CPSC recall 01-203, announced July 20, 2001, covers UnionTools P-Handle Hand Trucks and Baby Walkers (about 32,000 units). If the tires of the hand trucks are substantially over-inflated beyond the recommended maximum 30 P.S.I., the rims of the tire can separate under the intense pressure and strike the user or bystanders. The notice cites 2 incident reports. Consumers should contact UnionTools, Inc. to receive a free repair kit. Recall contact: call (888) 808-6657, or go to www.uniontools.com.
Compare the model on your label, then check any serial numbers, date codes, and exclusions in the notice. A model match alone does not confirm that your unit is included.
Affected model numbers
The baby walker is model number ST-108ST, which is written on the box.
Which products are included?
The P-Handle hand trucks are made of steel and painted red with two inflatable tires. "China" is stamped across the back crossbar of the handle and "Made in China" appears on the tires. The baby walker is model number ST-108ST, which is written on the box. "Q BABY" is written on a label on the front of the walker and "MADE IN TAIWAN" is written on a tag on the back of the seat. They are light and dark blue, pink, green, purple and white. They have one of three types of activity trays: "Finger Power Training" features a phone and steering wheel; "Music & Light" features a side-view mirror and plane toy; and "Train Engine" plays four animal sounds and four songs. The walkers are packaged in a box labeled in part, "BABY HAND'S," and "COMFORTABLE PAD MADE OF TC CLOTH, WITH FRONT AND BACK GUARD."
Confirm these details on the official CPSC noticeWhy it was recalled
If the tires of the hand trucks are substantially over-inflated beyond the recommended maximum 30 P.S.I., the rims of the tire can separate under the intense pressure and strike the user or bystanders. The walkers will fit through a standard doorway and are not designed to stop at the edge of a step. Babies using these walkers could be seriously injured or killed if they fall down stairs.
Incidents and injuries
UnionTools has received two reports of the tire rims separating due to over inflation of tires. Two adult males received serious hand lacerations and bruises as a result of the tire rims blowing apart. None reported involving the baby walkers.
Official remedy
Consumers should contact UnionTools, Inc. to receive a free repair kit. Consumers should only use a hand pump to inflate the tires. Consumers should stop using these baby walkers immediately and call SunTome Trading Corp. for instructions on returning the walkers for a refund and shipping costs.
Product and sales details
- Brand
- UnionTools
- Recall number
- 01-203
- Units
- About 32,000 hand trucks and 600 baby walkers
- Manufactured in
- China, Taiwan
- Sold at / sales period
- Sears stores exclusively sold these P-Handle hand trucks, from February 2001 through May 2001, for about $30. Independent discount stores located in California, Arizona and Texas sold these baby walkers, from January 1998 through July 2001, for between $18 and $22.
- Importer
- UnionTools, Inc., of Columbus, Ohio, SunTome Trading Corp., of Los Angeles, Calif.
P-Handle Hand Trucks and Baby Walkers
CPSC product type: Baby Walkers/Stationary Entertainers
Recall contact information
Consumers should contact UnionTools, Inc. at (888) 808-6657 between 7:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday. Additional information may be obtained at www.uniontools.com and consumers should call SunTome Trading Corp. at (888) SUNTOME (786-8663) between 9:30 a.m. and 6 p.m. PT Monday through Friday.
Verify phone numbers, hours, and websites on the current CPSC notice before contacting the firm.
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Recalls only work when owners hear about them. Send this notice to family or friends who might own the same product.
