Animal-shaped outlet covers are a real dog

A concerned grandfather wrote to us recently to say that the family of his "toddler granddaughter" had been given some animal-shaped outlet covers that he suspected were more of a hazard than an effective childproofing device. The multi-colored plastic plugs "certainly would seem to be attractive to a toddler," he wrote. He also expressed concern about the package labeling that warned "Choking hazard, small parts."

Indeed, to the average adult, electric outlets seem mundane, but those mysterious slots in the wall are fascinating and dangerous to babies and small children. Our analysis of data from the Consumer Product Safety Commission indicates that there have been an estimated 8,000 electrical injuries to young children from 2000 to 2007 related to electrical outlets.  Many incidents involved small children sticking bobby pins, keys, fingers and toys into outlets. Fortunately, most of the consequences were minor electrical burns to the hands and fingers.

The American Academy of Pediatrics advises parents to use plug protectors for all wall outlets. So any product that covers those outlets would seem like a good idea, right? Not always.

Colors and shapes that attract little ones can have exactly the wrong result. Instead of keeping kids away from outlets, the bright, appealing figures of the DCI Product/Decor Craft Inc. animal safety covers described by our reader may tempt children to tug them out, creating both a shock hazard and a choking hazard.

We found the safety covers very easy to remove from some electrical outlets.  Even if your child couldn’t manage to pull the cover out herself, an adult could inadvertently forget to reinstall the outlet protector after, say, charging a cell phone. The cute shape and brilliant color could beckon a curious toddler.

In the past, we have rated other outlet protectors that were small enough to be choking hazards as Not Acceptable. These animal-shaped plugs may pose more of a hazard because they look like toys.

Our take:  We think the DCI Products Animal Plug Safety Covers present a risk to children and shouldn’t be sold. There are better ways to protect your children. For example, we've seen a spring-loaded outlet cover that is easy enough to use by adults but hard for children to negotiate.  -- Sue Booth

Highway safety group calls for texting ban

States are being encouraged to pass laws banning texting behind the wheel by the Governors Highway Safety Association (GHSA), which is meeting today in Savannah.

“The action by the GHSA membership is based on the fact that texting while driving is indisputably a distraction and a serious highway safety problem," said chairman Vernon F. Betkey Jr. "If every state passes a texting ban, it will send a message to the public that this dangerous practice is unacceptable. We can begin to change the culture that has permitted distracted driving.”

The non-profit group's recommendation was partly influenced by a recent study from the Virginia Tech Transportation Institute that showed that a driver who is texting increases crash or near-crash risk by 23 times.

Currently, 18 states and the District of Columbia ban text messaging for all drivers. Check the GHSA's state-by-state guide to see what the laws are in your state.

Viral video
In Wales, officials are trying a different tactic to discourage drivers from texting. The Gwent police collaborated with a filmmaker on a video about "a nice girl from a nice Gwent valleys family who kills four people on the road because she used her mobile and lost her concentration for a few seconds."

The viral video has sparked an international conversation about texting and driving. We'd like to caution our readers that the video is very graphic.

Study withheld on risks of cell-phone talking and driving

In case you missed it, the New York Times broke an important story today about a study on the dangers of cell-phone talking and driving that was apparently quashed by the National Highway Transportation Safety Administration a few years ago. The report raises significant concerns about safety when driving while talking on a cell phone—whether hand-held or hands-free.

Our experts said that the New York Times story exposing the withheld report raises serious concerns about NHTSA—an agency whose mission is to improve vehicle safety and save lives. One thing is very clear: Talking or texting on a cell phone while driving is a dangerous distraction. It's not just a matter of whether the phone is hands-free, it's the conversation that distracts. And texting while driving raises this level of risk exponentially.

This is an issue that we've been covering for quite some time and it's well past time to pay attention. Read the recent coverage on our Cars blog:

• NHTSA withholds government study exposing cell phone driving dangers
• The dangers of talking or texting while driving
• Should cell phone use by drivers be illegal?

Watch out for that falling monitor and other computer mishaps

Complaints of back pain and repetitive stress injuries have long been associated with computer use but a new study reveals that acute injuries related to the computer are sending a growing number of folks to the emergency room. More than 78,000 injuries related to computers were treated in ERs from 1994 to 2006. Injuries were caused by tripping over computer equipment or wires, falling monitors and moving equipment around. Young children were particularly at risk.

