Ladder and heater recalls underline dangers

Two recalls announced this week by the Consumer Product Safety Commission underscore some longstanding safety concerns we've had about two very different products: ladders and oscillating heaters. Although the number of units involved in each recall was relatively small, they're an indication of the hazards of these products—and a reminder that it's prudent to conduct your own safety inspection of these items even if you own ones that haven't been recalled.

The CPSC recalled 152,000 "Aloha Breeze" portable electric heaters because they can overheat, melt plastic parts, and pose a fire hazard. There have been 29 reports of the heaters melting, smoking, or catching fire, including 18 reports of property damage and one report of minor burns to a consumer's hands and feet.

The heater was made in China and sold at Wal-Mart and small retail chain stores nationwide from August 2006 through November 2007 for between $35 and $45. The CPSC advises consumers to immediately stop using the recalled heaters and contact Aloha Housewares at 1-800-295-4448 to receive a free replacement product.

It was just recently that we expressed concerns about oscillating heaters—those that move from side to side. The problem: the current safety standard for oscillating heaters may not be strong enough. Although there's an effort underway to revise and strengthen the standard, we encourage you to be vigilant; use the oscillating mode only when necessary, and inspect the cord for fraying or weakness, especially where it enters the unit.

The CPSC also recalled 25,000 fiberglass extension ladders due to fall hazards. The extension or "fly" section of the "Louisville/Davidson" and "Michigan" brand ladders can fail to lock, posing a fall hazard to consumers. The recall involves only models made from September 2007 through October 2007 that were sold at industrial supply stores and home centers nationwide through December 2007 for $130 to $760. The date code can be found on the left side rail. The commission advises consumers to immediately stop using the ladder and contact Louisville Ladder for instructions on inspecting the ladder and receiving a free repair kit, if necessary. Call (800) 660-4356 or go to the firm's Web site, www.louisvilleladder.com.

About 164,000 ladder-related emergency-room visits and 150 deaths are reported each year by the CPSC. Log on to Consumer Reports Online to learn how to use a ladder safely before taking that next step.

Comments

[Kris Selvig]

Regarding extension ladders: most have a label that defines the correct overlap, however the following is generally accepted as proper:

Up to 36 feet, the minimum overlap is 3 feet.

* Over 36 through 48 feet, the minimum overlap is 4 feet.

* Over 48 through 60 feet, the minimum overlap is 5 feet.

More info on correct usage can be found here:
http://www.ccohs.ca/oshanswers/safety_haz/ladders/extension.html

[Dennis DiMarco]

For the oscillating heater, Lasko, Model 5364, Made in China, Ceramic Air Heater I wanted to let others know that I experienced a problem with the power cord where it enters the unit.

It became frayed, and showed tiny sparks. I took the unit apart, cut out the bad part of the cord, spliced and taped the cord and then reassembled the unit. It's been working OK since then, but now I make an effort not to stress the cord. I no longer move the heater from room to room and I no longer use the oscillation feature.

[Ron Fowler]

I had purchased a tall heater (similar) from Wal-Mart a few months ago.
I returned it as it did not have a safety switch that would turn it off, if it fell over.
That type should not even be in the U.S. Too dangerous.

[douglas forteath]

Do you know what the safety margin on an aluminum extension ladder - what is the minimum overlap? I have asked the manufacturer and Canadian Tire but received no reply! Thanks.