CPSC, Avanti Products Inc. Announce Recall of Water Dispensers
CPSC recall 05018 · announced October 19, 2004 · Avanti Products · 124,000 units affected
The product
There are six models of water dispensers with hot water faucets included in the recall. The water dispensers have "Avanti" written on the front of the base. They have model number WD32, WD 50, WD 50.1, WDT51, WDR 52 or WHC 59. The model number is written on a silver sticker on the back of the unit. Model number WDR 52 is a combination refrigerator and water dispenser. All six models have removable drip trays and can hold either 3- or 5-gallon bottles of water.
The hazard
The hot water faucet on these units has a child-resistant safety feature to prevent young children from accessing the hot water. The device can malfunction, so that the faucet will not turn off, causing burn injuries to children.
What to do (per CPSC)
Consumers with small children should immediately disable the hot water by turning the red switch on the back of the dispenser to off and contact Avanti to get a free repair.
Notes
Incidents (per CPSC): Avanti has received 10 reports of the hot water not shutting off, nine of which resulted in burn injuries to children, including a 10-month-old baby who suffered burns on his arm and chest.
Sold at: Office Depot, Staples, and other appliance and electronic stores nationwide from July 2000 through August 2004 for between $120 and $250.
Consumer contact: Avanti at (800) 323-5029 x115 between 8 a.m. and 5 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.