According to data from the National Electronic Injury Surveillance System database, approximately 93 percent of injuries occurred at home. The number of acute computer-related injuries increased by 732 percent over the 13-year study period, which is more than double the increase in household computer ownership (309 percent). The study was published in the June online issue of the American Journal of Preventive Medicine.

Children younger than five had the highest injury rate of all age groups. The most common cause of injury was tripping or falling by patients under five and 60 or older and hitting or getting caught on computer equipment for individuals of all other ages. While injuries to the extremities were most common, children under 10 most often suffered head injuries.

The study was the first nationwide effort to focus on acute rather than chronic injuries. “Future research on acute computer-related injuries is needed as this ubiquitous product becomes more intertwined in our everyday lives," said Lara B. McKenzie of Nationwide Children’s Hospital Center for Injury Research and Policy in Columbus, OH, which conducted the study. "More information is needed on the types of computers and equipment used, the layout of these systems, and the furniture utilized in order to develop household-safety practices in this area. Given the large increase in acute computer-related injuries over the study period, greater efforts are needed to prevent such injuries, especially among young children.”

With most households having one computer and many having more than one, researchers decided to take a closer look. They pointed out that in addition to the risk of falling equipment—similar to television tipovers—computers tend to be connected to a wider array of accessories such as keyboards, speakers and printers that require running wires. The wires tend to be more exposed than those on a television.

The most common injury was lacerations, especially in younger children and often to the head. Contusions and abrasions were the second most common.

With most of the injuries occurring at home, it's a good reminder for computer users to make sure their machines are on a stable desk or table and to tame the tangle of wires around the work space. If you have little ones, close the door to the computer room whenever possible.

CPSC gives guidance to small businesses

Today, the Consumer Product Safety Commission posted on its Web site a long overdue guidance document designed to help address the confusion that has permeated the small business community regarding the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act. Entitled “Guidance on the Consumer Product Safety Improvement Act (CPSIA) for Small Business, Resellers, Crafters and Charities,” this document gives clear and concise information about the requirements of the new law and suggests ways for small businesses to ensure they are in compliance with the regulations.

Two key provisions of the CPSIA that set strict limits on both lead and phthalates in children’s products took effect today.

Consumers Union's Ami Gadhia spoke to Scott Jagow of Marketplace about the new rules.

Lightweight batteries in toy helicopters can pose burn hazards

The popularity of remote-controlled helicopters has skyrocketed in recent years as new technologies have driven down prices and simplified their operation, transforming what was once a product only for serious hobbyists into a favorite for kids.

But even as more and more adults and kids are buying and playing with remote-controlled helicopters, there are serious and growing concerns about the safety of the battery technology used in millions of the pint-sized choppers.

At issue are rechargeable lithium ion and lithium polymer batteries that are increasingly being used in remote-controlled toys. They are significantly lighter than older-style batteries and can be manufactured in virtually any size or shape, making them perfect for the diminutive whirlybirds.

But because they pack so much energy into such a small package, lithium ion and lithium polymer batteries can burst into flames or even explode if they are not handled correctly or charged with precision.

The Consumer Product Safety Commission says it has received dozens of reports of remote-controlled helicopters igniting while being charged or even while in flight. The CPSC has received related reports of both minor burns and property damage.

Those reports have led to the recall of more than a million remote-controlled helicopters so far this year, according to the CPSC. The largest of those recalls involved more than 685,000 "Sky Scrambler" and "The Sharper Image" wireless indoor helicopters in July.

All of the helicopters recalled this year were manufactured in either mainland China or Hong Kong.

One tip sheet we found from an online retailer for handling and charging lithium polymer batteries was, well, somewhat shocking, considering it was talking about an item used to power millions of toy helicopters for kids.

For example, it advises lithium polymer batteries "must be CHARGED and STORED in a fire-safe container" and to "KEEP BATTERIES AWAY from children and pets at ALL times." (Emphasis added by the online retailer, Maxamps, not us.)

