| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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| September 30, 1983 |
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| Release # 83-050 |
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CPSC Warns Of Accidents With Elastic Straps On Echo Weed And Grass Trimmers
Washington, D.C.-- In cooperation with the Consumer Product Safety Commission, Echo Incorporated, Northbrook, Illinois, today announced a voluntary recall of approximately 62,292 elastic harnesses with spring loaded snap hooks used on Echo gas powered Weed and Grass Trimmers, Models No. SRM-200 DA and SRM-200 D, because the metal hook may snap back and cause eye or other facial injuries. According to the firm, the trimmers were distributed through Echo distributors from November 1977, to December 1979.
The elastic harness (Echo Parts Catalogue No. 300 500 02 73 0) worn by the operator consists of an elastic cord which is attached to the shaft of the trimmer by a snap hook. Under certain conditions when the cord is under tension, the snap hook can be released and fly back into the face of the operator.
The weed and grass trimmers sold at retail for approximately $219.95.
Echo has received 2 reports of severe eye injury and 1 report of dental damage due to the unexpected snap back of the hook.
Consumers should immediately discontinue use of the elastic harness and return it to an Echo dealer for a free replacement harness. Echo Dealers are listed in the Yellow Pages under Lawn and Garden Equipment.
Anyone requiring additional information about this warning should contact Echo at 312-291-2800, or call CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) is still interested in receiving incident or injury reports that are either directly related to this product recall or involve a different hazard with the same product. Please tell us about your experience with the product on SaferProducts.gov
CPSC is charged with protecting the public from unreasonable risks of injury or death associated with the use of the thousands of consumer products under the agency's jurisdiction. Deaths, injuries and property damage from consumer product incidents cost the nation more than $900 billion annually. CPSC is committed to protecting consumers and families from products that pose a fire, electrical, chemical or mechanical hazard. CPSC's work to ensure the safety of consumer products - such as toys, cribs, power tools, cigarette lighters and household chemicals - contributed to a decline in the rate of deaths and injuries associated with consumer products over the past 30 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.
To report a dangerous product or a product-related injury go online to www.SaferProducts.gov or call CPSC's Hotline at (800) 638-2772 or teletypewriter at (301) 595-7054 for the hearing impaired. Consumers can obtain news release and recall information at www.cpsc.gov, on Twitter @OnSafety or by subscribing to CPSC's free e-mail newsletters.