The Survive and Thrive Boomer Guide

Rock ‘n Play baby sleepers recalled by Fisher-Price due to infant deaths

Fisher-Price recalled 4.7 million Rock ‘n Play baby sleepers on Friday.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission said that Fisher-Price was recalling all models of the sleepers because more than 30 infants have died in Rock ‘n Play sleepers in the decade since they were introduced. The commission said some babies died when they rolled over while unrestrained in the sleeper.  

“While we’re pleased that Fisher-Price is finally recalling these dangerous sleepers, 30 deaths in 10 years is 30 deaths too many and 10 years too late,” said Adam Garber, consumer watchdog for the  U.S. PIRG Education Fund. “For years, the American Academy of Pediatrics has said a safe sleep surface is hard and flat. This product clearly fails that test despite being marketed as safe for sleep to parents across the country. Parents expect more rigorous testing when it comes to protecting infants.”

Brass fittings recalled by Interline Brands due to fire hazard

Interline Brands is recalling about 140,000 ProPlus brass flare swivel fittings.

The fittings can leak, posing a fire hazard.  

Interline has received two reports of the swivels leaking when installation.

This recall involves multiple sizes of ProPlus brass flare swivel fittings used as connectors for copper tubing. The brass, gold-colored fittings connect two male flare nuts opposite to each other. The swivels were used primarily for LP gas (propane) applications by professional installers.

Rechargeable power banks are being recalled by Daniel M. Friedman & Associates due to fire hazard

Daniel M. Friedman & Associates is recalling about 170,500 universal rechargeable power banks in the United States and about 6,900 in Canada.

The firm has received three reports of the charger overheating including one report of a house fire causing up to $150,000 in property damage.  No injuries reports have been received.

This recall involves universal rechargeable power banks for use with smart phones and tablets. The recalled chargers came in a variety of colors and shapes, including a unicorn head, a cat with sunglasses, and a rainbow between two clouds.

Portable generators are being recalled by American Honda due to fire and burn hazard

American Honda is recalling about 200,000 portable generators. They can leak gasoline from the fuel valve, posing fire and burn hazards.

Honda has received 19 reports of fuel leaking from the fuel valve.  No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves Honda EU2200i, EU2200i companion, and EB2200i portable generators. The recalled portable generators were sold with a red or Camo cover. The names “HONDA” and the generator model name are printed on the control panel. The serial number is located on a lower corner of one of the side panels of the generator.

Fewer children’s products recalled in 2018, study shows

The number of children’s products and the total number of those products recalled in 2018 by the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission declined more than in any year in the last decade, according to a report by Kids In Danger, a children’s safety advocacy organization.

The report reviews 2018 recall data from the commission, which show a reduction of activity at the agency. Fifty-two children’s products were recalled in 2018, down 44 percent from the 93 recalls in 2017.

“It is tricky to say whether low recall numbers are a good thing – pointing to safer products – or a sign of lax enforcement, leaving dangerous products on store shelves and in our homes,” said Nancy Cowles, executive Director of Kids In Danger. “Indicators this year, such as less effective actions in lieu of recalls and fewer findings of design defects in the recalls that were announced, make us worry it is the latter.”

The report, “A KID Report: 2018 Children’s Product Recalls,” shows:

Batteries for notebook computers and mobile workstations being recalled by HP due to fire and burn hazards

HP is recalling about 78,500 about lithium-ion batteries for HP commercial notebook computers and mobile workstations. In addition 50,000 of the batteries were previously recalled in the United States in January 2018.

The lithium-ion batteries can overheat, posing fire and burn hazards.

HP has received eight new reports of battery packs in the U.S. overheating, melting, or charring, including one report of minor injury and two reports of property damage totaling $1,100.

Propane torches are being recalled by Harbor Freight Tools due to burn hazards

Harbor Freight Tools is recalling about 150,000 greenwood propane torches.

The trigger on the torches that engages the flame can fail to disengage when the trigger is no longer pressed, posing a burn hazard.

Harbor Freight has received two reports of the trigger failing, including one report of a burn injury.

Rechargeable flashlights are being recalled by Harbor Freight Tools due to overheating and burn hazards

Harbor Freight Tools is recalling about 500,000 rechargeable flashlights.

The flashlight can overheat while charging, posing a burn hazard to consumers. Harbor Freight Tools has received two reports of the flashlight overheating. No injuries have been reported.

This recall involves the Harbor Freight 80 lumen 12v rechargeable flashlights. The small black flashlight has a white button located on the side to turn the flashlight on and off. The base of the flashlight is a charger that fits into any standard vehicle 12V power port to charge.

Turkey fryers are being recalled by Academy Sports + Outdoors due to fire hazard

Academy Sports + Outdoors is recalling about 3,000 outdoor gourmet turkey keg turkey fryers.

The turkey fryer spout can leak oil, posing a fire hazard. Academy Sports + Outdoors has received two reports of a turkey keg leaking. No injuries or property damage have been reported.

This recall involves the Academy Sports + Outdoors outdoor gourmet turkey keg which is a turkey fryer made of stainless steel and powered by propane. The fryer, including the legs, measures 34-inches high by 17-inches wide. The item number is 157826 and is located on a label on one of the four legs.

Honda recalls vehicles because car wash soap damage may cause them to catch fire

Photo: Kelvin Eng

Honda and the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration are recalling about 106,683 Ridgeline sport utility trucks because they could catch fire after being washed in a car wash.

In 2017, 2018, and 2019 Ridgeline trucks, the acid from car wash soaps could cause the fuel pump feed line to crack. The damage increases the chances the trucks will catch fire.

The recall is expected to begin on March 7.

Honda is notifying owners, and dealers will repair and replace the fuel pump at no cost to owners.

Copyright 2019, Rita R. Robison, Consumer Specialist