
HOMEPAGE
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Recalls
CPSC, Whirlpool Announce Recall of Microwave-Hood Combinations
WASHINGTON, D.C.- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission (CPSC), Whirlpool Corp., of Benton Harbor, Mich., is
voluntarily recalling about 1.8 million microwave-hood combinations.
These units can overheat and catch fire.
Whirlpool has received seven reports of fires involving these
microwave- hood combinations. These incidents have resulted in
extensive property damage. No injuries have been reported.
These are microwave oven and exhaust fan hood combination units that
are installed above ranges. They were sold under the Whirlpool®,
KitchenAid® and Kenmore® brand names. They have serial numbers that
begin with XC. Open the door to locate the serial and model numbers.
Department, electronics, home and appliance stores, as well as builder
and remodelers, sold the microwave-hood combinations nationwide from
January 1998 through September 2001 for between $249 and $749.
Consumers with recalled microwave-hood combinations should immediately
stop using them and disconnect the units by unplugging them. Consumers
can call Whirlpool Corp. for a free repair. Consumers can contact
Whirlpool at (800) 785-8897 anytime. Consumers also can visit
Whirlpool's web site at
www.whirlpool.com. Consumers should have the model and serial
number of their unit available when they call or visit the web site.
Whirlpool has developed a new
"Consumer In-Home Service Repair Information" Pamphlet (pdf format).
This pamphlet will provide consumers with detailed information
concerning the cause of the fires and what the in-home repair will
entail.
Countertop microwaves are not included in this recall.
CPSC, Schneider Electric North American Division Announce Recall
of AFCIs
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firms
below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately
unless otherwise instructed.
Name of product: Arc Fault Circuit Interrupters (AFCI)
Units: About 700,000
Manufacturer: Schneider Electric North American Division, of
Palatine, Ill.
Hazard: An AFCI is an electrical circuit protection device
(circuit breaker) that detects electrical arcs from cracked, broken or
damaged electrical insulation and shuts off power to the circuit
before the arcing leads to a fire. An electronic component failure
inside the AFCIs can cause the devices to not detect an electrical
arc. Although the AFCIs will function as regular circuit breakers,
they may not detect an arc fault, posing a safety risk to consumers.
Clarifying Statement
Incidents/Injuries: Schneider Electric is investigating one
reported fire during a new home construction that may be related to
this problem. No injuries have been reported.
Description: The recalled Square D QO® and Homeline® Arc Fault
Interrupter circuit breakers are used with 15- and 20-amp branch
circuits. They are required to be installed in bedroom circuits in
accordance with the 2002 National Electrical Code. The recalled units
were manufactured after March 1, 2004, and have a blue test button.
The AFCI circuit breakers have one of the following date codes – CN,
DN, EN, FN, GN, HN, or JN – stamped in red on the breaker label
located just above the wiring terminal. The recalled units also have
one of the following catalog numbers printed on a label on the front
of the breaker: QO115AFI, QO115AFIC, QO120AFI, QO120AFIC, QOB115AFI,
QOB120AFI, HOM115AFI, HOM115AFIC, HOM120AFI, HOM120AFIC, QO115VHAFI,
QO120VHAFI, QOB115VHAFI, or QOB120VHAFI.
Sold at: Electrical distributors and retailers sold the AFCIs
between March 2004 and September 2004 for between $30 and $130.
Manufactured in: Mexico
Remedy: Installed AFCIs will be replaced free of charge through
electrical contractors. Consumers can return uninstalled AFCIs to the
retailers or distributor from whom the unit was purchased for a free
replacement unit.
Consumer Contact: Consumer should call Schneider Electric
toll-free at (877) 202-9046 between 7:30 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday
through Friday or log on to the company's Website at
www.us.squared.com/recallafci
| QOAFI CIRCUIT BREAKER |
HOM CIRCUIT BREAKER |
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Test Button is BLUE on Recall
Circuit Breakers
CPSC Releases the "Top Five Hidden Home Hazards"
Safety Agency Places Popular Magnetic Toys on the
List of Deadly Dangers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - Whether it is an apartment, duplex or
single-family residence, the home is a place that is supposed to give
families a feeling of safety and security. For many Americans families
however, an injury or death of a loved one can turn this place of
happiness into one of tragedy.
Each year, 33.1 million people are injured by consumer products in
the home. Some hazards are from products the Agency has warned about
for years; others come from new products and technologies. To keep
Americans informed of dangers, the CPSC has identified the Top Five
Hidden Home Hazards – associated with products that people may be
using everyday, but are unaware of the dangers that they can cause.
These home hazards are often unseen or unnoticed by consumers.
