This week, CPSC announced another recall involving batteries in notebook computers.

Acer America Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 27,000 Rechargeable lithium-ion batteries containing Sony-made cells used in Acer notebook computers. The lithium-ion batteries can overheat, posing a fire hazard to consumers.

As announced previously, there have been 16 reports of notebook batteries overheating. None of these reports involved batteries in Acer notebook computers. Consumers should stop using these recalled batteries immediately and contact Acer to receive a free replacement battery.

Consumers should check the part numbers and battery week codes on their lithium-ion batteries from various Acer notebook models. Go to CPSC’s Web site at www.cpsc.gov for more information on what batteries are included in the recall.

Also announced this week, Coby Electronics Corp. is voluntarily recalling about 13,800 Coby-Brand Boomboxes.

When left plugged into an electrical outlet and the off switch is not firmly in place, these boomboxes can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

Coby Electronics Corp. has received 18 reports of these boomboxes overheating resulting in three reports of minor property damage. No injuries have been reported.

The recalled Coby boombox is a portable CD/MP3 player with an AM/FM radio. It has a USB feature that allows it to be connected to a computer. The boombox is primarily white with silver-colored speakers. The word “COBY” is written on the front and “DIGITAL” is written on the top.

Consumers should unplug these boomboxes immediately, and contact the firm for more information on returning the recalled units and receiving a refund.

In other recall news, CPSC and The Holmes Group announced the recall of about 300,000 Holmes Oil-Filled Electric Heaters.

A poor electrical connection within the heater can lead to overheating. This poses fire and thermal burn hazards.

The Holmes Group has received reports of 59 incidents involving the recalled heaters. There were 12 reports of minor injuries including four reported burns. There were 36 reports of property damage including four fires that caused between $41,000 and $200,000 in damage.

The recall involves Holmes oil-filled electric heaters with model number HOH2505 and HOH2520. Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled heaters and contact the Holmes Group to receive a free replacement heater.

And finally, this week was National Playground Safety Week.

Even with advances in playground designs, there are still far too many playground related injuries involving children – about 200,000 each year. CPSC is encouraging parents to make sure backyard, childcare center and community playgrounds are safe and that children are always supervised while at play.

CPSC’s Handbook for Public Playground Safety provides specifications for creating safe play zones; what materials to use; and how to properly install climbing equipment, slides and swings.

To help prevent injuries from falls and other hazards on public and home playgrounds, follow these safety tips:

Never attach ropes, jump ropes, clotheslines, or pet leashes to the equipment. This can present a serious strangulation hazard to children.

Remove bike helmets before playing on the playground. They pose a strangulation hazard too.

Smooth sharp points or edges, make sure open "S" hooks are closed, and cover protruding bolts.

Check for openings in guardrails or between the ladder rungs. Spaces should be either less than 3 1/2 inches or more than 9 inches so that they don't present an entrapment hazard.

CPSC has more tips and playground safety publications on our Web site at www.cpsc.gov. You’ll also find complete information about all the recalls announced by CPSC this week. Also, subscribe to CPSC’s podcast at major podcast sites, such as iTunes. It is a great way to keep up-to-date about CPSC news and recalls. And until next time, stay safe.

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