CPSC Recall: Dura-Vent fireplace dampers pose risk of CO poisoning

2010-03-25 04:37:08 (GMT) (JusticeNewsFlash.com - Justice News Flash, Product liability)

CPSC Image: Simpson Dura-Vent recalls dampers over carbon monoxide poisoning.

Legal news for product liability attorneys. Simpson Dura-Vent recalls dampers over carbon monoxide poisoning.

CPSC recall alerts product liability attorneys: Simpson Dura-Vent dampers may pose carbon monoxide poisoning risk.

Washington, D.C.– Simpson Dura-Vent Company Inc., of Vacaville, Calif., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Protect Safety Commission (CPSC) http://www.cpsc.gov/ have voluntarily recalled DuraTech Anchor Plate with Damper and DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Damper. About 500 units were recalled on Tuesday, March 23, 2010 by the CPSC.

The recall was initiated after it was discovered that the damper can get stuck in its current position when the consumer tries to open or close it. Also, some of the hampers are assembled backwards so that the dampers are set in the closed position when the user tries to open it. The hampers also pose a risk of carbon monoxide poisoning. At this time there have been no reports of injuries in connection with the recalled product.

The CPSC reported, “This recall involves DuraTech Anchor Plates with Dampers and DuraChimney II Anchor Plates with Dampers. The products are intended for use as a starter section for chimneys in fireplace applications. The dampers allow the chimney to be closed when the fireplace is not in use. Each damper is a short sheet metal vent pipe fitted with a circular damper plate within the vent pipe, and attached to a square anchor plate. The damper plate rotates around an axis rod to control the flow of air through the vent pipe. The damper plates have a weight attached to one side, and a chain attached to the other side. When installed in a fireplace application, the square anchor plate is generally not visible. The dampers were sold at Dura-Vent distributors to fireplace/chimney contractors and through installers, who sold them to home builders across the U.S. They were sold from January 2007 through May 2009 for the retail price between $100 and $150, depending on the model and size.

The recalled DuraTech Anchor Plate with Dampers include:

• 10″ diameter DuraTech Damper 99142
• 12″ diameter DuraTech Damper 99242
• 14″ diameter DuraTech Damper 99342
• 16″ diameter DuraTech Damper 99442
• 18″ diameter DuraTech Damper 99542

The recalled DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Dampers include:

• 10″ diameter DuraChimney Damper 10DCA-APD
• 12″ diameter DuraChimney Damper 12DCA-APD
• 14″ diameter DuraChimney Damper 14DCA-APD
• 16″ diameter DuraChimney Damper 16DCA-APD

Consumers are being advised to make sure that their damper is in the open position when using the fireplace. Anyone with a recalled damper should contact Dura-Vent to get a free repair. For more information, please contact Simpson Dura-Vent at (866) 860-7908 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit their Web site at www.duravent.com.

Legal News Reporter: Nicole Howley-Legal news for product liability lawyers.