"The home is where people feel comfortable and secure, but constant
awareness is the key to keeping families safe," said Acting Chairman
Nancy Nord. "CPSC is aiming to increase awareness of the hidden
hazards around the home in order to help consumers protect against
these dangers."
With no or very little investment, incidents and injuries from
these dangers are preventable. Simply by being aware of these Top Five
Hidden Home Hazards, many lives can be spared and life-altering
injuries avoided:
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#1
Magnets
Since 2005:
1 Death, 86 Injuries;
8 million magnetic toys recalled.
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Today's rare-earth magnets can be very small
and powerful making them popular in toys, building sets, and
jewelry. As the number of products with magnets has increased,
so has the number of serious injuries to children. In several
hundred incidents, magnets have fallen out of various toys and
been swallowed by children. Small intact pieces of building sets
that contain magnets have also been swallowed by children. If
two or more magnets, or a magnet and another metal object are
swallowed separately, they can attract to one another through
intestinal walls and get trapped in place. The injury is hard to
diagnose. Parents and physicians may think that the materials
will pass through the child without consequence, but magnets can
attract in the body and twist or pinch the intestines, causing
holes, blockages, infection, and death, if not treated properly
and promptly.
Watch
carefully for loose magnets and magnetic pieces and keep away
from younger children (less than 6). If you have a recalled
product with magnets, stop using it, call the company today, and
ask for the remedy. |
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#2
Recalled Products
Each year there about 400 recalls.
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CPSC is very effective at getting dangerous
products off store shelves, such as recalled toys, clothing,
children's jewelry, tools, appliances, electronics and
electrical products. But once a product gets into the home, the
consumer has to be on the lookout. Consumers need to be aware of
the latest safety recalls to keep dangerous recalled products
away from family members.
Get
dangerous products out of the home. Join CPSC's "Drive To One
Million" campaign and sign up for free e-mail
notifications at
https://www.cpsc.gov/cpsclist.aspx - an e-mail from CPSC is
not spam – it could save a life. |
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#3
Tip-overs
Average of 22 deaths per year;
31 in 2006 and an estimated 3,000 injuries.
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Furniture, TVs and ranges can tip over and
crush young children. Deaths and injuries occur when children
climb onto, fall against or pull themselves up on television
stands, shelves, bookcases, dressers, desks, and chests. TVs
placed on top of furniture can tip over causing head trauma and
other injuries. Items left on top of the TV, furniture, and
countertops, such as toys, remote controls and treats might
tempt kids to climb.
Verify
that furniture is stable on its own. For added security, anchor
to the floor or attach to a wall. Free standing ranges and
stoves should be installed with anti-tip brackets. |
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#4
Windows & Coverings
Average of 12 deaths annually from window cords;
Average of 9 deaths and an estimated 3,700 injuries to children
annually from window falls.
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Children can strangle on window drapery and
blind cords that can form a loop. Parents should use cordless
blinds or keep cords and chains permanently out of the reach of
children. Consumers should cut looped cords and install a safety
tassel at the end of each pull cord or use a tie-down device,
and install inner cord stays to prevent strangulation. Never
place a child's crib or playpen within reach of a window blind.
The dangers of windows don't end with window coverings and
pull cords. Kids love to play around windows. Unfortunately,
kids can be injured or die when they fall out of windows. Do not
rely on window screens. Window screens are designed to keep bugs
out, not to keep kids in.
Safeguard
your windows: repair pull cords ending in loops and install
window guards or stops today. |
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#5
Pool & Spa Drains
15 injuries, 2 fatalities from 2002-2004.
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The suction from a pool drain can be so
powerful that it can hold an adult under water, but most
incidents involve children. The body can become sealed against
the drain or hair can be pulled in and tangled. Missing or
broken drain covers are a major reason many entrapment incidents
occur. Pool and spa owners can consider installing a Safety
Vacuum Release System (SVRS), which detects when a drain is
blocked and automatically shuts off the pool pump or interrupts
the water circulation to prevent an entrapment.
Every
time you use a pool or spa, inspect it for entrapment hazards.
Check to make sure appropriate drain covers are in place and
undamaged. |
A.O.
Smith Recalls Gas Water Heaters Due to Fire and Carbon Monoxide
Hazards
WASHINGTON,
D.C.
- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in
cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary
recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop
using
recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Name of Product: Natural and
Propane Gas
Water Heaters
Units: About 1,500
Manufacturer: A.O. Smith Water Products Co., of Ashland City, Tenn.
Hazard: The water heater's flue gas temperatures can exceed safe
limits
and produce excessive temperatures in the venting unit, posing a
fire
hazard. Also, the water
heater's exhaust can leak into the surrounding
room, posing a
carbon
monoxide hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: None reported.
