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"Stow-Anywhere" Ladders

CPSC Recall #04-551 — May 23, 2004

Recall Summary

Recall Number04-551
Recall DateMay 23, 2004
Remedy TypeRefund
Units AffectedAbout 1,500
ManufacturerLB International Inc., of Hauppauge, N.Y.
Manufactured InChina

Where It Was Sold

Hammacher Schlemmer stores
catalogs and website sold these ladders nationwide from April 2003 through February 2004 for between $140 and $200.

Product

"Stow-Anywhere" Ladders

Description

In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), LB International Inc., of Hauppauge, N.Y. and Hammacher Schlemmer are voluntarily recalling about 1,500 "Stow-Anywhere" Ladders. A rung on these aluminum, multi-purpose ladders can release or the side rail can bend unexpectedly. If that happens, the ladder can collapse, causing the user to fall.Name of Product: "Stow-Anywhere" LaddersUnits: About 1,500Manufacturer: LB International Inc., of Hauppauge, N.Y.Hazard: A rung on these aluminum, multi-purpose ladders can release or the side rail can bend unexpectedly. If that happens, the ladder can collapse, causing the user to fall.Incidents/Injuries: LB International Inc. received a report of one individual who fractured her leg while using the ladder.Description: The ladders were sold in three sizes. The 6-foot ladders that extend to 10 feet have model number 99067. The 7-foot ladders that extend to 12 feet have model number 99068. The 8-foot ladders that extend to 14 feet have model number 99069. The model number was listed in the firm's catalog and Web site, and used for ordering. Model numbers are not written on the ladders. Each ladder bears a label on the side rail that reads, "Multi-Purpose Heavy Duty Ladder."Sold by: Hammacher Schlemmer stores, catalogs and website sold these ladders nationwide from April 2003 through February 2004 for between $140 and $200.Manufactured In: ChinaRemedy: Hammacher Schlemmer is directly notifying consumers who purchased these ladders and providing information to return the ladders for a refund.Consumer Contact: Call Hammacher Schlemmer at (800) 233-4800 between 8 a.m. and midnight ET seven days a week. Consumers also can send an email to [email protected], and put "Ladder Return" in the subject line.

Hazard

A rung on these aluminum, multi-purpose ladders can release or the side rail can bend unexpectedly. If that happens, the ladder can collapse, causing the user to fall.

Incidents & Injuries

LB International Inc. received a report of one individual who fractured her leg while using the ladder.

Remedy Instructions

Hammacher Schlemmer is directly notifying consumers who purchased these ladders and providing information to return the ladders for a refund.

What Should You Do?

Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Refund at no charge. If you experienced an injury, report it at SaferProducts.gov.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Follow the consumer action instructions in the recall notice above. Most recalls require you to stop using the product and contact the manufacturer directly — either by calling the toll-free number listed in the official CPSC notice or by visiting the manufacturer's website. You generally do not need a receipt or original packaging to claim a remedy. The manufacturer is legally required to provide the remedy (Refund) at no cost to you.

Furniture tip-overs are a leading cause of pediatric injuries in the U.S., particularly dressers, bookcases, and television stands. CPSC data shows that a child dies approximately every two weeks from a furniture or TV tip-over. Unstable high chairs, baby swings, and bouncers are also frequent recall subjects due to fall risks. ASTM International standards now require that certain furniture must meet tip-over resistance standards, and CPSC has been actively pursuing mandatory requirements for dressers and chests. If you have furniture that was not recalled but feels unstable, wall-anchoring kits are widely available at hardware stores.

In most cases, no. CPSC-coordinated recall remedies are designed to be accessible without proof of purchase. Manufacturers typically ask consumers to self-certify ownership and may ask for photos of the product or its serial number. Some manufacturers request that you mail in a portion of the product (such as a cut cord or removed component) as proof of disposal. Check the specific remedy instructions for this recall for exact requirements. If you registered your product at the time of purchase, the process is usually even simpler.

If the original manufacturer has gone out of business, the recall remedy may no longer be available through them. In this case, contact CPSC directly at 1-800-638-2772 or cpsc.gov for guidance. If the brand was acquired by another company, the acquiring company may have assumed recall obligations. In some cases where a remedy is unavailable, CPSC advises consumers to safely dispose of the product. If you were injured by the product of a defunct company, consult a product liability attorney — parent companies, distributors, and retailers may still bear liability in some circumstances.

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