CPSC, LB International Inc. Announce Recall of Fold-Away Ladders Sold by Hammacher Schlemmer

The following product safety recall was conducted voluntarily by the firms in cooperation with the CPSC. Consumers should stop using the product immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: "Stow-Anywhere" Ladders

Units: About 1,500

Manufacturer: LB International Inc., of Hauppauge, N.Y.

Hazard: A rung on these aluminum, multi-purpose ladders can release or the side rail can bend unexpectedly. If that happens, the ladder can collapse, causing the user to fall.

Incidents/Injuries: LB International Inc. received a report of one individual who fractured her leg while using the ladder.

Description: The ladders were sold in three sizes. The 6-foot ladders that extend to 10 feet have model number 99067. The 7-foot ladders that extend to 12 feet have model number 99068. The 8-foot ladders that extend to 14 feet have model number 99069. The model number was listed in the firm's catalog and Web site, and used for ordering. Model numbers are not written on the ladders. Each ladder bears a label on the side rail that reads, "Multi-Purpose Heavy Duty Ladder."

Sold by: Hammacher Schlemmer stores, catalogs and Web site sold these ladders nationwide from April 2003 through February 2004 for between $140 and $200.

Manufactured In: China

Remedy: Hammacher Schlemmer is directly notifying consumers who purchased these ladders and providing information to return the ladders for a refund.

Consumer Contact: Call Hammacher Schlemmer at (800) 233-4800 between 8 a.m. and midnight ET seven days a week. Consumers also can send an email to LBRecall@hammacher.com, and put "Ladder Return" in the subject line.