Description: This recall involves 75 gallon natural and
propane gas
water heaters. "A.O. Smith"
or "State" is printed on the side of the
unit. A.O. Smith and State model and serial numbers included in this
recall are listed in the chart below. Model and serial numbers are
printed on the water heater's rating plate.
Brand Name - Model Number
A.O. Smith - FCG-75 300 and FCG-75 301
State - GS6 75 XRR S and GS6 75 CRR S
Serial Number Ranges
L07A071460 through L07A144966
or
M07A009387 through M07A072884
Sold by: Independent contractors and plumbers nationwide from
November
2007 through January 2008 for between $1,000 and $2,500.
Manufactured in:
United States
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled
water
heater and contact A.O.
Smith to arrange for a free repair.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact A.O. Smith
toll-free at (866) 880-4661 between 7 a.m. and
7 p.m. CT, or visit the
firm's Web site at
www.hotwater.com
To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the
recalled product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml08/08241.html
Maytag Recalls Refrigerators Due to
Fire Hazard
WASHINGTON,
D.C.
- The
U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation
with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the
following consumer product.
Name of product: Maytag(r), Jenn-Air(r), Amana(r), Admiral(r), Magic
Chef(r), Performa by Maytag(r) and Crosley(r) brand refrigerators
Units: About 1.6 million
Manufacturer: Maytag Corp., of Newton, Iowa
Hazard: An electrical failure in the relay, the component that turns
on the refrigerator's compressor, can cause overheating and pose a
serious fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: Maytag has received 41 reports of refrigerator
relay ignition, including 16 reports of property damage ranging from
smoke damage to extensive kitchen damage.
Description: The recall includes certain Maytag(r), Jenn-Air(r),
Amana(r), Admiral(r), Magic Chef(r), Performa by Maytag(r) and
Crosley(r) brand side by side and top freezer refrigerators. The
affected refrigerators were manufactured in black, bisque, white and
stainless steel. They have model and serial numbers printed on a
label located on the top middle or left upper side of the
refrigerator liner and have the following model and serial number
combinations:
Type: Serial Numbers ENDING with (AND Model Numbers BEGINNING with)
Side by Side
Refrigerators:
AA, AC, AE, AG, AJ, AL, AN, AP, AR,
AT, AV, AX, CA, CC, CE, CG, CJ, CL,
ZB, ZD, ZF, ZH, ZK, ZM, ZQ, ZS, ZU,
ZW, ZY, ZZ
(ARS, CS, JC, JS, MS, MZ, PS)
Top Freezer Refrigerators:
AA, AC, AE, AG, AJ, AL, AN, AP, AR,
AT, AV, AX, ZK, ZM, ZQ, ZS, ZU, ZW,
ZY, ZZ
(AT, CT, MT, PT)
Refrigerators with freezers on the bottom are not included in this
recall.
Sold at: Department and appliance stores and by homebuilders
nationwide from January 2001 through January 2004 for between about
$350 and $1600.
Manufactured in:
United States
Remedy: Consumers should immediately contact Maytag to determine if
their refrigerator is included in the recall and to schedule a free
in-home repair. Consumers should not return the refrigerator to the
retailer where it was purchased.
Consumer Contact: For more information, contact Maytag toll-free at
(866) 533-9817 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at
www.repair.maytag.com
To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including pictures of the
recall product, please go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml09/09145.html
1.
NEWS from CPSC U.S. Consumer Product
Safety Commission Office
of Information and Public Affairs Washington, DC 20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE June 3, 2010 Release #10-255
Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 544-5513
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7601
Maytag Recalls Dishwashers Due to Fire Hazard
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer
Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named
below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer
product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately
unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to
resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product:
Dishwashers
Units: About 1.7 million in the
United
States
Manufacturer: Maytag Corp. of
Newton,
Iowa
or Maytag Corp. of
Benton
Harbor,
Mich.
Hazard: An electrical failure in the dishwasher's
heating element can pose a serious
fire hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: Maytag has received 12
reports of dishwasher heating element failures that resulted in
fires and dishwasher damage, including one report of extensive
kitchen damage from a fire. No injuries have been reported.
Description: The recall includes Maytag(r), Amana(r), Jenn-Air(r),
Admiral(r), Magic Chef(r), Performa by Maytag(r) and Crosley(r)
brand dishwashers with plastic tubs and certain serial numbers. The
affected dishwashers were manufactured with black, bisque, white,
silver and stainless steel front panels. The brand name is printed
on the front of the dishwasher. The model and serial numbers are
printed on a label located inside the plastic tub on a tag near the
left side of the door opening. Serial numbers will start or end with
one of the following sequences.
