Thousands Of Chemical Sprayers Recalled

WASHINGTON, D.C. (May 8, 1980) -- More than 40,000 air-compression home-and garden sprayers used to disperse pesticides and other chemicals are being recalled by their manufacturer because the product may explode or rupture during use.

The recall is being conducted voluntarily by D.B. Smith and Company, Inc., of Utica, N.Y., in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission.

The sprayers are made of galvanized steel with a tank capacity ranging from 1.5 to 4.0 gallons. They are equipped with a hand-operated pump top to pressurize the tank and a metal spray nozzle attached to a rubber hose.

The firm has conveyed to CPSC 49 consumer complaints involving the sprayers, including reports of 43 injuries to consumers since April, 1978.

The injuries reported include severe facial and dental injuries and broken arms and hands which were suffered when the sprayer bottom blew out, propelling the sprayer and its contents upward with explosive force.

The hazard was created by an improperly located weld on some sprayers which weakens the bottom, causing a rupture or explosion when the sprayer is pressurized.

The potentially defective sprayers were manufactured from June, 1977 to June, 1978, and have been sold nationwide in hardware stores and other retail outlets for approximately $15 to $30. The manufacturer has instituted improved quality control measures to eliminate the problem in sprayers manufactured after June, 1978.

The recalled sprayers have been sold under a variety of brand names and model numbers. These include:

• "SMITH" sprayer models 19GP, 21GP, 25GP, 28GP, 40GP, 38GQ and 56GQ.
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• "SERVISTAR" brand sprayer models 15049 and 15055.
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• "PARCO" sprayer models F-4, F-7, F-10, F-12, MC-38 and MC-56.
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• "STATE CHEMICAL" sprayer model 12-A.
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• "METRA CHEM" 3-1/4 gallon sprayer (no model number).

The sprayers must display one of the following date codes, in addition to a brand name and model number listed above, to be subject to the recall: B, BA, BC, S11, S12, R1, R2, R3, R4, R5 or R6.

The date codes are visibly etched into the side of the sprayer below the directions, "Fill to this line," and all model numbers can be found on the paper label affixed to the product. Other models made from stainless steel and polyethylene plastic are not being recalled.

Consumers who own one of the sprayers being recalled should not use it. Consumers should empty the contents: remove the strap, pump, and hose-and-nozzle assembly; and mail the metal canister for immediate free replacement to Marimar Manufacturing Company, Inc., P.O. Box 359, Chadwicks, New York,13319, or return it to the place of purchase for handling. Consumers will be reimbursed for postage costs.

Anyone wishing to verify model numbers and date codes should contact CPSC's toll-free Hotline at 800-638-2772.