Commercial Fly Control Devices, model SK-4
CPSC Recall #79-003 - January 17, 1979
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 79-003 |
| Recall Date | January 17, 1979 |
| Remedy Type | Dispose |
| Units Affected | About 1,005 |
Product
Commercial Fly Control Devices, model SK-4
Description
WASHINGTON, D.C. (January 18) -- Pestolite, Inc., Lancaster, Pa., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product, Safety Commission (CPSC), announced a voluntary recall of 1,005 Commercial Fly Control Devices, model SK-4, because of a possible fire hazard. The products are used to keep flying insects under control in or around residences, restaurants, stores, hotels, plants and recreational areas. They were produced from March 1976 through August 1976, and sold nationwide. If too many dead insects accumulate and block the centrifugal fan, the unit may overheat and create a fire hazard. The device has been linked to 25 fires since 1976. To identify the product, look for the "Pestolite" name molded in raised silver letters on the black upper housing of the unit. Devices not specifically exhibiting the raised "Pestolite" name on the upper housing are not being recalled, nor are units manufactured, reworked, inspected or repaired by Pestolite, Inc., after December 1977, which have affixed a red imprinted white label stating, "CAUTION: Continued operation with clogged fan will render unit inoperative." The firm is out of business and cannot be contacted. Do not use these products. Please discard or destroy these products. Consumers who need to verify the model number should call CPSC's Toll-Free Hotline at 800-638-2772.
Hazard
If too many dead insects accumulate and block the centrifugal fan, the unit may overheat and create a fire hazard. The device has been linked to 25 fires since 1976.
Incidents & Injuries
The device has been linked to 25 fires since 1976.
Remedy Instructions
The firm is out of business and cannot be contacted. Do not use these products. Please discard or destroy these products.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a Dispose 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 (Dispose) 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.