School Product Recalls

Thomas & Betts Announces Recall Of Emergency Exit Signs

PRODUCT:
Emergency Exit Signs – Thomas & Betts Corporation of Memphis, Tennessee, has initiated a voluntary product recall in cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission. Recalled exit signs were sold under the Lightalarms, Emergi-Lite, and Dynaray brand names and can be installed in either 120-volt or 277-volt applications. Only signs with a Red LED (light-emitting diode) and installed in 277-volt applications need to be repaired. These emergency exit signs could be installed in public buildings such as schools, offices and shopping centers to mark an exit in the event of a power failure and loss of lighting. They have a white or black plastic housing and are 13 ½-inches long, 8 3/8-inches high and 2 7/8-inches deep. Recalled units have a raised bead around the edge of the front face and a rectangular rocker switch on the bottom. The product make, model, and date code is located on a label inside the enclosure. The recalled emergency exit signs were manufactured between January 1997 and June 1999 and sold nationwide by electrical wholesalers and distributors for between $75 and $80.

PROBLEM:
The emergency exit signs have an internal electrical component that could overheat and fail when connected to 277-volt electrical systems resulting in the emission of smoke, blackening of the plastic enclosure or possible melting within the enclosure, posing a fire hazard.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES:
There have been 19 reports of these emergency exit signs either overheating, smoking, blackening the enclosures, or melting within the enclosures. No injuries have been reported.

WHAT TO DO:
Building managers with recalled emergency exit signs should contact Thomas & Betts toll-free at (800) 991-8010 between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. Eastern Time, Monday through Friday to request a free repair kit. The repair kit can also be requested online at www.lightalarms.com, www.emergi-lite.com, and www.dynaray.tnb-canada.com.

Sony Electronics Inc. Announce Recall of Certain VAIO Notebook Computers
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Hazard: Users could receive a mild electric shock when the recalled computers are connected to a phone line and the phone rings.

Description: Only Sony VAIO notebook computers with model numbers PCG-FRV25 or PCG-FRV27 sold from June through July 2003 are part of the recall. These computers will have slow modem speeds, generally below 24K while using the notebook's AC adapter. Consumers unsure of their modem speed can check it at the Sony PC support Web site: www.sony.com/pcsupport. Sony previously announced this recall on July 10, 2003.

Sold at: Electronic and computer stores nationwide from June 2003 through July 2003 for about $1,500.

Remedy: Consumers with VAIO notebooks included in the recall should disconnect their modem from the phone line immediately, and contact Sony to arrange for a free repair. Sony also will extend the current limited warranty for repaired products to 2 years from date of original purchase.

Consumer Contact: Call Sony at (800) 880-9743 anytime or visit their Web site at www.sony.com/pcsupport.
09-30-03

Firm Announce Recall of Bottled Water with Sport Caps
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: Bottled Water with Push-Pull Sports Cap in 8 oz., 8.5 oz. and .33 liter bottle sizes.

Hazard: When pulled to open, the drinking spout on the sports cap can unexpectedly come off, posing a choking hazard for young children.

Description: Bottled water with the affected push-pull sports caps was sold under the brand names Dannon Fluoride to Go, Pure American, Enon Springs, Alhambra Junior Sport Drinking Water and Sparkletts Junior Sport Drinking Water. The bottled water was sold as singles and multi- packs in 8-oz., 8.5-oz, and .33-liter sizes.

Sold at: The bottled water with this sports cap was sold at a variety of retail outlets including gas stations, grocery, convenience, mass merchandise and drug stores from March, 2002 through September, 2003, for between $0.59 for a single bottle and $3.29 for multi-packs.

Remedy: Consumers should take the bottled water with the sports cap away from children immediately and return it to the store where purchased for a refund.

Consumer Contact: For more information, consumers can contact the CCDA Water Consumer Line toll-free at (800) 322-4616 between 9 am and 5 pm Eastern Time, Monday through Friday.
09-23-03

Simon & Schuster Announce Recall of Children's Books
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Hazard: A plastic replica of a balloon attached to the book can detach, posing a choking hazard to young children.

Description: The heavy-cardboard book has "Whose Birthday Is It?" printed on the cover in yellow letters. Dora the Explorer cartoon characters are pictured on each page. A cutout in the top left corner of book has a small plastic replica of a balloon attached. The yellow and orange balloon is used as a slide to reveal answers to questions in the book.

Sold at: Discount department stores and bookstores nationwide during August 2003 for about $10.

Remedy: Consumers should take these books away from young children immediately and contact Simon & Schuster at the Consumer Contact number indicated below to receive a replacement book.

