FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE |
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June 13, 1988 |
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Release # 88-039 |
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Recall Warning For Black and Decker Weed Trimmers
Washington, D.C. -- More than half a million -Black and
Decker weed trimmers that present a potential electrocution
hazard are still in consumers' hands, despite an earlier recall
in November, 1987, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
announced today. A lower than expected return rate has caused
the Commission to take the unusual step of re-issuing the
warning.
The recall includes approximately 500,000 Black and Decker
Model 82209 (Type 1 and 2) and Model 82210 (Type 1 and 2) Bump-
Feed Grass/Weed String Trimmers.
Due to improper assembly, the wiring in some of these units
may be cut by the end of the handle tube, resulting in an
electric shock hazard. This hazard can occur while the units
are being operated or when they are simply plugged in but not
in use.
Four consumers were reportedly shocked in separate incidents in 1986 and 1987, when they grabbed the metal handle tube of their string trimmers. Though none of these incidents was fatal, the Commission staff believes that a defective trimmer would present a severe electric shock or an
electrocution hazard.
These Black and Decker brand string trimmers have been sold
since October, 1985, by a variety of retailers for about $24.00
to $29.00. The affected trimmers can be identified by a label
decal located near the top of the handle, which states "No. 82209
Grass/Weed Trimmer, Type 1 or Type 2" or "No. 82210 Grass/Weed
Trimmer, Type 1 or Type 2" and "Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc.,
Easton, MD 21601 U.S.A." Also, the motor housings of the 82209
and 82210 units are labeled 9" cut and 10" cut, respectively.
Owners who identify their trimmers as recalled should stop
using them immediately and return them to a Black & Decker
Service Center listed in the Yellow Pages under (Tool-
Electric). Owners who cannot take their trimmers to a Black
and Decker Service Center will be able to obtain further
assistance by calling Black & Decker toll-free on weekdays
between 8:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m., Eastern Daylight Time, at
800-533-4395, or they may write to Black 61 Decker (U.S.) Inc.,
P.O. Box 857, Hunt Valley, Maryland 21030, Attention: User
Services. Black & Decker will inspect all string trimmers
subject to this recall, and will repair or replace, at no cost
to the owner, any trimmer which is found to have been
incorrectly assembled.
The Black and Decker contacts for the news media are
Barbara Lucas at 301-583-2980 and John Atwood at 301-583-2939.
500,000 Black and Decker
Grass/Weed String Trimmers Recalled
Do you have either of these Black and Decker grass/weed trimmers?
Due to improper assembly, the wiring in some of these units may
be cut by the end of the handle tube, resulting in a severe
electric shock hazard. Electric shock could occur if the
user grabs the metal handle tube.
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