|
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
|
CPSC Media Contact:
|
|
December 14, 1995
|
(301) 504-7908
|
|
Release # 96-041
|
|
CPSC, Consolidated Stores Announce Mini-Hammock Recall
WASHINGTON, D.C. In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Consolidated Stores Corporation of Columbus, Ohio, is recalling 26,000 mini- hammocks, which do not have spreader bars to hold the hammock bed open. Without spreader bars, children can become entangled and strangle while getting in or out of a hammock.
Since 1975, CPSC has received reports of 17 children between the ages of 5 and 17 who strangled while using mini-hammocks without spreader bars that were manufactured by various companies. CPSC is also aware of one incident in which a child became entangled and suffered brain damage from a near-strangulation in a mini-hammock allegedly sold by Consolidated Stores.
Mini-hammocks are light-weight, nylon mesh hammocks without spreader bars. Consolidated Stores mini-hammocks measure 7 feet wide by 20 feet long with nylon ropes at each end. Consolidated sold the hammocks nationwide in 1990 and 1991 for $3.99 each at its Big Lots and Odd Lots stores.
Consumers should stop using the Consolidated mini-hammocks and return them to the Big Lots or Odd Lots stores where purchased for a full refund. For more information, consumers may call Consolidated Stores at (800) 877-1253, Ext. 6807.
CPSC staff is investigating other mini-hammock manufacturers and importers to determine whether their hammocks present similar entanglement risks.
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.