Consumer Contact: Call Simon & Schuster toll-free at (800) 223-2336 between 8:30 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at www.simonsayskids.com
09/23/03

Graco: New Guidelines to Prevent Injuries with Portable Play Yards with Raised Changing Tables
In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, Graco Children’s Products Inc., of Exton, Pa., is providing new instructions for about 538,000 “Pack ‘n Play” portable play yards with raised changing tables.

When children are placed in these portable play yards when the changing table is still in place, they can crawl under and lift the table up. If this occurs, a child’s head and neck can become trapped between the changing table and the play yard rail, causing a strangulation hazard. The recall is designed to warn consumers of this hazard, and to provide warning labels to affix to the changing tables.

The commission and Graco are aware of the death of a 13-month-old girl, who strangled when her neck became trapped between the Pack ‘n Play rail and the raised changing table.

Only “Pack ‘n Play” portable play yards with raised changing tables are part of this recall. They also are sold with an infant bassinet. “GRACO” and “Pack ‘n Play” are written on the side of the play yard. These play yards have model numbers 2016, 35235, or model numbers that begin with 9531 or 9533. The last three digits of the model number will vary. The model number can be found on a label on the white plastic center cone under the play yards. “MADE IN CHINA” also is written on the bottom label. Models 2016, 35235, 9531 and 9533 that are currently sold at retail and that have green stickers on the boxes, indicating that the unit has been modified, are not recalled.

Discount, department and juvenile product stores nationwide sold these portable play yards from October 2001 through September 2003 for between $99 and $119.

Consumers should never place a child in these portable play yards when the changing table is still in place. Consumers should immediately contact Graco to receive a free warning label to be affixed to the changing table. Consumers can contact Graco at (800) 233-1546 anytime, or visit the firm’s Web site at www.gracobaby.com
09/23/03

L.M. Becker & Co. Inc. Announce Recall of Toy Necklaces
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Hazard: The necklace's pendant contains high levels of lead, posing a risk of poisoning to young children.

Incidents/Injuries: The firm received one report of a child who swallowed the necklace's pendant, which reportedly resulted in high lead levels in her blood.

Description: The necklaces consist of a 10-inch black cord with a 7/8- inch-diameter gray metal pendant. The metal pendant has assorted symbols on one side.

Sold from: Vending machines in malls, discount department and grocery stores nationwide from March 2002 through April 2003 for about 50 cents.

Remedy: Consumers should contact the company for instructions on how to get a refund.

Consumer Contact: Call L.M. Becker & Co. Inc. at (888) 869-6569 between 8:30 and 4:30 CT Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's Web site at www.toynjoy.com
09/19/03

OnQ Technologies Announce Recall of Telephone Line-Sharing Devices
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Hazard: A security system connected to this device could be prevented from notifying emergency personnel of a hazard. The delay could cause consumers to suffer injuries.

Description: The recalled units are labeled "OnQ" and "1x8 ENHANCED TELECOM w/SURGE." The devices are professionally installed as part of a telephone line-sharing system in homes. One of the slots on the device is labeled, "SECURITY." The security line should get priority in an emergency. Part number 364551-01, written on the product label, and a date code (DC) of "2303" (meaning the 23rd week of 2003) or earlier are included in the recall. The date code is located on the edge of the device, above the mounting tabs.

Sold at: Distributors of electrical devices and sold by professional installers nationwide and in Canada between November 2002 and June 2003 for about $80.

Remedy: Consumers should contact OnQ to receive free replacement of the telephone line-sharing device.

Consumer Contact: Call OnQ at (800) 321-2343 between 8 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or go to the firm's Web site at www.onqtech.com.
09/19/03

IBM and LiteOn Technology Announce Recall of Computer Monitors
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), IBM, of Armonk, N.Y., and LiteOn Technology, of Taipei, Taiwan, are voluntarily expanding their recall to repair program for G51 and G51t computer monitors manufactured by LiteOn and sold by IBM. The original recall, which was announced on March 4, 2003, involved 56,000 computer monitors. The expansion includes 63,000 additional G51 and G51t monitors that were manufactured through September 1998. The monitor's circuit board can overheat and smoke, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

IBM and LiteOn have received seven reports of monitors overheating and smoking, including one report of minor property damage and one report of minor smoke inhalation.

