Product recalls this week include machetes, nail guns, heat packs, voltage detectors, jackets

Recalls this week: machetes, nail guns, heat packs

The need for caution should be obvious to anyone using products like machetes and nail guns. But what about microwaveable heat packs?

All three products are included in this week’s list of recalls. The machetes can get stuck in wood while in use, creating the risk that the user’s hand slips forward across the blade. There have been five reports of people needing stitches after cutting themselves. The nail guns could have a faulty feeder mechanism allowing nails to be ejected sideways. Fifteen injuries have been reported. The heat packs can overheat in a microwave, creating a risk of fires or burns. No injuries have been reported.

Those three products top this week’s list of recalls:

MACHETES

DETAILS: Gerber Gator Machetes and Gator Machetes Jr. They were sold at stores nationwide including Sportsman’s Guide, Dick’s Sporting Goods, Bass Pro Shops and American Rod & Gun. They were also sold online, and were available between March 2007 and February 2010. The machetes were manufactured in China and imported by Gerber Legendary Blades of Portland, Ore., a division of Fiskars Brands Inc. of Madison, Wis.

WHY: The saw side of the machete can get stuck in wood while in use, allowing the user’s hand to slip forward across the blade.

INJURIES: The company has received five reports of people needing stitches after cutting themselves while using Gator Machetes, but no reports of injuries for the junior version.

HOW MANY: About 149,000 Gator Machetes and 6,000 Gator Machetes Jr.

FOR MORE: Call 877-314-9130; visit www.gerbergear.com or www.cpsc.gov

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NAIL GUNS

DETAILS: The coil nailers, used to nail drywall, wood or other materials, were sold in the United States and Canada at Lowe’s, Home Depot, other home improvement and building supply stores from November 2002 through March 2006. They also were sold online at Amazon.com. They were manufactured by Hitachi Koki Co. of Japan.

WHY: The nailers could have a faulty feeder that can allow nails to be ejected sideways, posing a serious injury hazard to the user or bystanders.

INJURIES: Hitachi has received 37 reports of nails ejecting sideways. Among those reports were 15 injuries, primarily around the eyes, including five reports of partial blindness.

HOW MANY: About 65,000

FOR MORE: Call 800-706-7337; visit www.cpsc.gov or tinyurl.com/yfguom7.

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MICROWAVEABLE HEAT PACKS

DETAILS: Therma Scarf scarves have pockets and microwaveable heat packs composed of flax seeds. The scarves are made of polyester/cotton, and were sold in black and camel colors. were sold at Bed Bath & Beyond stores, As Seen on TV retail kiosks in shopping malls, through direct response television and on the Internet between October 2009 and January 2010. The scarves were made in China, and imported by Telebrands Corp. of Fairfield, N.J.

WHY: The heat packs can overheat in a microwave oven, posing a risk of burns and fires. The company has received seven reports of overheating, including five reports of fires.

INJURIES: None.

HOW MANY: About 98,500 in the United States and about 1,500 in Canada

FOR MORE: Call 800-777-4034; visit www.cpsc.gov or www.telebrands.com

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VOLTAGE DETECTOR

DETAILS: Fluke VoltAlert voltage detectors, manufactured in China by Fluke Corp. of Everett, Wash. The devices were sold by industrial distributors and electrical wholesalers around the country between September 2009 and February 2010.

WHY: The testers can fail to indicate voltage, causing the user to falsely believe electrical power is off. That poses a risk of serious injury or death from electrical shock or heat burns.

INJURIES: None reported.

HOW MANY: About 33,000

FOR MORE: Call 888-983-5853; visit www.cpsc.gov

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GIRLS HOODED JACKETS

DETAILS: The jackets, with drawstrings, were sold at Burlington Coat Factory stores around the country between November 2007 and September 2009. The jackets were manufactured in Hong Kong and distributed by Regaliti Inc. of New York, N.Y.

WHY: The jackets have a drawstring through the hood that could strangle or entangle children

INJURIES: None reported.

HOW MANY: 3,600

FOR MORE: Call (212) 840-0202; visit www.cpsc.gov or www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com

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BOYS HOODED SWEATSHIRTS

DETAILS: Locks All Over, All Over Skaters and Rock Mask hooded sweatshirts were sold at Burlington Coat Factory, Amm One Inc., Avante, Dr. Jays, Stop, E & J Lawrence Corp., Exclusive Wear, G-Pulse Apparel, Hip Hop World, Nouveau, Stop Kid, Unica and Village Mart. They were manufactured in China and Peru and distributed by Brand Evolution of Philadelphia.

WHY: The sweatshirts have drawstrings through the hoods that could strangle or entangle children.

INJURIES: None reported.

HOW MANY: About 2,800.

FOR MORE: Call 877-330-3911; visit www.cpsc.gov

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GIRLS CARGO POCKET JACKETS

DETAILS: The girls jackets were manufactured in China and imported by Byer California, which is doing business as Amy Byer, Philly of San Francisco. They were sold at Burlington Coat Factory, Bon Ton and other juvenile clothing stores around the country between December 2008 and September 2009.

WHY: The jackets have drawstrings at the neck and waist that can strangle or trap children.

INJURIES: None reported.

HOW MANY: About 600

FOR MORE: Call 800-998-2937; visit www.cpsc.gov or www.burlingtoncoatfactory.com