Fire Hazards:

1. Wagner Spray Tech Corporation Drill Charger Bases

On March 2, 2004, the CPSC announced the recall of cordless drill charger bases manufactured by Wagner Spray Tech Corp., of Plymouth, Minnesota. A defective battery can cause the charger base to overheat, causing the base to melt and possibly burn nearby objects.

This recall includes 9.6-volt, 10.8-volt, 12-volt, 14.4-volt and 18-volt Wagner drill charger bases. The drills were sold in black and grey, and have the name "Wagner" printed on them. Model numbers involved in the recall are: W96DK, W108DK, W120DK, WB96, WB120, WB144, and WB180K. The model numbers are located on a label on the side of the drill.

The charger bases were sold at department and hardware stores and through mail-order sales from January 1996 through December 2003.

To learn more, visit the firm's Web site at www.wagnerspraytech.com; or view the CPSC press release at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04091.html.

2. Lasko Products Inc. Announce Recall of Space Heaters

On March 4, 2004, the CPSC announced the recall of space heaters distributed by Lasko Products Inc., of West Chester, Pennsylvania. The power cord connection can overheat and cause the cord to separate from the space heater. This poses a fire, burn and shock hazard.

There are two types of heaters involved in this recall. The recalled model 5500 heater is an oscillating ceramic heater with dark grey vents surrounded by a bronze trim. The model number is located on a label under the round base. The Model 5700 heater is an oil filled radiator-type heater. The model number is located on a label on the side of the heater near the right front wheel. The name "Lasko" is printed near the top of both heaters.

The space heaters were sold at retailers such as Dollar General and Sam's Club stores nationwide from July 2001 through December 2003.

For more information, visit the Lasko Products web site at www.laskoproducts.com/recall_heaters.html; or view the CPSC press release at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04094.html.

3. Lakewood Electric Heaters

On March 17, 2004, CPSC announced the recall of “Sun-Sational” electric heaters manufactured by Lakewood Engineering & Manufacturing Co., of Chicago, Illinois. Electrical connections inside of the heater can become loose. This could cause the metal portion of the heater to become energized, posing a serious shock hazard to consumers.

The recalled "Sun-Sational" Deluxe Radiant heaters have a metallic gray heating element, white base, and red control knobs. The heater has a label at the base that reads, "SUN-sational" and "Warning: Risk of Fire." The oval-shaped heater has an 800 Watt and 1200 Watt setting and has a sensor to alert users of overheating.

They were sold at retail stores nationwide, including Sam's Club, between August 1996 and February 2004.

To learn more, visit the company's web site at www.lakewoodeng.com, or view the CPSC press release at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04098.html.

4. Brass Light Gallery Wall Sconces

On March 17, 2004, the CPSC announced the recall of alabaster wall sconce lights manufactured by Brass Light Gallery Inc., of Milwaukee, Wisconsin. The tie-downs, which secure the electrical wires to the mounting bracket, may come loose, causing the wire to touch the bulb and pose a fire hazard.

The wall-mounted light fixtures have a translucent, natural alabaster stone cover. The recalled wall sconces include model numbers AL-3208, AL-5008, and AL-5108. Models AL-3208 and AL-5008 use one light bulb; whereas, Model AL-5108 uses two bulbs. The alabaster covers measure 8 inches in width and between 9 ½ and 15 inches in height.

They were sold at lighting distributors nationwide and Brass Light Gallery mail order services sold the wall sconces from January 1998 through November 2003.

To learn more, you can view the CPSC press release at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04099.html.

5. APA Marketing Home Entertainment Wall Units

On March 17, 2004, the CPSC announced the recall of “Encore!” home entertainment wall units imported by APA Marketing Inc., of Commerce, California. The control box for the touch dimmer lighting mechanism can overheat, posing a fire hazard.

The recalled Encore! home entertainment furniture is made of wood with a cherry finish and contains glass door fronts. Although the units were sold in several combinations, the entire entertainment center contains: two piers, a light bridge, a TV cart, and a pair of media storage cabinets. On the back panel of the piers, the name "APA MARKETING" is printed on a label. The black control box is located inside the left pier and mounted next to the tube light in the back.

They were sold at retail furniture stores and consumer electronics stores nationwide from July 2003 to January 2004.

To learn more, you can view the CPSC press release at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04100.html.

Worker Injury Hazards:

1. Ariens Company Snow Throwers

On February 18, 2004, the CPSC announced the recall of 13-Horsepower “Sno-Throws” (Model 924506) manufactured by Ariens Company, of Brillion, Wisconsin. The blade may not stop when the blade brake control is applied, resulting in continued blade movement. The potential for injury exists if users make contact with the rotary blade. These machines were sold at Home Depot stores in U.S. and Canada from October 7, 2003 to October 24, 2003.

For more information, visit the Ariens Web site: www.ariens.com; or view the CPSC press release at http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml04/04084.html.