toddlers and infants, posing an entrapment hazard. In addition, other exposed moving parts on the chair and the ottoman can pose finger pinching and crushing hazards to older children and adults.

Incidents/Injuries: CPSC received two reports of children under age two who were found trapped at the neck between horizontal components of the frame at the back of the chair. In both incidents, adults were able to release the children who suffered no permanent injuries.

Description: The Microfiber Glider Recliner and Leather Glider Recliner are reclining glider/rocking chairs on a swivel base. Both the chair and ottoman sit on circular metal bases made from 1.25 inch metal tubing and have cushions covered in either light brown or green microfiber fabric or dark brown simulated leather fabric. A label under the seat of the chair identifies the manufacturer as Dongguan Shindin Metal & Plastic Products Ltd. There is a small label on the front metal rod under the seat that states "Maximum wt load 250 lbs."

Sold at: Big Lots stores nationwide from January 2005 through December 2009 for about $170.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the chairs and contact Big Lots for a free repair kit that covers the base framework and the moving parts of the chair and ottoman.

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

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October 21, 2011

Carefusion Initiates Class I Recall Of EnVe Ventilators

CareFusion (NYSE: CFN), a leading global medical device company, issued the following update regarding its recall of 128 EnVe™ ventilators affecting 29 customers. The FDA has classified this action as a Class I recall.

The voluntary recall only affects EnVe ventilators manufactured between December 2010 and May 2011. On September 12, the company sent an urgent Medical Device Recall Notification to customers stating the identified potential risks associated with the EnVe ventilators. The issues include: a potential delay in resuming ventilation after reconnection; a potential automatic reset; and a potential for disconnection upon transport. Failure to adequately ventilate may lead to hypoxia or hypercarbia, which may result in serious neurological injury or death. A Class I recall is defined as a reasonable probability of serious adverse health consequences or death associated with use of the defective units.

In the notification letter, customers were provided serial numbers of affected devices. This information is available at http://www.carefusion.com/customer-support/alerts-notices/medical-device-recall-enve-ventilator.aspx.

CareFusion is conducting a field corrective action to update the hardware and software on affected ventilators. The company had determined the root cause for each issue and is committed to updating each device in a timely manner with minimal disruption to our customers.

Instructions to customers
Customer inquiries related to this action should be addressed to CareFusion Technical Support at 800-554-8933.

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October 20, 2011

Additional Retail Sales Prompt CPSC and Meijer to Re-announce Roman Shades and Roll-Up Blinds Recall; Strangulation Hazard Posed

Name of Product: “Innovations” and “At Home with Meijer” Roman shades and roll-up blinds

Units: About 3,200 units (240,000 originally recalled in March 2010)

Hazard:

Roman Shades - Strangulation can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck.

Roll-up Blinds - Strangulation can occur if the lifting loops slide off the side of the blind and a child’s neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop or if a child places his/her neck between the lifting loop and the roll-up blind material.

Description: This recall involves previously recalled “Innovations” and "At Home with Meijer" Roman shades and roll-up blinds that were redistributed to stores and sold to consumers after March 2010 without a repair kit. The Roman shades are made with fabric or bamboo and the roll-up blinds with bamboo. A label reading "Innovation" or "At Home with Meijer" can be found under the headrail.

Sold at: Discount retailers, dollar stores, flea markets and other retail liquidators nationwide from March 2010 through September 2011 at various prices. Originally the products were sold at Meijer stores between January 2004 and December 2009 for about $40 before being recalled.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the Roman shades and the roll-up blinds and contact the Window Covering Safety Council for a free repair kit at (800) 506-4636 anytime or visit www.windowcoverings.org. Consumers can also return the products to any Meijer store for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For additional information about this recall, contact Meijer at (800) 927-8699 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the company’s website at www.meijer.com

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October 7, 2011

Yu Wei Recalls Drop-Side Cribs Sold Exclusively at jcpenney Due to Entrapment and Suffocation Hazards

 
Name of Product: Drop-Side Cribs

Units: About 8,000

Manufacturer: Yu Wei Co. Ltd., of Taipei, Taiwan

Hazard: The drop-side rails on the crib can malfunction, detach or unexpectedly fall down, causing part of the drop side to fall out of position. When this happens, a space is created into which an infant or toddler can roll and become wedged or entrapped, which can lead to strangulation or suffocation. A child can also fall out of the crib. Drop-side incidents can also occur due to incorrect assembly and due to age-related wear and tear.

