Hazardous Products Recalled: FPI Gas Stove Fireplace Explosions Reported

Health Canada has issued notices recalling several hazardous consumer products, including gas fireplaces, an air compressor, children’s flashlights, an extendable pole saw/pruner, and certain hand sanitizers. Read on to learn more about the products affected by these recalls and what you should do if you or someone you know has one of the recalled products. 

Fireplace Products International Gas Fireplace Recalled Over Explosions 

According to the Health Canada recall notice, Fireplace Products International’s Regency Ultimate U37 and U39 Direct Vent Gas Stove Fireplaces present a laceration risk. The agency says that explosions have been reported, along with at least one minor injury.

“We determined that too many Ontarians have been injured while trying to safely light their gas fireplace,” Ontario’s Fire Marshal explained to Durham Radio News. “These injuries can be prevented.”

Regency Ultimate U37 and U39 Direct Vent Gas Stove Fireplaces are described as “freestanding gas fireplaces with an angled glass window.” Both are black with either black or brushed nickel features. The U37 fireplace’s vent extends from the rear, while the U39’s vent comes out of the top.

The agency warns that owners should turn off recalled units immediately and contact Fireplace International to schedule a repair. The company can be contacted by phone at 1-866-867-4328 or on the company website.

The recalled fireplaces were manufactured in Canada and sold between 2001 and 2018. Over 11,000 units were sold in Canada and nearly 14,000 were sold in the United States, according to the hazardous recalls notice.

Mastercraft 5 Gallon Air Compressor Recall Expanded

On Dec. 10, Health Canada issued an expanded recall notice for an air compressor manufactured by Suzhou Alton Electrical F.O.B and distributed by Canadian Tire. According to the notice, Mastercraft 5 gallon air compressors have a regulatory knob that may break off under pressure, presenting a risk to users.

According to Health Canada, there have been 18 reports of incidents, including one injury, concerning the recalled air compressor in Canada. The model numbers of the recalled Mastercraft air compressors are 058-9315 and 199-5703.

Approximately 27,000 recalled air compressors were sold in Canada between January of 2014 and December of 2016, states the notice.

Consumers are advised to stop using the recalled Mastercraft 5 gallon air compressor and return it to the place of purchase. For more information, contact Canadian Tire at 1-800-387-8803.

Spirit Halloween Children’s Flashlights Create Burn Hazard

A flashlight for kids has been recalled over a burn hazard, according to a Health Canada notice. The batteries in the product can overheat, says the agency.

The recalled Spirit Halloween children’s flashlights include My Little Pony, Ghostbusters, and ZAG Miraculous varieties. The product was reportedly sold between August 2020 to September 2020. According to the agency, 300 units were sold in Canada and over 6,000 were sold in the United States.

Spirit Halloween has received four reports of the items overheating in the United States, but none in Canada. One minor burn was reported, according to Health Canada.

The agency says that the recalled flashlights should be taken away from children and consumers should contact Spirit Halloween for a refund. The company can be contacted by phone at 1-866-586-0155 or on its website.

Fiskars 16 Foot Extendable Pole Saw/Pruner Recalled After Injuries

The extension pole on saw/pruner tool can separate, according to Health Canada, potentially resulting in lacerations. According to the hazardous recall notice, the product is used to cut big and small branches on tall trees with a locking blade; however, the telescoping pole does not lock properly and can result in the blade falling.

There have already been two laceration injuries requiring stitches reported in the United States. According to the hazard recall notice, no injuries have been reported in Canada.

The recalled Fiskars 16 Foot Extendable Pole Saw/Pruners include model numbers 9463, 9440, and 9441. The model number can be found on the UPC number on the pole, according to the Health Canada notice. In addition, “Fiskars” is printed on the pole, which can extend from 7 feet to 16 feet (about 2.1 metres to 4.9 metres).

The recalled saw/pruners were sold between December of 2016 and September of 2020. According to Health Canada, 94,205 Fiskars extendable saw/pruners were sold in Canada and 467,680 were sold in the US.

Consumers are advised to stop using the product and contact Fiskars for a refund, says the agency. Fiskars can be contacted by phone at 1-888-847-8716 or on the company’s website.

Hundreds of Hazardous Hand Sanitizers Recalled

Hundreds of hand sanitizers have been recalled, according to Health Canada, due to various labeling issues or because they contain hazardous ingredients.

“The COVID-19 outbreak has created a high demand for hand sanitizers,” notes the recall. “To increase the supply, Health Canada has taken several measures, including permitting the temporary use of technical-grade ethanol in alcohol-based hand sanitizers.” Health Canada notes that manufacturers wishing to use technical-grade ethanol must meet additional requirements, including obtaining approval from the agency.

The agency says that consumers should stop using the recalled hand sanitizers and contact their health professional with any concerns.

Have you purchased products affected by any of these recalls? We want to hear from you. Tell us what happened in the comment section below!

Read More Lawsuit & Settlement News:

• $6M Lithium Ion Rechargeable Batteries Settlement Reached After Price-Fixing Allegations
• Canada’s COVID-19 Vaccines Arrive Next Week: Who’s Getting It First?
• Canadian Bank and Credit Union Overdraft & NSF Fee Lawsuit
• Pandemic Business Interruption Insurance Canada Potential Lawsuit