April 23, 2001 – The Licensing and Consumer Affairs Department has joined with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission in urging the public to discard dangerous items such as old disposable lighters, frayed extension cords and previously recalled consumer products that pose fire hazards.
Safety commission standards and recalls "have helped save hundreds of lives, but many pre-standard and recalled products remain in people’s homes," LCA Commissioner Andrew Rutnik said in a release. "That's why people should do more spring cleaning and check their homes and drawers" for products that could be hazardous. The department "can get dangerous products off store shelves, but the real challenge is to get them out of families' homes," he said.
Some hazardous products that have been recalled by manufacturers in years past:
– Cigarette lighters without child-resistant mechanisms. Disposable lighters and novelty lighters made since 1994 must be hard for children under 5 years of age to operate. Novelty lighters are often in the shape of toys or other objects that appeal to children.
– Extension cords with frayed or cut insulation, undersize wire, loose connections or improper grounding. Extension cords should have a certification label from an independent testing agency such as UL (Underwriters Laboratories) or ETL (Intertek Testing Services).
– Black & Decker Spacemaker Optima Toasters (model T1000, sold 1994-96) that were recalled because food can catch on fire, and when the toaster door automatically opens and the food rack extends outward, flames can spread into the room. Purchasers can get a free replacement product by calling (800) 746-2159.
– Kmart children’s decorative wooden lamps sold between 1993 and 2000 that were recalled because a short circuit poses a fire hazard. Purchasers can return the lamps for a refund.
– Halogen floor lamps made before 1997 that were recalled because they lack a wire or glass guard to reduce fire risk. To obtain a wire guard, send a postcard to Catalina Lighting Consumer Services, 18191 NW 68th Ave., Miami FL 33015.
– GE and Hotpoint dishwashers made between 1983 and 1989 that were recalled because of a slide switch that can melt and ignite. General Electric offers free rewiring for both brands by an authorized technician. Call (800) 599-2929.
– Old electric hair dryers without built-in shock-protection devices in the plug. These devices can cause electrocution if they fall into water; they should be destroyed, not sold or given away.
Licensing and Consumer Affairs offices are serving as collection sites for hazardous products. The offices are located in Golden Rock Shopping Center on St. Croix, the Property and Procurement Building on St. Thomas, and the Administrator’s Complex on St. John. For further information, call Alli Paul, director of consumer services, at 773-2226.
