Bernzomatic TX-900A Heater Recall -- $50 Refund Offered

WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, BernzOmatic, once located in Medina, New York (now a brand under Irwin Industrial, located in Wilmington, OH), announced the recall of its model TX-900A portable propane gas radiant heaters last manufactured and sold by the company in 1966.

The Commission is aware of 16 deaths and one serious injury that. have occurred since 1972, from asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning that may have been associated with the use of there heaters in poorly ventilated areas. The latest such incident occurred in December 1986. Directions which may be on the TX-900A heater state, among other things: "FOR COMPLETELY SAFE OPERATION, this heater SHOULD BE USED ONLY IN WELL VENTILATED AREAS, since all combustion heaters consume oxygen and exhaust fumes can be harmful. DO NOT USE WHEN SLEEPING."

Consumers should immediately stop using these heaters and contact Irwin Industrial (which owns the BernzOmatic brand name). BernzOmatic is offering to refund owners $50 for each model TX-900A heater returned C.O.D.

Approximately 33,000 TX-9OCA heaters were produced and sold by the manufacturer between 1962 and 1966. The heater (pictured) is housed in a blue or green metal cabinet approximately 9 inches wide x 14 inches high x 7 inches deep, with room inside for two 34.1 ounce propane gas cylinders. The name BernzOmatic appears on the front of the heater. The name BernzOmatic, the model number TX-SW and the description, Portable Gas Radiant Fester appear on instructions which may be on the inner side of the rear door.

Owners of a model TX-90OA heater should call Irwin Industrial (which owns the BernzOmatic brand name) toll-free at 800-654-9011 for information on how to return the heater and obtain a refund. To determine if your product is covered by this announcement, consumers may call the CPSC toll-free hotline number at 8OO-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (301) 595-7054 .

While BernzOmatic is voluntarily conducting this recall, it is BernzOmatic's position that its action does not constitute an admission that there has been any violation of any state, federal or common law, nor does BernzOmatic admit liability.