| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE March 4, 2004 Release # 04-094 |
Firm's Hotline: (800) 233-6373 |
WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission announces the following recall in voluntary cooperation with the firm below. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.
Name of product: Space Heaters
Units: 186,000
Distributor: Lasko Products Inc., of West Chester, Pa.
Hazard: The power cord connection can overheat and cause the cord to separate from the space heater. This poses a fire, burn and shock hazard.
Incidents/Injuries: Four consumers reported burned and detached power cords. No injuries reported.
Description: There are two types of heaters involved in this recall. The recalled model 5500 heater is an oscillating ceramic heater with dark grey vents surrounded by a bronze trim. The model number is located on a label under the round base. The Model 5700 heater is an oil filled radiator-type heater. The model number is located on a label on the side of the heater near the right front wheel. The name "Lasko" is printed near the top of both heaters.
Sold at: Retailers such as Dollar General and Sam's Club stores nationwide from July 2001 through December 2003 for between $40 and $50.
Manufactured in: Model 5500 - China; Model 5700 - Portugal.
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the heaters, unplug them and contact Lasko Products for instructions on returning the heater to receive a free replacement heater or a product of similar value.
Consumer Contact: Consumers can call Lasko Products toll-free at (800) 233-6373 anytime or visit the firm's Web site at www.laskoproducts.com/recall_heaters.html for more information and to determine if their heater is involved in the recall.
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:
- Visit CPSC.gov.
- Sign up to receive our e-mail 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 301-595-7054).
- Contact a media specialist.
Please use the below phone number for all media requests.
Phone: (301) 504-7908
Spanish: (301) 504-7800