Recalls of the Week

Back with the weekly post (okay, it hasn’t been so “weekly” lately) addressing the most significant recalls of products over this past week. Let’s see what we have to be concerned with now:
1. Sony VAIO Notebook TZ-series: Sony is recalling 73.000 of the TZ-series notebooks because the units can overheat and create burning hazards. One reported customer has actually indicated they received a minor burn. The CPSC reports that some wires near the computer’s hinge or a dislodged screw is causing short circuit and overheating. Not all units of this series are affected and if you have one, you should contact SONY (888-526-6219) to see if your unit is part of the recall. If your unit is involved, SONY will provide an inspection and on-site repair at your home or office. Gives new meaning to the phrase “burning up the keys.”
2. Simplicity Bassinets: In an unusual move, the CPSC issued a warning to parents (not an official recall) to stop using convertible “close-sleeper/bedside sleeper” bassinets manufactured by Simplicity due to two strangulations of infants trapped in the bassinets the CPSC learned about within the last year. One involved a 5 month old who just last month was strangled to death when she became entrapped between the bassinet’s metal bars. The CPSC issued the safety alert instead of a formal recall because the company which purchased Simplicity is refusing to cooperate and recall the product. The bassinet has metal bars and the infants head can become entrapped in the bars and suffocate. If you have an infant that goes to a day care center or the like, you need to check to make sure they are not using this type of bassinet. Fortunately, many major stores which sold this product have voluntarily agreed to recall the product and provide a full refund or store credit to those customers who return the product to the store where purchased. These include Wal-Mart, Toys “R” Us, Kmart, Target, Big Lots and J.C. Penney. See this additional press release from the CPSC addressing return of these bassinets. Consumer Reports has two articles (see here and here) addressing this significant problem. Even the Wall Street Journal has gotten involved addressing the problem that there may be no company to hold “liable” for this problem, since the manufacturer of the bassinet, Simplicity, sold its assets to a company known as SFCA Inc. when it went out of business in April of this year. For now, the most important issue to get these defective bassinets off the market to insure other infants are not killed.
3. Sears Kenmore and Kenmore Elite Coffee Makers: Approximately 145,000 of the Kenmore and Kenmore Elite Coffee Makers sold at Sears and Kmart are being recalled because the wiring can overheat and create burn and fire hazards. You don’t want to start up your morning cup of Joe in the morning to then come out of the shower and find your kitchen on fire. If you have one of these coffeemakers you should stop using it immediately. The recall includes the 12-cup Kenmore coffeemaker sold in black, white and red and the 12 cup Kenmore Elite coffeemakers with the thermal carafe and the 14 cup Kenmore Elite coffeemaker. These coffeemakers were sold at Sears and Kmart stores and online stores from August 2007-April 2008. Stop using the coffeemaker immediately and take it back to Sears or Kmart to obtain a free replacement. See here for more information.
4. Wolf Appliance Gas Ranges:Lots of fire potential going around. The Wolf Appliance 48-inch gas ranges with model numbers P48, PS48 and R48, which are stainless steel and have a double oven, are being recalled because a delayed ignition in the 18 -inch oven can cause a flash of flames to project out at the user when the oven door is open. These are very expensive models running anywhere from $5000-$9000. If you have this oven, you should stop using the 18-inch oven and call the manufacturer at 866-643-6408 to schedule a free, in-home repair. More specific information and pictures can be found here.
Those are the most significant recalls this past week. Keep your eyes open for new product hazards being found. If you come across something in your own daily life, feel free to contact me to discuss. Remember, be safe out there.