Welcome to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Podcast for October 16th, 2006.

In recent recall news, Black & Decker and CPSC announced the Recall of 272,000 Blower/Vacuums.

A loose connection between the blower/vac and an extension cord can cause overheating, posing a fire hazard.

Black & Decker has received 187 reports of smoking, melting or fire near the blower/vac’s plug, including one report of a fire extending beyond the unit. Black & Decker has received seven reports of minor burns, none of which required medical treatment.

This recall involves Black & Decker model BV4000 Type 1 blower/vacs. The model and type number are printed on a name plate on the right side of the unit. The blower/vacs have an orange housing and a black blower assembly.

They were sold at Home center, hardware and discount stores nationwide from April 2004 through July 2005 for about $70.

Consumers should stop using the blower/vacs immediately and contact Black & Decker for a free repair kit.

For additional information, consumers can contact Black & Decker at (866) 853-2138 or visit the firm’s Web site at www.blackanddecker.com

In other recall news, FreeMotion Fitness Inc. recently recalled about 5,600 FreeMotion Cable Cross and Dual Cable Cross Exercise Machines.

The selector pin for the weight plates can slip out of its slot if the edges of the pin are worn, allowing the weights to drop suddenly. Falling weight plates can hit consumers using the machines.

FreeMotion has received nine reports of consumers receiving contusions to the head and shoulders from falling weights after pins disengaged.

The recall includes FreeMotion Cable Cross and Dual Cable Cross Exercise Machines with model numbers GZFM6006 and GZFM6024. The recalled machines can be identified by the name Cable Cross located on the upper frame. The machines were sold by Exercise specialty stores nationwide and through direct sales from FreeMotion from December 1999 through May 2006 for between $3,750 and $4,500.

Consumers should stop using these machines and contact FreeMotion Fitness to receive a free repair kit.

For more information, call FreeMotion Fitness Inc. at (800) 201-2109, or go to the company’s Web site at www.freemotionsfitness.com

For more on all these items and other recall and safety news, visit our Web site at www.CPSC.Gov. While there, you can also sign up for free email updates of CPSC recalls. The online form allows you to sign up for all recall notices, or only the type of recalls in which you are interested. Among the email choices are recalls involving infant and child products, recalls involving sports products and recalls involving household products. Use this service so you’ll never miss important recall announcements. And, until next time, stay safe.

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