Propane Trimmer Recalled in Canada
Health Canada and Fiskars Canada announced the voluntary recall of SmartPower™ Propane 4-Cycle Curved Shaft String Trimmers on July 29 because the machine can pose flammability, burn, and laceration hazards.
A propane-powered string trimmer has been recalled in Canada because of two problems that could lead to user injuries. Health Canada and Fiskars Canada Inc., the Markham, Ontario-based unit of a venerable Finnish tool manufacturer, announced the voluntary recall on July 29.
The recalled product has a 25-cc four-cycle engine, an attachment-ready curved shaft, and a 17-inch cut width. Affected products bear the model number 67036946 or one of these engine serial numbers:
- 110100201 thru 110102100
- 1103010001 thru 1103010650
- 1103020001 thru 1103020850
- 1104020001 thru 1104021000
- 101200001 thru 101201934 (certain units)
The recall notice says during use, the trimmer's engine vibration "can allow the propane canister to rotate, causing an abrasion to the fuel line which may potentially cause gaseous propane to be released through the compromised fuel line during use or storage, posing a flammability hazard to consumers. Additionally, high temperatures may develop in the product's lower boom, causing the plastic guard over the cutting line to soften, deform, and/or fall off, posing a burn hazard from contact with the hot lower boom and a laceration hazard from the unguarded cutting line."
Health Canada and Fiskars have not received any report of incidents or injuries related to the use of the trimmer, the notice states. About 1,080 of the recalled trimmers were sold through Canadian Tire stores from February 2011 through June 2011. They were manufactured in China, according to Health Canada's notice.
Customers who have one of the recalled trimmers should immediately stop using it and return it to their local Canadian Tire store or contact Fiskars via its Trimmer Recall Hotline, 1-877-495-6645, to obtain instructions on how to return the product directly to Fiskars and obtain reimbursement.
Fiskars was founded in 1649. One of its best-selling products is orange plastic-handled scissors, which are a registered trademark of Fiskars Corp.