CPSC, Ames True Temper Announce Recall of Wheelbarrows
CPSC recall 02140 · announced April 16, 2002 · Ames True Temper · 670,000 units affected
The product
The wheel assemblies on these wheelbarrows have a black plastic rim and have an approximately 14-inch diameter wheel. They have red, green, or orange tubs or trays made of steel or plastic. The recalled Ames wheelbarrows were sold under the brand name "Mustang" or "Douglas." The brand name was printed on the label attached to the tray at the time of purchase. Wheelbarrows with metal wheel assemblies are not part of this recall. Also, no "True Temper" wheelbarrow is part of this recall.
The hazard
The plastic wheel assemblies on these wheelbarrows, manufactured by a predecessor company, can break when being inflated with high-pressure air hoses. This can result in plastic pieces exploding from the rims of the wheels, possibly hitting nearby consumers and causing lacerations and other injuries.
What to do (per CPSC)
Consumers should not inflate the tires on these wheelbarrows. Consumers should contact Ames True Temper to receive a free replacement steel wheel assembly.
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): Ames True Temper has received eight reports of plastic rims fracturing, seven of which involve lacerations to consumers' hands, face, chest or arms. Some of the lacerations were severe, and required numerous stitches. One report involved nasal and other facial bone fractures, three reports involved finger or knuckle fractures, and one report included torn wrist ligaments caused by the force of the pieces striking a consumer.
Sold at: Hardware stores and home centers nationwide sold the recalled wheelbarrows, from January 1993 through December 2000, for between $20 and $30.
Consumer contact: For more information, call Ames True Temper toll-free at (866) 239- 2281 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday.
Source: U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission public recall data. This page reports official records and is not legal, medical, or repair advice.