Worthington Gas Grill Cylinders

CPSC Recall #97-174 — August 25, 1997

Recall Summary

Recall Number97-174
Recall DateAugust 25, 1997
Remedy TypeInspect, Replace, Repair
Units AffectedAbout 6,000

Product

Worthington Gas Grill Cylinders

Description

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Rotarex Inc. of Mt. Pleasant, Pa., and Worthington Cylinder Corp. of Columbus, Ohio, are recalling about 6,000 Worthington gas grill cylinders to repair their valves. The valve handles on these cylinders can loosen and separate from the rest of the valve and cylinder, releasing propane vapors. The vapors could catch on fire or explode if ignited, and if the vapors contact skin, consumers could suffer a freeze burn or frostbite.CPSC, Rotarex and Worthington are not aware of any injuries involving these gas grill cylinders. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.The Worthington 20 pound gas grill cylinder involved in this recall has the following four markings: "WCW" on the top of the cylinder's handle, "07-97" on the outside of the cylinder's handle, three stars in a triangular formation on the neck of the cylinder valve, which is underneath the hand wheel, and serial numbers from 3632601F through 3671600F on the inside of the cylinder's handle.If consumers have purchased or exchanged gas grill cylinders since July 15, 1997, they should check the cylinders to determine if they are involved in this recall. These cylinders cost about $27. Consumers should stop using the recalled cylinders immediately and call Rotarex at (800) 325-5721 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday for information on having the cylinder repaired or replaced. Consumers should not attempt to disconnect the valve or turn the cylinder's handle, and consumers should remove all ignition sources from the area around the grill. Additionally, if consumers smell gas or hear a gas leak, they should immediately call the fire department.

Hazard

 The valve handles on these cylinders can loosen and separate from the rest of the valve and cylinder, releasing propane vapors. The vapors could catch on fire or explode if ignited, and if the vapors contact skin, consumers could suffer a freeze burn or frostbite.

Incidents & Injuries

CPSC, Rotarex and Worthington are not aware of any injuries involving these gas grill cylinders. This recall is being conducted to prevent the possibility of injury.

Remedy Instructions

If consumers have purchased or exchanged gas grill cylinders since July 15, 1997, they should check the cylinders to determine if they are involved in this recall. These cylinders cost about $27. Consumers should stop using the recalled cylinders immediately and call Rotarex at (800) 325-5721 between 8 a.m. and 8 p.m. EDT Monday through Friday for information on having the cylinder repaired or replaced. Consumers should not attempt to disconnect the valve or turn the cylinder's handle, and consumers should remove all ignition sources from the area around the grill. Additionally, if consumers smell gas or hear a gas leak, they should immediately call the fire department.

What Should You Do?

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

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 (Inspect, Replace, Repair) at no cost to you.

If the product caused a fire or burn injury, document the incident with photos and preserve the product if it is safe to do so. Report the incident to the CPSC at SaferProducts.gov and to your local fire department. Contact the manufacturer to inform them of the incident — they are required to track and report injuries to CPSC. You may also want to consult a personal injury attorney, as fire and burn injuries caused by defective products can be grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer.

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.