Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md. has recalled about 202,000 electric trimmers / edgers due to a potential for laceration from projectiles. The trimmer’s spool, spool cap and pieces of trimmer string can come loose during use and become airborne projectiles, posing a laceration hazard to the user and anyone nearby. The trimmer can also overheat posing a burn hazard to consumers.
Black & Decker has already received over 700 reports of this incident, including 58 reports of injuries. (Editorial note: And it took them this long to announce the recall?) Serious injuries included cuts that required medical attention. Minor injuries included bruises, lacerations, and facial injuries such as a welt and broken skin over a someone’s eye. There were also reports of property damage, including two broken windows.
Description of the Recalled Grass Trimmers and Edgers (see picture below):
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’s handle. Only trimmers with black spools caps are included in the recall. Those with orange spool caps are not included in the recall.
The recalled Black and Decker trimmers were sold at major home center and hardware stores nationwide from November 2005 through January 2007 for about $70, and were manufactured in China.
You are advised to stop using the string trimmers immediately and contact Black and Decker for a free repair kit at (888) 742-9158 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit their Web site at www.blackanddecker.com.
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