BLOG: Child Safety Cabinet Locks Recalled
By Jim Donovan: I just got word from the Consumer Product Safety Commission that 900,000 cabinet locks are being recalled. The kid-proof locks, which are supposed to prevent children from getting access to cabinet items like cleaning chemicals, aren't kid-proof after all. The locks can be disengaged by small children, posing the risk of injury, due to dangerous or unsafe items.
The manufacuter of the locks, Doral Juvenile Group has received 200 reports of locks that did not adequately secure the cabinet, including reports of damaged locks. Of the reported incidents, the firm is aware of 140 children between the ages of 9 months and 5 years who were able to disengage the locks and gain access to the cabinet's contents. In three of the reported incidents, the children who gained access swallowed or handled dishwashing detergent, window cleaner or oven cleaner, and were treated, observed and released from emergency treatment centers.
This recall involves Safety 1st Push 'N Snap cabinet locks with model numbers 48391 and 48442. The model numbers are printed on the back of the product and on packaging. The locks are used to secure cabinets with two straps that wrap around the knobs or handles on a cabinet door. When the product is in the "lock" position, a green triangle is shown through a window on the device. The Safety 1st logo is embossed on the front of the lock. Locks manufactured between January 2004 and November 2010 are included in the recall. The date of manufacture is embossed on the back. The arrow on the date wheel points to the month and the numbers of either side of arrow represent the year of manufacture.
Bed Bath & Beyond, and other retail stores nationwide and online at Amazon.com from January 2004 through February 2012 for between $2 and $4.
Consumers should immediately remove the recalled locks from cabinets and contact DJG for a free replacement Push 'N Snap lock with model numbers HS158 or HS159. When removing the recalled locks, consumers are urged to immediately store dangerous items out of reach of children.
For additional information, contact DJG toll-free at (866) 762-3212 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's website at www.djgusa.com
