Fire hazards are some of the most common defective product related risks. Typically, fires are related to defective electronic appliances, although there have been fatal incidents involving seemingly benign items, like clothing. Last year, several people suffered fatal burn injuries after their chenille bathrobes burst into flames. The bathrobes had been manufactured overseas, using flammable material.
Fire hazards are also behind the Consumer Product Safety Commission’s latest recall, although this one is not related to clothing. This time, it’s 900,000 units of General Electric coffeemakers sold at Walmart that have been recalled by the federal agency.
According to the CPSC, the coffeemakers are susceptible to overheating, and could possibly lead to a fire. Users could be at a high risk for burns. The agency has 83 confirmed reports involving the General Electric coffeemakers overheating and either bursting into flames, smoking or melting. Out of these, at least three of the reports involved persons who suffered minor burn injuries to the hands, feet and torso. There are also reports of substantial property damage, including one major kitchen fire, and other reports of fire damage to cabinets, countertops and a wall.
The coffeemakers involved in the recall are the General Electric 12-cup coffee makers. The coffeemakers were sold in black and white colors. These were sold exclusively at Walmart stores between March 2008 and January 2010 for about $30. The coffeemakers were manufactured in China. The agency is advising consumers to stop using the coffeemakers immediately, and return them to Walmart for a full refund.
Typically, a California mass torts attorney comes across fires caused by the following defective products:
- Ovens
- Grills
- Gas ranges
- Toasters
- Heaters
- Boilers
- Water coolers
- Extension cords
- Vaporizers
There isn’t much that a consumer can do to prevent the risk of burn injuries if the defective appliance overheats, or short circuits, causing a fire. However, there are basic steps you can take to minimize your risks of a burn injury while using a coffeemaker.
- Never place your coffeemaker or cord in liquid.
- Never touch any of the hot surfaces. Instead, use handles or knobs to hold the appliance.
- Keep coffeemakers out of reach of little children. Tuck cords away where they cannot be reached by little hands.
- Place the coffeemaker on a flat surface.
- Unplug the coffeemaker before cleaning it.
