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Hair Entrapment Danger In Whirlpool Bath Suction Covers

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Name of Product:
HydraBaths Whirlpool Bath Suction Covers, models 20313X, 2031XX, and 203
Hazard:

The recalled suction covers, which were not designed with such protection, may entangle a bather's hair into the openings, causing the bather's head to be held under water, which can result in drowning.

Remedy:
Replace
Recall Date:
August 24, 1994
Units:

About 40,000

Consumer Contact

Consumers may call HydraBaths at (714) 556-9133 or write them at HydraBaths, Recall Department, 2100 S. Fairview, Santa Ana, CA 92704.

Recall Details

Description:

Washington, DC -- CPSC, HydraBaths Inc. of Santa Ana, Calif., is voluntarily recalling its model 20313X, 2031XX, and 203 whirlpool bath suction covers. These covers were manufactured prior to implementation of voluntary industry standards in 1985. HydraBaths estimates that there are about 40,000 whirlpool baths in use that have these suction covers.

Whirlpool baths typically have one or two suction openings to draw in and circulate water. Each suction opening should have a cover designed to protect against entrapment of the bather's body parts and hair due to high suction forces. The recalled suction covers, which were not designed with such protection, may entangle a bather's hair into the openings, causing the bather's head to be held under water, which can result in drowning.

To date, HydraBaths received two reports of hair entrapments. One entrapment resulted in a drowning death and the other was a near drowning.

The recalled round covers can be identified by holes that are slotted or square shaped and larger than 1/8 inch. There are no visible markings on the covers that tell which model they are. The recalled covers were sold nationally before 1985 (as a component on whirlpool baths) to bathtub manufacturers, plumbing wholesalers, and distributors.

HydraBaths suction covers distributed after 1985 are not involved in this recall and can be identified by the visible markings HB-8, SC-1, or SC-4 on the cover and by holes that are circular and 1/8 inch or smaller.

HydraBaths and CPSC advise consumers to stop using whirlpools with the recalled suction covers. HydraBaths will send you free replacement suction covers. Call them at (714) 556-9133 or write them at HydraBaths, Recall Department, 2100 S. Fairview, Santa Ana, CA 92704 for free replacement suction covers.

Consumers who are unsure if they have a recalled suction cover can call or write HydraBaths to help make that determination. Consumers who write should enclose a photo of their cover.

Remedy:

HydraBaths and CPSC advise consumers to stop using whirlpools with the recalled suction covers. HydraBaths will send you free replacement suction covers. Call them at (714) 556-9133 or write them at HydraBaths, Recall Department, 2100 S. Fairview, Santa Ana, CA 92704 for free replacement suction covers.

Incidents/Injuries:

To date, HydraBaths received two reports of hair entrapments. One entrapment resulted in a drowning death and the other was a near drowning.

Recall number:
94-120

Note: Individual Commissioners may have statements related to this topic. Please visit www.cpsc.gov/commissioners to search for statements related to this or other topics.

If you are experiencing issues with a recall remedy or believe a company is being non-responsive to your remedy request, please use this form and explain the situation to CPSC.

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. 

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