The Recall Desk
SevereCPSC·83062·Announced 1983-12-05

Pixieland Playground Equipment Recalled for Head Entrapment Hazards

Pixieland recalled five models of metal playground equipment due to head entrapment hazards. The company is out of business, and consumers are advised to discard or destroy the products.

What this means for you

Illness, injury, or structural failure has been reported. Stop using the product immediately and contact the manufacturer for a refund or repair.

Our severity reasoning: The recall involves a structural defect in playground equipment that resulted in reported serious injuries, including a resuscitation event, meeting the criteria for a Severe rating (significant injury reports).

Plain-English summary

Pixieland, Incorporated, announced a voluntary repair program for five models of metal playground equipment: the Double Climber Slide, Single Climber Slide, Toddler Climber, Fence Climber, and Rainbow Climber. These products, intended for pre-school children and sold to day care and child care centers, present a head entrapment hazard. The spacing between some rungs is wide enough for a child's body to pass through but too narrow for the head to follow, which could result in the child being hung with their head trapped and feet off the ground.

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) investigated three incidents involving these structures where children's heads became entrapped. One victim received contusions and abrasions to the neck and head, while another had to be resuscitated after their breathing and pulse stopped. The potential hazards include head injuries, neck injuries, or strangulation. Pixieland manufactured these structures from 1978 to 1983, distributing them to 21 states east of the Rockies.

Pixieland is currently out of business. The CPSC advises that these products should not be used. Consumers and facility operators are urged to discard or destroy the equipment. If the equipment is still in use, operators should measure the spacing between rungs; if any spacing measures between 4.5 and 7.5 inches, use should be discontinued immediately.

The recalled product

Product
Double Climber Slide playground equipment
Manufacturer
Pixieland
Category
Consumer Product — Playground Equipment
Hazard

Distribution

Distributed nationwide across the United States.

Related recalls

Same hazard · head entrapment

See all →