There are several videos on YouTube, including this one, that vividly show what can happen when a lithium polymer battery is not charged properly.

At this point, the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers has not yet established any general standards for lithium ion or lithium polymer batteries, although the group recently asked its members for help in the characterization of lithium battery technologies in terms of performance, service life and safety attributes.

The CPSC offers these safety tips when charging or using lithium ion or lithium polymer batteries:

• Do not leave the toy unattended while charging it.
• Battery charging should be done by adults.
• Charge the toy on a non-flammable surface and keep it away from flammable items.
• Turn the charger off when the toy’s battery is charged, and always unplug it from the toy.
• Disconnect AC wall chargers from outlets while not in use.
• If the toy has been damaged, immediately stop using it, unplug it, and safely move the toy away from flammable materials.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging the toy. And do not charge longer than recommended.

Sony recalls 73,000 VAIO notebooks that pose a burn hazard

Sony announced today that it is recalling 73,000 of its TZ-series VAIO notebooks because the units can overheat and pose burn hazards. the company has received 15 reports of overheating, including one consumer who suffered a minor burn. According to the recall notice issued by the Consumer Product Safety Commission, irregularly positioned wires near the computer’s hinge and/or a dislodged screw inside the hinge can cause a short circuit and overheating.

The recalled notebook computer models are the VAIO VGN-TZ100 series, VGN-TZ200 series, VGN-TZ300 series and VGN-TZ2000 series and were sold nationwide from July 2007 through August 2008 for between $1,700 and $4,000. The computers’ screen size is slightly more than 11 inches when measured diagonally.

Not all units are affected. Consumers can contact Sony at 1-888-526-6219 to determine if their unit is included in the recall. Sony is also asking owners of the laptops to visit its Web site  where they can input the product code and serial number found on the bottom of the notebook to be checked against a database of affected units.

If a notebook is in the batch recalled, Sony says it will provide an inspection and, if necessary, on-site repair at your home or office. Alternatively, VAIO notebook owners can ship their notebooks to a SONY service center identified by the manufacturer. In the meantime, owners of the recalled notebooks should stop using them, the CPSC cautions.

Time to spring ahead and into action

Here's a reminder for those of us who may not be paying close attention: daylight-saving time starts this Sunday, March 9th, at 2 a.m. Even though the old adage tells us we are springing ahead, it's still winter and therefore understandable that this one-time rite of spring may have caught many of us by surprise. While you're getting used to the new routine—this is the second year the time has shifted three weeks early—it's a good time to take stock. When you're resetting your watches and clocks (don't forget the one in your car), use this annual event as a reminder to perform some tasks that will enhance your family's safety year-round.

Clockwork
In addition to your timepieces, reset the clocks on appliances and electronics. Some newer appliances and electronics are equipped with a microchip that automatically resets clock displays at the beginning and end of DST; many of those may still need to be reset manually, due to the change in schedule (and you may need to reset them again in three weeks, when they "think" they're supposed to reset themselves). To facilitate the process, make a list of all devices that you need to reset manually: clocks, TVs, DVD players, VCRs, fax machines, cameras and thermostats. (It's especially important to reprogram your thermostat so that the heat in your home switches on and off at the right time.) Reset everything on the list in one session so that no appliance or electronic is forgotten.

Smoke and CO alarms
Replace batteries in all smoke and carbon-monoxide alarms. Always use fresh batteries, not those you "borrow" from other equipment. And follow manufacturer's instructions to ensure that these essential devices are working properly. Also, replace any smoke alarm that's 10 or more years old and any CO alarm five or more years old with a new model. You'll find the manufacture date on the alarm. See our report on carbon-monoxide alarms and our interactive on smoke alarms for more information.

On the road
Drive safely. Remember, an extra hour of light in the evening means dawn will break an hour later as well. So, if you have to get on the road before it gets light to take the kids to school or start your commute, be extra alert for children, animals and runners. I's also a good time to inspect vehicle lights. Take a look at the entire lighting system in your car to ensure that all lights are working properly. Clean the headlights and make sure they are correctly aligned according to the owner's manual.

