Monday, September 12, 2005

Attention: Chainsaw recall

We don't ordinarily do product recalls here, but given the situation in the Gulf states and the recovery operations there, we thought it worthwhile to post this for the many local public health and safety folks who read this blog. Please pass it on to any personnel managing the recovery operation you may be in contact with. -- The Reveres


FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE September 12, 2005 Release #05-265

Firm's Recall Hotline: (866) 714-3860, Ext.232 CPSC Consumer Hotline: (800) 638-2772 CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908

CPSC, Makita U.S.A. Inc. Announce Recall of Chain Saws

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of Product: Makita Chain Saws

Units: About 3,400 units

Distributor: Makita U.S.A. Inc., of La Mirada, Calif.

Hazard: The flywheels on some of the chain saws can come apart during use, which could cause serious personal injury.

Incidents/Injuries: Makita has received three reports of the flywheel coming apart. There have been no reports of injury.

Description: The recall involves Makita DCS6401 and DCS7901-model chain saws in which the last five digits of the serial numbers are within the following ranges:

DCS6401: 41915 through 45612, 81722 through 82057 DCS7901: 31182 through 31491

The chain saw's housing is teal with the name "Makita" written on it. The chain saw's serial number can be found on the right hand side of the silver nameplate which is located on the back of the fuel tank. No other Makita chain saws are involved in the recall. Any DCS6401 or DCS7901 chain saws with the letter "N" preceding the serial number on the nameplate and a blue dot on the shipping carton have been repaired and are not involved in the recall.

Sold at: Outdoor power equipment distributors and industrial contractor supply houses nationwide sold these chain saws from October 2004 through August 2005 for between $520 and $730.

Manufactured in: Germany

Remedy: Consumers should stop using these recalled chain saws immediately and contact Makita to arrange for a free repair. Known purchasers were sent direct mail notification of this recall.

Consumer Contact: For more information, call Makita toll-free at (866) 714-3860, Ext.232 between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit their Web site at www.makitatools.com

To see this recall on CPSC's web site, including a picture of the recalled product, please go to: http://www.cpsc.gov/cpscpub/prerel/prhtml05/05265.html