Hammacher Schlemmer Recalls Butler Slim Torch Lighters for Child-Resistance Defect
Hammacher Schlemmer is recalling approximately 3,000 Butler Slim Torch lighters because they were not tested for child-resistance, posing a fire risk to children.
What this means for you
Our assessment, not the agency’s: severity 3/5 (High).
Real risk of harm even if no illness or injury has been reported yet. Stop using the product and follow the agency's guidance.
Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a risk-of-harm product (fire/death risk from children) where injury has not yet been reported, which corresponds to a High severity score of 3 per the rubric.
Plain-English summary
Hammacher, Schlemmer & Co. is recalling approximately 3,000 Butler Slim Torch lighters. The lighters were imported into the United States without being tested to ensure they comply with Consumer Product Safety Commission requirements for child-resistance. These requirements are designed to reduce the risk of fires and deaths caused by children playing with multi-purpose lighters.
The recalled lighters have a brushed chrome finish and a black rubber slide lever used for ignition. They are seven inches long, with "Rowenta" embossed on the rubber slide lever. The lighters were packaged in a black plastic case with "Rowenta" stamped on the bottom and were manufactured in Germany. Hammacher Schlemmer sold the lighters nationwide via its catalog between August 2001 and February 2002 for $39.95.
No injuries have been reported. Consumers should stop using these lighters immediately and dispose of them in compliance with state or local requirements; the lighters should not be incinerated or punctured. To obtain a refund, consumers can mail the black plastic case and use instructions to Hammacher Schlemmer with a signed statement confirming disposal. Consumers will receive a choice of a $50 gift certificate or a refund of the $39.95 purchase price. Notifications were mailed to all customers.
The recalled product
- Product
- Butler Slim Torch lighters
- Category
- Consumer Product — Lighters
- Hazard
- Affected units
- 3,000
Distribution
Distributed nationwide across the United States.
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