Welcome to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission Podcast for September 22, 2006.
This week’s podcast includes news about the kick-off of a major ATV safety campaign, and updates on recent recalls, including: more than a quarter million Playskool tool bench toys being recalled after the deaths of two toddlers, the recall of Lego trucks for a puncture hazard, and, the recall of 800,000 Canon desktop copiers for a fire hazard.
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First off this week, Playskool is voluntarily recalling about 255,000 “Team Talkin’ Tool Bench” toys following the deaths of two young children.
The toddlers suffocated when one of the oversized, plastic toy nails, sold with the toy, became forcefully lodged in their throats.
The Team Talkin’ Tool Bench™ is about 20-inches tall, makes various sound effects, including tool sounds, and includes the red Playskool logo on the front. They were sold at major retail stores nationwide from October 2005 through September 2006 for about $35.
Consumers should immediately take the two 3-inch toy nails away from children and contact Playskool to get information on returning the nails for a $50 certificate. For additional information, call Playskool at (800) 509-9554 anytime, or go to www.playskool.com.
Also this week, LEGO Systems Inc. announced the recall of 358,000 LEGO EXPLORE Super Trucks.
The plastic wheels on the truck can detach, exposing a metal axle, which poses a puncture hazard to young children.
LEGO Systems, Inc. has received 10 reports of a wheel detaching, and two children received serious puncture injuries.
The toy is a red plastic dump truck that measures about 15-inches high, and is packed with a box of 40 LEGO DUPLO bricks. They were sold at various retailers nationwide, including Toys “R” Us and Wal-Mart, from August 2002 through August 2004 for about $20.
Stop using the recalled toy trucks immediately and contact LEGO Systems for information on receiving a refund.
For additional information, contact LEGO at (800) 718-1858 anytime, or visit www.LEGO.com
In other news, Canon U.S.A. is recalling about 800,000 previous model desktop copiers for repair. An improperly fitting electrical connection inside the copiers can cause overheating, smoking and fire.
The firm received six reports of copiers starting to smoke or catch on fire. No injuries have been reported.
The recall includes only certain previous model Canon copiers manufactured between 1987 and 1998.
Consumers should contact Canon U.S.A at (800) 828-4040 to determine if their copier is included. If so, stop using it immediately. Canon U.S.A. will arrange for a free repair.
Finally this week, CPSC launched a major safety campaign to drive down the rising number of deaths and injuries associated with All-Terrain Vehicles.
The campaign was launched at a news conference this week featuring NASCAR Racing Legend Richard Petty.
In 2004 alone, an estimated 136,000 people were treated in hospital emergency rooms for ATV related injuries. In 2003, an estimated 740 people died nationwide in ATV incidents. About 30 percent of all deaths and injuries involve children younger than 16.
CPSC’s campaign includes: the creation of www.ATVSafety.gov, a new Web site for riders, parents, trainers, local and state officials, and the media; partnering with organizations and officials dedicated to promoting ATV safety; and new television and radio public service announcements. Here’s one of the public service announcements now.
CPSC is encouraging all riders to “take knowledge to the extreme” by participating in a training course and following our core rules for safe riding.
CPSC also has proposed new rules to make riding safer, including: Banning 3-wheeled ATVs; Making the current voluntary standard mandatory; And Requiring retailers to offer free training to all ATV purchasers and members of their immediate family. Remember to check out the new ATV Web site at www.atvSafety.gov.
For more on all these items and other recall and safety news announced this week, visit our Web site at www.CPSC.Gov. Also remember to subscribe to this free Podcast on major Podcast Web sites to ensure you never miss important CPSC news. And, until next time, stay safe.
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