The Recall Desk
HighCPSC·14729·Announced 2014-04-10

Whalen Recalls Stainless Steel Tool Chests Due to Laceration Hazard

Whalen is recalling approximately 20,000 stainless steel tool chests sold at Costco due to a sharp metal edge on the right door that poses a laceration hazard.

What this means for you

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 with reported injuries (cuts requiring stitches), but no fatalities or severe injuries are reported, fitting the 'High' severity criteria for injury reports without critical outcomes.

Plain-English summary

Whalen Furniture Manufacturing is recalling approximately 20,000 stainless steel tool chests sold exclusively at Costco Wholesale Corp. from March 2010 through October 2013. The recalled units are about 72 inches long, 37½ inches high, and 19 inches deep, featuring a wooden block top, ten storage drawers, and a cabinet with shelves and a peg board on the right side. Whalen item number WSMTB72 and Costco item number 496675 are printed in the assembly instructions.

The recall was issued because the inside of the right door has a metal stopper or flange with a sharp edge running the length of the door, which poses a laceration hazard. Whalen has received 11 reports of injuries, including nine reports of minor cuts caused by the sharp-edged flange and two reports of cuts requiring stitches.

Consumers should immediately stop using the product and contact Whalen for a free repair kit that includes a protective cover for the flange. Whalen is contacting all purchasers directly. Consumers can also reach Whalen toll-free at (866) 942-5362 from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. PT Monday through Friday or online at www.whalenstorage.com.

The recalled product

Product
Stainless steel tool chests
Manufacturer
Whalen Furniture Manufacturing, of San Diego, Calif.
Category
Consumer Product — Workshop Furnishings
Hazard
Affected units
20,000

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · laceration

See all →