Increasing Injuries Prompt Black & Decker to Reannounce Recall of Trimmers/Edgers Due to Laceration and Burn Hazards
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.
Black and Decker Recalls 200,000 GH1000 Trimmers
Name of Product: Black and Decker GH1000 Grasshog XP String Trimmer/Edgers
Units: About 200,000
Manufacturer: Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md.
Hazard: The trimmer/edger’s spool, spool cap and pieces of trimmer string can come loose during use and become airborne projectiles, posing a serious laceration hazard to the user, as well as bystanders. The trimmer/edgers can also overheat, posing a burn hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: At the time of the original announcement in July 2007, Black & Decker had received more than 700 reports of incidents, including 58 reports of injuries. The firm has received over 100 additional injury reports; ten that required medical attention and minor injuries such as bruises and lacerations. There were also reports of minor property damage, including broken windows.
Description: The Black & Decker GH1000 Grasshog XP String Trimmers/Edgers are electric-powered. Trimmer/edgers with date codes 200546 through 200645 (representing manufacture dates of November 14, 2005 through November 6, 2006) are included in this recall. The date code is located on the underside of the trimmer/edger’s handle. Only trimmers with black spool caps are included in the recall. Those with orange spool caps are not included in the recall.
Sold at: Major home center and hardware stores nationwide from November 2005 through January 2007 for about $70.
Manufactured in: China
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the string trimmers/edgers immediately and contact Black & Decker for a free repair kit.
Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Black & Decker toll-free at (888) 742-9158 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s Web site at blackanddecker.com
