Recalls
The heater is to be plugged into a standard electrical outlet. It consists of an exposed, resistive heating element contained inside a disc-shaped, perforated, aluminum case. This perforated case allows water to flow inside and directly into contact with the heating element, presenting a dangerous shock hazard if the appliance is "on" and immersed in water.
Consumers should immediately stop using these heaters and return them for a refund to: Rhinehart Manufacturing Co., Spencerville, Ind. 47688 (telephone: 219-238-4442).
About 15,000 - 25,000
A protective sleeve that insulates a lead wire may wear through if in contact with the motor shaft. Severe shock could result if the bench grinder is not properly grounded, and the user is grounded or touching a grounded metal object such as a water pipe.
The bench grinder should not be used until it has been inspected and reworked. Owners of the bench grinders should contact their local J.C. Penney store to make free inspection and repair arrangements.
About 2,700
The electrical insulation on some of the garden tools may have been damaged during shipping and could expose a user to an electric shock.
To inspect the unit, the consumer is urged to unplug the unit, separate the upper and lower halves of the metal tubular shaft so as to expose the wiring, and check the visible wiring for cuts in the insulation of the wires. (About four inches of wiring is exposed when the unit is taken apart.)
The Vernco Division of the Emerson Electric Co. announced a potential fire hazard in some of its 13- and 19-inch, portable electric fans. Vernco said that under certain conditions these fans may overheat and possibly catch fire.
Consumers are cautioned against using these fans and are urged to return them to the place of purchase to arrange for free repair.
Approximately 72,000
The J.C. Penney Co. warned bike riders that about 33,500 bicycles marketed under the "J.C. Penney" brand name may have a defective pedal crank that could break, possibly resulting in serious injury to the rider.
Penney's and CPSC strongly urge consumers who own one of the possibly defective bikes to contact a J.C. Penney store or catalog center for free inspection and, if necessary, replacement of the pedal crank.
About 33,500
A protective sleeve insulating a lead wire may wear through on some of the units, bringing the wire into direct contact with the motor shaft and possibly resulting in severe shock if the tool is not properly grounded and if the user is grounded or touching a grounded metal object such as a water pipe. Two cases have been reported where the insulation has worn through, one of which resulted in a shock.
Anyone owning one of these bench grinders should temporarily stop use and write to: Bench Grinder Repair Program, c/o National Service Manager, Portable Appliance and Tool Group, McGraw-Edison Co., 2nd and Vine St., Boonville, Mo. 65233, to get instructions for having the unit checked and repaired free-of-charge. To verify brand names and model numbers, consumers may contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800/638-2772.
The toys were found to have an excessive amount of lead in the ink that was used to letter the toy's name on its sweater.
Consumers are advised to return the toys to the place of purchase for replacement. Inquiries should be directed to the Customer Service Department, Knickerbocker Toy Company, 10 Clearview Road, Raritan Center, Edison, New Jersey 08817 (201/225-4073). Or for verification of the toy model, call the CPSC toll-free Hotline: 800/638-2772.
About 500,000
Huk-A-Poo Sportswear, Inc. announced a recall of some women's sweat shirts that may not have met federal flammability standards.
Consumers who have purchased these garments can return them to the place of purchase for repayment or credit.
Approximately 30,000