| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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| May 8, 1980 |
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| Release # 80-017 |
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Thousands Of Chemical Sprayers Recalled
WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 8, 1980) -- More than 40,000 air-compression home-and garden sprayers used to disperse pesticides and other chemicals are being recalled by their manufacturer because the product may explode or rupture during use.
The recall is being conducted voluntarily by D.B. Smith and Company, Inc., of Utica, N.Y., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.
The sprayers are made of galvanized steel with a tank capacity ranging from 1.5 to 4.0 gallons. They are equipped with a hand-operated pump top to pressurize the tank and a metal spray nozzle attached to a rubber hose.
The firm has conveyed to CPSC 49 consumer complaints involving the sprayers, including reports of 43 injuries to consumers since April, 1978.
The injuries reported include severe facial and dental injuries and broken arms and hands which were suffered when the sprayer bottom blew out, propelling the sprayer and its contents upward with explosive force.
The hazard was created by an improperly located weld on some sprayers which weakens the bottom, causing a rupture or explosion when the sprayer is pressurized.
The potentially defective sprayers were manufactured from June, 1977 to June, 1978, and have been sold nationwide in hardware stores and other retail outlets for approximately $15 to $30. The manufacturer has instituted improved quality control measures to eliminate the problem in sprayers manufactured after June, 1978.
The recalled sprayers have been sold under a variety of brand names and model numbers. These include:
- "SMITH" sprayer models 19GP, 21GP, 25GP, 28GP, 40GP, 38GQ and 56GQ.
- "SERVISTAR" brand sprayer models 15049 and 15055.
- "PARCO" sprayer models F-4, F-7, F-10, F-12, MC-38 and MC-56.
- "STATE CHEMICAL" sprayer model 12-A.
- "METRA CHEM" 3-1/4 gallon sprayer (no model number).
The sprayers must display one of the following date codes, in addition to a brand name and model number listed above, to be subject to the recall: B, BA, BC, S11, S12, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 or R6.
The date codes are visibly etched into the side of the sprayer below the directions, "Fill to this line," and all model numbers can be found on the paper label affixed to the product. Other models made from stainless steel and polyethylene plastic are not being recalled.
Consumers who own one of the sprayers being recalled should not use it. Consumers should empty the contents: remove the strap, pump, and hose-and-nozzle assembly; and mail the metal canister for immediate free replacement to Marimar Manufacturing Company, Inc., P.O. Box 359, Chadwicks, New York,13319, or return it to the place of purchase for handling. Consumers will be reimbursed for postage costs.
Anyone wishing to verify model numbers and date codes should contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov
CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 years.
Federal law bars any person from selling products subject to a publicly-announced voluntary recall by a manufacturer or a mandatory recall ordered by the Commission.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @OnSafety or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.