The recalled IBM monitors include the G51 CRT (Cathode Ray Tube) and G51t Touch Screen CRT models. The G51 and G51t monitors have the following model numbers on a label on the back of the unit: 6541-02N, 6541-02E, 6541-02S, 6541-Q0N, 6541-Q0E, and 6541-Q0S. The label on the back of the recalled G51 models also has a date of manufacture between June 1997 and September 1998. The "IBM" logo can be found on the front of the units, which were manufactured in China, Malaysia, and the United Kingdom.

IBM, MicroTouch Systems, and major retail stores nationwide, including Best Buy, CompUSA, Office Max, and Radio Shack, sold the monitors from June 1997 through December 1998 for about $370.

Consumers should stop using these monitors immediately and contact the IBM Repair Center toll-free at (866) 644-3155 between 9 a.m. and 7 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to confirm whether their monitor is covered by the recall. Consumers with a recalled unit will receive a free inspection and repair or a replacement unit. For more information, consumers can log on the company's website at www.ibm.com/pc/g51recall.
09/03/03

Black & Decker Announce Recall to Repair 18-volt Cordless Drill/Drivers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md., is voluntarily recalling about 265,000 18-volt cordless drill/drivers. The drill's switch can malfunction and overheat, posing the possibility of a fire hazard to consumers.

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:

The model number is printed on the nameplate on the side of the drill and the date code is printed on the bottom of the handle where the battery is inserted (remove the battery to locate date code). The recalled units were manufactured in China.

Mass merchandisers, home centers and hardware stores nationwide sold the drill/drivers from September 1997 through February 2002 for between $50 and $80. The drill/drivers were sold separately and as part of various tool kits.

Consumers should stop using the drill/drivers immediately, remove the battery, and contact Black & Decker toll-free at (866) 821-5444 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday to receive a free repair. For additional information, consumers can log on to the company's website at www.blackanddecker.com.

Toshiba America Consumer Products Announce Recall of Rear Projection Televisions
Name of Product: Rear Projection Televisions

Hazard: If the capacitors short circuit due to a very high electrical surge, such as from a lightening strike, the metal parts on the television could present a shock or electrocution hazard. In addition, the metal jacks on the back of the television or another metal box attached to the television could present a shock or electrocution hazard as a result of the capacitors' failure.

Description: This program includes a limited number of units of the following Toshiba rear projection televisions: Model 50A62, Model 51H83, and Model 57H83. To determine if your television set is affected by this corrective action, go to www.tacp.toshiba.com/safety_notice.asp and follow the instructions.

Sold at: Consumer electronic stores, department stores, and mass merchandisers nationwide from April 21, 2003 through May 8, 2003 for between $999 and $2200.

Remedy: Toshiba has contacted many of the owners of the affected televisions. However, if you have not been contacted, please contact Toshiba at the phone number or Web site below. Consumers who have an affected television will receive a free replacement, which includes removal of the recalled television, delivery and installation of the replacement.

Homier Distributing Co. Announce Recall of Extension Cords, Portable Lights, and Fluorescent Work Lights
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: HDC Extension Cords, Portable Lights, and Fluorescent Work Lights

Incidents/Injuries: Company has received one report of an individual who sustained an electric shock and burn injury using the fluorescent work light near his car.

Sold at: Traveling sales shows nationwide, the company;s two retail stores (in Huntington and Lafeyette, Ind.) and online at www.homier.com from January 2000 through May 2003 for between $3 and $7.

Remedy: Consumer should stop using the product immediately and mail the to Homier Distributing Co., Customer Service Center, 100 Commerce Drive, Huntington, IN 46750 for a full refund, including the cost of shipping.

Consumer Contact: (800) 348-5004 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or email Homier at customerresponseteam@homier.com
06/18/03

United General Supply Co. Announce Recall of Extension Cords
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Hazard: The extension cords have undersized conductors and no over- current protection which causes overheating, presenting a shock and fire hazard.

Incidents/Injuries: United General has not received any reports of incidents involving these extension cords. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injuries.

Description: The recalled extension cords were sold in yellow and brown and are approximately 9-, 25-, 50-, 100-feet long. The 9-foot extension cord was packaged in a green sleeve card with the words "Household Extension Cord" printed across the front. All remaining sizes were packaged in black sleeve cards with the words "Air Conditioner Extension Cord" printed across the front.

Sold at: United General Supply sold the extension cords nationwide from October 1999 through March 2001 for between $1 and $16.

Remedy: Consumers should unplug and stop using the extension cords immediately. Consumers should mail the cords to United General Supply Co., Lee-Tools Extension Cords, 9320 Harwin Drive, Houston, Texas 77036 for a refund, including the cost of postage.

