Shakespeare Company Recalls Omnidirectional CB Antenna

Washington, D.C. --In cooperation with the U. S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, the Shakespeare Company, Newberry, South Carolina, is voluntarily recalling two models of their omnidirectional CB base station antennas, Style 176-S and 176-SU. If contact is made by the antennas with an electrical power line while being installed or taken down, the antennas have the potential for severe or fatal shock.

The CPSC stated that in tests conducted on the two models, they failed to comply with the new mandatory standard enforced by CPSC. The standard is intended to reduce the electrocution hazard if the antenna should accidentally contact a power line while being removed or installed.

The CPSC is not aware of any injuries or deaths involving any of the Shakespeare antennas. The agency estimated, however, that approximately 45-50 individuals were electrocuted each year through 1981 as a result of CB antennas coming into contact with electrical power lines while the antennas are being put up or taken down. Therefore, consumers should not take down any of the recalled Shakespeare antennas which are already installed.

The Shakespeare Company distributed 10,637 of the affected antennas nationwide from May through November of 1983. Each of these recalled antennas bears a three letter code located on the bottom of its metal sleeve and on the identification label on the end of the packaging tube as follows: CHF, CHE, CHD, CHC, CHB, CHA, CHL, CHM.

The affected antennas have already been removed from dealers and replaced. Retailers who still have those models in stock should return them to the Shakespeare Company immediately for replacement. Consumers owning any of the models affected which have not been installed should contact Shakespeare, toll-free (800-845-7750) to verify if the antenna is subject to the recall. If so, the consumer should return the antenna to the dealer for a full refund. Consumers who have already installed the affected models should leave them alone. These persons can obtain an additional warning label (or hang tag) to be placed in a conspicuous location on the product to warn future users about the potential hazard. The label (or hand tag) can be obtained by calling the Shakespeare Company at its toll free number (800-845-7750) or writing the firm at RFD #3, P.O. Box 733, Newberry, South Carolina 29108. As a normal practice, individuals planning to install or take down a CB antenna should first contact their local power company for advice.

Additional information concerning this recall is also available to consumers who call the CPSC toll-free Hotline at 800-638-CPSC. A teletypewriter number for the hearing impaired is (301) 595-7054.