Note: Telephone number change.
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
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CPSC Media Contact:
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Originally issued December 20, 1995; Revised October 26, 2001
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(301) 504-7908
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Release # 96-050
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CPSC And Tanaka Recall Backpack Blowers
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Tanaka America of Kent, Wash., is announcing the recall of approximately 11,000 Tanaka and Ariens leaf blowers. The blower's fuel tank could leak, presenting a possible fire hazard.
The blowers are mounted on a black metal backpack frame with padded shoulder staps, an orange fuel tank, and black blower tubes. The names and model numbers of the manufacturer are printed in the center of the blower's fuel tank or on the recoil starter. Tanaka models TBL-455 and TBL-500 and the Ariens model BB-430 blowers are involved in this recall.
The leaf blowers were sold nationwide from January 1986 to December 1992 for between $400 and $460 each.
Consumers who own Tanaka and Ariens blowers with these model numbers should stop using them immediately and return them to any Authorized Tanaka Servicing dealer. The backpack blowers will be fitted with a redesigned fuel tank at no charge. For more information, consumers should call Tanaka at 253-333-1200, ext 217.
Tanaka has not received any reports of consumers who were injured in incidents involving the fuel leaks. Tanaka is conducting this recall to prevent the possibility of injury.
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.