CPSC, Hammacher Schlemmer & Co. Announce Recall of Lighters

PRODUCT: Butler's Slim Torch - Hammacher, Schlemmer & Co., Inc. of Chicago, Ill., is voluntarily recalling approximately 3000 Butler Slim Torches. The recalled lighters have a brushed chrome finish and a black rubber slide lever that is moved to ignite the lighter. They are seven inches long and "Rowenta" is embossed on the rubber slide lever. The lighters come packaged in a black plastic case with "Rowenta" stamped on the bottom of the case. The Hammacher Schlemmer® catalog sold the lighters nationwide between August 2001 and February 2002 for $39.95. The lighters were manufactured in Germany.

PROBLEM: The lighters were imported into this country without first being tested to ensure they comply with the Consumer Product Safety Commission's requirements that the lighters be child-resistant. Child- resistant requirements were adopted to reduce the risk of fires and deaths caused by children playing with multi-purpose lighters.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None reported.

WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using these lighters immediately. Consumers should dispose of the lighter in a manner that is in compliance with any state or local requirements. The lighter should not be incinerated or punctured. Consumers can obtain a refund by mailing the black plastic case of the lighter and the use instructions that were included in the case to Hammacher Schlemmer® along with a signed statement confirming the lighter has been disposed of. Consumers can contact Hammacher Schlemmer® at (800) 233-4800 seven days a week between 8:00 a.m. and midnight ET or send e-mail to btorch@hammacher.com to receive a return authorization number and shipping instructions. Consumers will receive their choice of a $50 Hammacher Schlemmer® gift certificate or a refund of the $39.95 purchase price for each lighter purchased. Hammacher Schlemmer mailed notification of this recall to all customers.