BernzOmatic Portable Propane Heaters Recalled Due to Carbon Monoxide Risk

Plain-English summary

BernzOmatic, in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), is recalling model TX-900A portable propane gas radiant heaters. These units were manufactured and sold by the company between 1962 and 1966. The heaters are housed in a blue or green metal cabinet approximately 9 inches wide, 14 inches high, and 7 inches deep, with space for two 34.1-ounce propane gas cylinders. The BernzOmatic name appears on the front, and the model number TX-SW appears on instructions located on the inner side of the rear door.

The recall is being issued because the CPSC is aware of 16 deaths and one serious injury that have occurred since 1972. These incidents involved asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning that may have been associated with the use of these heaters in poorly ventilated areas. The most recent incident occurred in December 1986. The original instructions for the heater state that it should be used only in well-ventilated areas and should not be used when sleeping.

Approximately 33,000 of these heaters were produced and sold. Consumers should immediately stop using the affected heaters. To obtain a refund of $50 for each returned unit, owners should contact Irwin Industrial, which owns the BernzOmatic brand name, toll-free at 800-654-9011. Consumers can also call the CPSC toll-free hotline at 800-638-CPSC to determine if their product is covered by this announcement.

The recalled product

Product

BernzOmatic portable propane gas radiant heaters

Manufacturer

BernzOmatic

Category

Consumer Product — Heaters

Hazard

• carbon-monoxide
• asphyxiation

Distribution

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