Consumer Contact: Call United General Supply toll-free at (800) 456-0022 between 9 a.m. and 5:30 p.m. CT Monday through Friday.
05/28/03

Central initiated the voluntary replacement program in 2001 because it discovered the performance of these O-ring sprinklers can degrade over time. These sprinkler heads can corrode or minerals, salts and other contaminants in water can affect the rubber O-ring seals. These factors could cause the sprinkler heads not to activate in a fire. Central is providing newer fire sprinklers that do not use O-ring seals.

Central is providing free of charge replacement sprinkler heads and the labor needed to replace the sprinklers. As before, Central will arrange for the installation by using either its own Central Field Service crews or by contracting with professional sprinkler contractors. Now, consumers can arrange to have the free replacement sprinklers installed themselves rather than waiting for Central to arrange for installation. Subject to certain conditions, including advance notice to Central, verification of the replacements and return of the removed sprinklers, Central will provide either full or partial reimbursement for labor charges.

Building and homeowners should check their fire sprinklers immediately to see if they are part of this voluntary replacement program. For more information on how to identify sprinklers subject to this program and to learn how to participate in this program, call the Notice Packet Request Line at 1-800-871-3492 24 hours a day, 7 days a week or access the program's web site at www.SprinklerReplacement.com
05/28/03

Fire-Lite Alarms Announce Recall of Power Supply for Alarm Systems
PRODUCT: Alarm System Power Supply - Fire-Lite Alarms, Inc. of Northford, Conn., is voluntarily recalling about 2600 power supplies used with building alarm systems. They are used with notification appliance circuits that provide an audible, visual, or audio-visual combination notification to building occupants in the event of a fire. The recalled power supplies were sold nationwide from September 2001 through November 2002 under the Fire-Lite and Notifier brand names for $480 to $530. Only power supplies with a date code of 4602 or lower are included in this recall.

PROBLEM: Fire-Lite models FCPS-24FS6 and FCPS-24FS8, and Notifier models FCPS-24S6 and FCPS-24S8 can have incomplete solder connections. The Notifier model ACPS-2406 can have an improper circuit response with low input voltage. Both of these conditions may result in a building alarm system not functioning properly.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: No incidents have been reported.

WHAT TO DO: Building owners and maintenance personnel with Fire-Lite or Notifier power supplies should contact the Customer Service and Technical Support Center at (203) 484-7161 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
03/11/03

Weil-McLain Announce Recall of Ultra 155 & 230 Gas Boilers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm listed below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of PRODUCT: Ultra 155 & Ultra 230 Gas Boilers

Units: 1,700

Manufacturer: The Weil-McLain Company of Michigan City, Ind.

Hazard: Weil-McLain has determined that the gas valve mounting screws on the recalled boilers may have not been fully tightened during the assembly process and may have come loose in transportation. Weil-McLain is concerned that loose gas fittings could result in leaking gas, fire and/or explosions that could cause bodily injuries or property damage.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported.

Description: The Ultra 155 & Ultra 230 Gas Boilers are condensing high- efficient gas-fired boilers for space heating. They have 93% operating efficiency and use a cast aluminum, mono block heat exchanger packaged in a glossy silver/flat black jacket.

Sold: Nationally at plumbing and heating wholesale distributors to plumbers and contractors from December 2002 through February 2003 for approximately $4500.

WHAT TO DO: Weil-McLain is providing distributors and installers with a "Safety Notice" package for each boiler containing instructions, replacement screws and a reimbursement form. Installers are also asked to tighten the gas valve union. Installers will be reimbursed $50 for each boiler they inspect.

Consumer Contact: Call Weil-McLain at 219-879-6561 between 8 a.m. to 4 p.m. CT, Monday through Friday, excluding holidays, and ask for Consumer Relations, or visit the firm's web site at www.weil-mclain.com.
05/13/03

Square D Company Announce Recall of Circuit Breakers
PRODUCT: Circuit Breakers - Square D Company of Palatine, Ill., is voluntarilly recalling about 40,000 MA/MH circuit breakers manufactured between October 2000 and March 2002 for between $3,000 to $9,000.

PROBLEM: The circuit breakers may have an incorrect torque load applied to the lug mounting screws. This could cause the clamping load between the lug and the circuit breaker terminals to be lower than specified, resulting in a high temperature condition. Products could overheat causing a fire hazard.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported.

WHAT TO DO: Contact Square D for a free repair. Repairs will consist of verifying proper screw torque and tightening all screws that do not meet the required torque specifications. For more information, call (800) 634-8730 between 8 a.m. and 4 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.
08/09/02

The source of much of this information is the Consumer Product Safety Commission.

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