| FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
CONTACT: Ken Giles |
| August 26, 1997 |
(301) 504-7052 |
| Release # 97-174 |
| |
CPSC, Rotarex and Worthington Announce Recall to Repair Valves on Gas Grill Cylinders
WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Rotarex Inc. of Mt. Pleasant, Pa., and Worthington Cylinder Corp. of Columbus, Ohio, are recalling about 6,000 Worthington gas grill cylinders to repair their valves. The valve handles on these cylinders can loosen and separate from the rest of the valve and cylinder, releasing propane vapors. The vapors could catch on fire or explode if ignited, and if the vapors contact skin, consumers could suffer a freeze burn or frostbite.
CPSC, Rotarex and Worthington are not aware of any injuries involving these gas grill cylinders. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.
The Worthington 20 pound gas grill cylinder involved in this recall has the following four markings: "WCW" on the top of the cylinder's handle, "07-97" on the outside of the cylinder's handle, three stars in a triangular formation on the neck of the cylinder valve, which is underneath the hand wheel, and serial numbers from 3632601F through 3671600F on the inside of the cylinder's handle.
If consumers have purchased or exchanged gas grill cylinders since July 15, 1997, they should check the cylinders to determine if they are involved in this recall. These cylinders cost about $27. Consumers should stop using the recalled cylinders immediately and call Rotarex at (800) 325-5721 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday for information on having the cylinder repaired or replaced. Consumers should not attempt to disconnect the valve or turn the cylinder's handle, and consumers should remove all ignition sources from the area around the grill. Additionally, if consumers smell gas or hear a gas leak, they should immediately call the fire department.
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.