BETHESDA, Md. (March 6, 2014) — To prevent deaths and injuries to infants and children, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission has approved a new federal mandatory standard intended to improve the safety of strollers and carriages. Meantime, the CPSC has also announced the recall of several items, including certain space heaters, grass trimmers, and exercise bars.
First: the new safety standard for strollers. According to the CPSC, this new standard “will improve the safety of all carriages and strollers sold after September 2015.” It requires that all strollers and carriages be made, tested and labeled to minimize the risk of injury associated with hazards that include hinge issues, broken or detached wheels, and other risks.
Once the rule takes effect, nearly all strollers sold are required to meet the new requirements.
Now, on to the recalls:
Duraflame electric space heaters – The heater can overheat and cause the units to melt, catch fire and ignite nearby items, posing a fire and burn hazard to consumers. About 31,000 units are impacted. This recall involves Duraflame-branded electric space heaters, model DSF-220, sold in three colors, black, red and white. The heaters’ flame effect resembles a fireplace and works with or without heat. Refunds are available. Click here for more information on this recall.
Fitness Anywhere TRX Dip and Hammer Bars – The welds on the bars can crack or break and cause the user to fall, posing a risk of injury. About 2,700 units are impacted. Fitness Anywhere has received 33 reports of welds breaking, including one report of a minor injury. Replacements are available. Click here for more information on this recall.
Hitachi Koki Grass Trimmers – The grass trimmers can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards to the consumer. About 115,000 units are impacted. This recall involves twelve models of Hitachi Koki and Tanaka-brand hand-held grass trimmers. Repairs are available. Click here for more information on this recall.
