The Consumer Product Safety Commission warns both consumers and laundry operators that it is aware of 44 injuries since 1963 associated with the use and operation of coin operated self service heavy duty front loading washers and washer/extractors found in commercial laundry establishments used by the public.
These injuries are serious and at least 21 of the injuries have involved children. Four (4) children and 1 adult experienced the amputation of an arm. Other injuries have included 1 hand amputation, 2 finger amputations, 20 fractured arms, 1 fractured finger, and finger/hand bruises and lacerations.
The injuries occur when the user attempts to balance the load or remove the laundry from the machines, and the hand or arm becomes entangled in the laundry. In some instances, the machines continue spinning or merely slow down, failing to come to a full stop when the door is opened. In other instances, the machines come to a full stop but reportedly start up again when the door is opened. The user, however, may be removing laundry when the drum unexpectedly resumes spinning.
In many of the injury events, the safety devices of the machines were discovered to have been disconnected or removed during repair, maintenance or for unknown reasons, thereby defeating the safety locks.
The Commission strongly urges that the owners inspect their machines for assurance that the safety devices are in place and in proper operating condition. The Commission also urges owners to apply retrofits now offered by some manufacturers, that have added safety door locks to prevent entry into the machine until the entire wash cycle is complete and the cylinder or drum has stopped turning. These new door shells are being provided at no cost to owners. Installation fees are paid by the owner, with a $50 rebate offered by one firm and a $50 deposit being returned by a second firm upon confirmation of installation.
The Commission provides the following advice for coin operated laundry owners:
- Keep your machines in good repair.
- Routinely check your machines to make sure that safety devices such as door locks are not disconnected or bypassed and are in good working order.
- Upgrade your machines to incorporate the latest safety devices. Take advantage of manufacturer's offers to retrofit early designed machines to make them safer.
The Commission provides the following advice for users of coin operated front loading laundry machines:
- Never open or force a door open while the machine is operating.
- Never put your hand in a spinning laundry load.
- Never try to balance the load once the machine has started.
- Do not permit children to play with machines, operate machines, or remove laundry.
- A machine is unsafe if it continues to operate when the door is opened. Report this condition immediately to the owner or attendant.
- Check to see if the washer has completed all cycles and stopped. before opening the door and unloading laundry. Call an attendant if you are unsure.
For additional information call the CPSC toll free hotline at 800-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (800) 638-8270.
About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risk of injury associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product-related incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. Since the CPSC was established more than 50 years ago, it has worked to ensure the safety of consumer products, which has contributed to a decline in injuries associated with these products.
Federal law prohibits any person from selling products subject to a Commission ordered recall or a voluntary recall undertaken in consultation with the CPSC.
For lifesaving information:
- Visit CPSC.gov.
- Sign up to receive our email alerts.
- Follow us on Facebook, Instagram @USCPSC and Twitter @USCPSC.
- Report a dangerous product or a product-related injury on www.SaferProducts.gov.
- Call CPSC’s Hotline at 800-638-2772 (TTY 800-638-8270).
- Contact a media specialist.
Please use the below phone number for all media requests.
Phone: (301) 504-7908
Spanish: (301) 504-7800