FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
October 20, 1998
Release # 99-010b
Company Phone Number: (800) 746-8273 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: Kim Dulic, (301) 504-7058
Bi-fold Doors Repair by Schweiss Distributing
PRODUCT: Bi-fold Doors - Schweiss Distributing Co., of
Fairfax, Minn., is recalling to repair approximately 500
bottom-operated, bi-fold doors, manufactured by a
predecessor company. These very large doors, used for barns,
air craft hangars and commercial buildings, roll up from the
bottom to open and fold the door in half as it raises. These
doors can be up to 150 feet wide. Writing on the doors
includes, "Schweiss Chicken Pluckers." Home improvement
stores, lumber yards and custom builders
nationwide sold these bi-fold doors from January 1984 to
August 1993 for between $800 and $4,500, depending on the
size of the door. These bi-fold doors were not manufactured
or designed by Schweiss Distributing Co.
PROBLEM: The doors lack a safety shield which could allow
door operators and bystanders to become entrapped in moving
door parts, such as the drive drums and cables, causing
serious injuries such as amputations and fractures.
INJURIES: CPSC and Schweiss are aware of three injuries
involving these doors. All the injuries involved children
having fingers amputated, with one child having six fingers
amputated and both arms broken.
WHAT TO DO: Schweiss is offering a free safety shield to
help prevent further injuries. To receive a shield,
consumers should immediately call Schweiss Distributing Co.
at (800) 746-8273 anytime. Until the safety shield is
installed, consumers should use extreme caution when
operating the doors.