SERIAL number STARTING with:
NW39, NW40, NW41, NW42, NW43, NW44, NW45, NW46, NW47, NW48, NW49,
NW50, NW51, NW52, NY01, NY02, NY03, NY04, NY05, NY06, NY07, NY08,
NY09, NY10, NY11, NY12, NY13, NY14, NY15, NY16, NY17, NY18, NY19
OR
SERIAL number ENDING with: JC, JE, JG, JJ, JL, JN,
JP, JR, JT, JV, JX, LA, LC, LE, LG, LJ, LL, LN, LP, LR, LT, LV, LX,
NA, NC, NE, NG, NJ, NL, NN, NP, NR
Sold at: Department and
appliance stores and by homebuilders nationwide from February 2006
through April 2010 for between $250 and $900.
Manufactured
in: United States
Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop
using the recalled dishwashers, disconnect the electric supply by
shutting off the fuse or circuit breaker
controlling it, inform all users of the dishwasher about the risk of
fire and contact Maytag to verify if their dishwasher is included in
the recall. If the dishwasher is included in the recall, consumers
can either schedule a free in-home repair or receive a rebate
following the purchase of certain new Maytag brand stainless-steel
tub dishwashers. The rebate is $150 if the consumer purchases new
dishwasher models MDB7759, MDB7609 or MDBH979; or $250 if the
consumer purchases new dishwasher models MDB8959, MDB8859, MDB7809
or MDB7709. Consumers should not return the recalled dishwashers to
the retailer where purchased as retailers are not prepared to take
the units back.
Consumer Contact: For additional information,
contact Maytag at (800) 544-5513 anytime, or visit the firm's
website at
www.repair.maytag.com
To see this recall on
CPSC's web site, including pictures of the recalled products, please
go to:
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml10/10255.html
1. GE Recalls
Front Load Washers Due to Fire and Shock Hazards
U.S.
Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Information
and Public Affair
Washington,
DC
20207
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
June 10, 2010
Release #10-259
Firm's Recall Hotline:
(888) 345-4124
CPSC Recall Hotline:
(800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908
GE
Media Contact: (888) 240-2749
GE Recalls Front Load
Washers Due to Fire and Shock Hazards
WASHINGTON,
D.C.
- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the
firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following
consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products
immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or
attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of Product: GE
Front-Load Washing Machines
Units: About 181,000
Manufacturer: GE
Appliances & Lighting, of
Louisville,
Ky.
Hazard: A wire can
break in the machine and make contact with a metal part on the washtub
while the machine is operating, posing fire and shock hazards to
consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: GE
is aware of seven incidents in which flames escaped the units and
caused minor smoke damage. No injuries have been reported.
Description: This
recall involves GE front-load washing machines without auxiliary water
heating. Model and serial numbers are listed in the chart below.
Recalled washing machines were manufactured between December 2006 and
February 2010. The model and serial numbers are located on the bottom
right side and on the bottom door frame of the washers.
Brand: GE
Model Number Begins
With: WBVH5
Serial Number Begins
With: AM, AR, AS, AT, DM, DR, DS, FM, FR, FS, GM, GS, HM, HR, HS, LM,
LR, LS, MM, MR, MS, RM, RR, RS, SM, SR, SS, TM, TR, TS, VM, VR, VS,
ZL, ZM, ZR, ZS
Sold at: Department and
various retail stores nationwide from December 2006 through May 2010
for about $700.
Manufactured in:
China
Remedy: Consumers
should immediately stop using the recalled washers, unplug it from the
electrical outlet and contact GE for a free repair. Consumers should
not operate the washer until it has been repaired.
Consumer Contact: For
additional information, contact GE toll-free at (888) 345-4124 between
8 a.m.
and 5 p.m. ET
Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's website at
www.geappliances.com
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Florida Master Home Inspectors, Inc. Serves: |
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Bal-Harbor, Belle Glade, Boca
Raton, Boynton, Clewiston, Coral Springs, Dania, Davie,
Deerfield, Delray, Fort Lauderdale, Fort Pierce,
Green Acres, Hallandale, Hialeah, Highland Beach, Hobe Sound, Hollywood,
Hypoluxo, Indiantown, Jensen, Juno, Jupiter, Lake
Worth, Lantana, Lauderdale Lakes, Lauderhill, Loxahatchee,
Manalapan, Margate, Miami, Miramar, North Lauderdale,
North Miami, North Palm, Oakland Park, Okeechobee, Opa-Locka, Pahokee, Palm
Beach, Palm Beach Gardens, Palm City, Parkland, Pembroke Pines,
Plantation, Pompano, Port Saint
Lucie, Port Salerno, Royal Palm, Riviera Beach, South
Bay,
Stuart, Sunrise, Tamarac, Tequesta, Wellington, West
Palm, Weston, Wilton Manors |
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