WASHINGTON, D.C. - 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.
Name of Product: Black & Decker GH1000 Grasshog XP String Trimmer/Edgers
Units: About 202,000
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 laceration hazard to the user as well as bystanders. The
trimmer/edgers can also overheat posing a burn hazard to consumers.
Incidents/Injuries: Black & Decker has received 707 reports of
incidents, including 58 reports of injuries. Serious injuries included
cuts to two consumers' legs that required medical attention. Minor
injuries included bruises, lacerations, and facial injuries such as a
welt and broken skin over a consumer's eye. There were also reports of
property damage, including two 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 spools 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.
http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml07/07248.html