In case of emergency
Update your family disaster plan. To respond properly to a natural disaster or other cataclysmic event, you need to have a plan in place and the necessary supplies on hand, and be prepared to act. See our free emergency guide to preparing for any storm or disaster. While you're making these preparations also check storage areas for any hazardous materials. Make sure to properly dispose of any materials that are outdated, no longer used, or in poor condition. Make sure those you keep are out of reach of kids or pets.

You can find some more information on preparing for daylight-saving time on our Home & Garden blog.

Lightweight batteries in remote-controlled aircraft may pose a fire hazard

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has issued a warning about an emerging fire hazard from the battery technology used with remote-controlled helicopters and airplanes.

In the past four months, the agency has received 26 reports of remote-controlled helicopters igniting while being charged and one report of a helicopter igniting while in flight. Minor burns and property damage were reported.

The CPSC, in an alert issued last week, said that it was concerned about the toys' rechargeable lithium batteries (lithium-ion or lithium polymer). The batteries are favored for toys because they are lighter but they pack a lot of power in a small package “so consumers should use caution when charging and handling them,” the agency said. “Overcharging them can result in overheating, fire and/or explosion.”

CPSC spokeswoman Julie Vallese added that the agency is investigating to see whether this problem is specific to remote-controlled helicopters and airplanes or is a bigger issue affecting other products as well.

Meanwhile, the agency issued a recall for one specific remote-controlled toy, the Fun2Fly Microcopter helicopter made in China, imported by Soft Air USA Inc. and sold in sporting good stores and other retailers from May 2006 through December 2007. The agency said that the rechargeable battery inside the helicopter may catch fire during charging, igniting the helicopter and nearby combustible materials. Soft Air USA has received six reports of helicopters igniting, including one minor injury. Consumers are advised to immediately stop using the recalled toy and return it to the retailer where it was purchased for a full refund.

The CPSC recommends that all users of remote-controlled toys containing rechargeable lithium batteries take the following safety precautions:

• Do not leave a toy unattended while charging it.
• Have adults do the battery charging.
• Charge the toy on a non-flammable surface and keep it away from flammable items.
• Turn off the charger when the toy’s battery is charged and always unplug it from the toy.
• Disconnect the AC wall chargers from outlets while not in use.
• If the toy has been damaged, immediately stop using it, unplug it and safely remove the toy from flammable materials.
• Follow the manufacturer’s instructions for charging the toy and do not charge the toy longer than recommended.

TV stand prone to toppling recalled by CPSC

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission and Sauder Woodworking Co. have issued a voluntary recall of 414,000 TV stands given to collapsing if fasteners were not tightened properly during assembly. As of the recall date, the Archbold, Ohio-based manufacturer had received 43 reports of the stands collapsing.

A 6-year-old girl injured her shoulder when a stand collapsed and the TV on top of it fell on her. In separate incidents, three adults trying to prevent a television from falling off the stand received injuries that required medical treatment, including a broken arm, a torn rotator cuff with a concussion, and an injured finger.

Consumers Union, the nonprofit publisher of Consumer Reports, has long warned about the dangers of television tip-overs and says that the growing size of televisions makes these warnings even more urgent. In most cases, the tip-over occurs because the television set was placed on top of unstable furniture, or the furniture was not intended to hold a TV. Children who climb on furniture to reach the TV can cause it to tip over. If the stand is faulty, the risk is even greater.

The recalled Sauder stand ($90) has a maple finish and wrought-iron legs. It was sold at Wal-Mart stores nationwide and on Walmart.com from January 2005 through May 2007. The model number of the recalled stand is 400205; the UPC number—42666 01958—is printed on the product’s carton and instructions.

If you have one of the recalled stands, stop using it immediately if it moves from side-to-side. This recall does not involve return of the product. Instead, the manufacturer will provide owners with detailed instructions on checking the tightness of the fasteners. For more information on how to properly assemble the stand. go to Sauder's Web site or call 866-218-8312 (7:00 a.m. to 11:00 p.m. ET, Monday through Friday; 9:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. ET, Saturday).

 See also:
Babies, children, and TV tip-over accidents
Fatal TV tip-overs: The CPSC reports a troubling increase in tip-over-related deaths
Video: Safety alert -- furniture fails to meet tip-over standards
Stay safe on Super Sunday