Description: This recall involves Yu Wei full-size cribs sold under the Scroll and Lauren model names. The cribs were sold in antique white, pecan and dark cherry, and have the following model numbers and date codes listed on the inside of the crib’s end panels.

Sold at: jcpenney.com and in the jcpenney catalog from January 2006 through December 2010 for between $300 and $450.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled cribs and contact Yu Wei to get a free immobilizer kit that will immobilize the drop side. In the meantime, parents are encouraged to find an alternate, safe sleep environment for the child, such as a bassinet, play yard or toddler bed depending on your child’s age.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Yu Wei at (877) 806-8190 between 9 a.m. and 5 p.m. CT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at www.yuweicribrecalls.com . Consumers can also email the firm at yuweiparts@aol.com to order a free immobilizer kit.

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October 4, 2011

Ballard Designs Recalls Step Stools Due to Fall Hazard

 
 
Name of Product: Ballard Designs "Stafford" step stools

Units: About 2,500

Hazard: Plastic tabs on the feet of the step stools can cause the stools to be unstable, posing a fall hazard to consumers.

Incidents/Injuries: Ballard Designs has received six reports that the stools were not stable, including two reports of falls resulting in minor injuries.

Description: This recall involves Ballard Designs "Stafford" step stools made of wood painted black or white. "Ballard Designs" is printed on a sticker under the bottom of the step. "Made in China" is printed on the underside bottom of the step stools. Also printed on the underside bottom of the step stools is one of the following five numbers: 100097963, 100099019, 100097230, 100100584 or 100102942. All recalled stools also have four plastic tabs affixed to the feet of the step stool.

Sold at: Ballard Design stores in Florida, Georgia and Ohio, through Ballard Designs catalogs, on www.ballarddesigns.com and www.hsn.com from July 2009 through May 2011 for about $80.

Remedy: Consumers should immediately remove the four plastic tabs from the feet of their step stools. Instructions are available online at www.ballarddesigns.com under the Product Safety page or by contacting Ballard Designs at the number below. Ballard Designs is directly contacting all known purchasers.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Ballard Designs toll-free at (888) 606-2627 between 8 a.m. and 9 p.m. ET Monday through Friday and between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. ET Saturday and Sunday.

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September 30, 2011

Shermag Recalls to Repair Drop-Side Cribs Due to Entrapment, Suffocation and Fall Hazards

 
 
Name of Product: Drop-side cribs

Units: About 2,300; about 800 in Canada

Hazard: The drop-side rail hardware on the cribs can break or fail, allowing the drop side to detach from the crib. When the drop side detaches, a hazardous gap is created between the drop-side rail and the crib mattress in which infants and toddlers can become wedged or entrapped, posing risks of suffocation and strangulation. In addition, children can fall out of the crib when the drop-side rail falls unexpectedly or detaches from the crib. Drop-side rail failures can also occur due to incorrect assembly or with age-related wear and tear.

Incidents: CPSC and the firm are aware of 21 incidents involving drop sides that failed or detached.

Description: This recall involves wooden drop-side cribs with hidden drop-side hardware. The cribs were sold in various colors. Model numbers 202647, 211047 and 272547 are included in this recall. The cribs were sold separately and as part of the “City Lights,” “Fairy Tales” and “Dormez Vous” furniture collections. “Shermag” is printed on a tag on the mattress springs. The model numbers can be found on stickers and warning labels on the crib’s headboard or footboard.

Sold at: The Land of Nod and other baby specialty stores from September 2004 through December 2008 for between $400 and $800.

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these cribs immediately and contact the firm to request a free repair kit that will immobilize the drop-side. In the meantime, parents are urged to find an alternate, safe sleeping environment for the child, such as a bassinet, play yard or toddler bed depending on the child’s age.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Shermag at (800) 567-3419 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the firm’s website at http://www.shermag.com

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