CPSC, Firms Recall Toy Flashlights and Work Lights

September 22, 1999
Release # 99-172

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For Immediate Release;
Contact: Kim Dulic
(301) 504-0580 Ext. 1183

The following product safety recalls were conducted by firms in cooperation with the CPSC. For more information about recalls, visit CPSC's web site at http://www.cpsc.gov.

PRODUCT: Toy flashlights - Sonca Products Ltd., of Hong Kong, is voluntarily recalling about 5,500 toy flashlights. The flashlight came with Playmobil's Coastal Search and Rescue Boats toy set (item 3063), which included a rescue boat, rescue raft, diver, and captain among other diving equipment. The toy set is not part of the recall, only the flashlight. The flashlights are made of blue rubber, measure about 6.25 inches long, and have a black cord attached. The flashlight operates with two "AA" batteries. The word "PLAYMOBIL" is on the side of the flashlight. Independent toy stores nationwide sold the toy set containing the recalled flashlight from July 1999 to September 1999 for about $40.

PROBLEM: The spring in the flashlight's battery compartment can dislodge, causing the batteries to overheat or leak. Children can suffer burns from the leaking battery.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: Sonca has received four reports from Europe of batteries overheating or leaking. There have been two reports of minor property damage and two minor injuries, including eye irritation and skin burns.

WHAT TO DO: Consumers should take the flashlight away from children immediately. Consumers should call Sonca at (800) 669-6394 between 7 a.m. and 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday for instructions on returning the flashlight for a $5 refund. Consumers also can access the company's web site at www.sonca.com.

PRODUCT: Work Lights - New Buffalo Corp., of Chesterfield Mo., is recalling about 2,800 Buffalo Fluorescent Work Lights. They are a 16- inch fluorescent tube light with wire hanger for use in awkward locations. These Buffalo Fluorescent Work Lights have model number PL-16 written on the packaging. The light fixture is about 19.5 inches long, and has yellow plastic caps on each end. It has a yellow cord and two "S" hook hangers. A red insert sold in the plastic tube of the light reads, "INSTRUCTIONS FOR USE OF MODEL 15D" and "Featuring new push- button starter." In addition, the light's packaging reads, "BUFFALO," "Stays Cool," "Glare Free," "New Buffalo Corporation" and "MADE IN TAIWAN." Hardware and auto supply stores sold the lights nationwide between March 1996 and December 1998 for about $13.

PROBLEM: These lights can have undersized wiring and exposed electrical parts on the plug, posing a shock and fire hazard.

INCIDENTS/INJURIES: None.

WHAT TO DO: Consumers should immediately stop using these Buffalo work lights, and return them to the firm for a full refund plus postage. For more information, consumers should call New Buffalo Corp. at (800) 568- 6657 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday.