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Gas Valves Prompt Warning

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Recall Date:
April 24, 1978

Recall Details

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE  
April 24, 1978  
Release # 78-026
 

WASHINGTON, DC (Apr. 24) -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) today warned consumers that certain manually operated gas valves, imported since 1976 may leak, creating the possibility of fire or explosion in the home.

Hundreds of thousands of these valves have been distributed nationwide.

The suspect gas valves, used to shut off the gas supply to gas appliances, have reportedly been involved in two fires and 15 gas leaks in Sacramento County, California. The CPSC staff is currently investigating these reports and attempting to identify all importers of the gas valves.

According to Commission staff, the defective valves, all manufactured in Taiwan, are believed to have been imported and distributed by a number of firms since early 1976. The valves can be identified by the number "3/4" or "l/2" stamped on the side of the unit and the word "Taiwan" on the unit's washer. However, gas valves manufactured in Taiwan by other companies could bear similar identification.

If you live in a house built or remodeled since early 1976 which uses gas appliances or in a home where new gas appliances have been installed, check your gas lines to see if one of the defective valves has been used. If you are not sure where to look for the valves, contact your builder, gas appliance installer or local gas company for help. You should call your local gas company if you suspect one of the defective valves is in your house or if you smell gas.

Anyone aware of a fire or gas leak stemming from a defective valve should report the incident to CPSC's toll-free hotline by calling 800/638-2772.

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About the U.S. CPSC
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of thousands of types of consumer products. Deaths, injuries, and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $1 trillion annually. CPSC’s work to ensure the safety of consumer products has contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 40 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.
For lifesaving information:
SaferProducts.gov