BernzOmatic Model TX-900A portable propane gas radiant heaters
CPSC Recall #87-053 - September 14, 1987
Recall Summary
| Recall Number | 87-053 |
| Recall Date | September 14, 1987 |
| Remedy Type | No Remedy Available |
| Units Affected | Approximately 33,000 |
Product
BernzOmatic Model TX-900A portable propane gas radiant heaters
Description
WASHINGTON, DC -- In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, BernzOmatic, once located in Medina, New York (now a brand under Irwin Industrial, located in Wilmington, OH), announced the recall of its model TX-900A portable propane gas radiant heaters last manufactured and sold by the company in 1966.The Commission is aware of 16 deaths and one serious injury that have occurred since 1972, from asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning that may have been associated with the use of their heaters in poorly ventilated areas. The latest such incident occurred in December 1986. Directions which may be on the TX-900A heater state, among other things: "FOR COMPLETELY SAFE OPERATION, this heater SHOULD BE USED ONLY IN WELL VENTILATED AREAS, since all combustion heaters consume oxygen and exhaust fumes can be harmful. DO NOT USE WHEN SLEEPING."Consumers should immediately stop using these heaters and contact Irwin Industrial (which owns the BernzOmatic brand name). BernzOmatic is offering to refund owners $50 for each model TX-900A heater returned C.O.D.Approximately 33,000 TX-900A heaters were produced and sold by the manufacturer between 1962 and 1966. The heater (pictured) is housed in a blue or green metal cabinet approximately 9 inches wide x 14 inches high x 7 inches deep, with room inside for two 34.1 ounce propane gas cylinders. The name BernzOmatic appears on the front of the heater. The name BernzOmatic, the model number TX-SW and the description, Portable Gas Radiant Fester, appear on instructions which may be on the inner side of the rear door.Owners of a model TX-900A heater should call Irwin Industrial (which owns the BernzOmatic brand name) toll-free at 800-654-9011 for information on how to return the heater and obtain a refund. To determine if your product is covered by this announcement, consumers may call the CPSC toll-free hotline number at 800-638-CPSC. The teletypewriter number for the hearing-impaired is (800) 638-8270.While BernzOmatic is voluntarily conducting this recall, it is BernzOmatic's position that its action does not constitute an admission that there has been any violation of any state, federal or common law, nor does BernzOmatic admit liability.
Hazard
The Commission is aware of 16 deaths and one serious injury that have occurred since 1972, from asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning that may have been associated with the use of their heaters in poorly ventilated areas.
Incidents & Injuries
The Commission is aware of 16 deaths and one serious injury that have occurred since 1972, from asphyxiation or carbon monoxide poisoning that may have been associated with the use of their heaters in poorly ventilated areas.
Remedy Instructions
Consumers should immediately stop using these heaters and contact Irwin Industrial (which owns the BernzOmatic brand name). BernzOmatic is offering to refund owners $50 for each model TX-900A heater returned C.O.D.Owners of a model TX-900A heater should call Irwin Industrial (which owns the BernzOmatic brand name) toll-free at 800-654-9011 for information on how to return the heater and obtain a refund.
What Should You Do?
Stop using this product immediately. Contact the manufacturer for a No Remedy Available 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 (No Remedy Available) at no cost to you.
Yes. If you were injured by a defective consumer product, whether recalled or not, you may have grounds for a product liability claim against the manufacturer and potentially the retailer. A recall notice can serve as evidence that the manufacturer was aware of the defect. Injuries that may support a claim include burns, lacerations, fractures, electric shock, choking incidents, and chemical exposure. Most product liability attorneys work on a contingency fee basis, meaning you pay nothing unless you win. Consult an attorney promptly, as statutes of limitation vary by state.
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.