Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Roller Shades by Lutron Shading Solutions
Recall 09328 · Aug 26, 2009 · Virginia Iron and Metal Company Inc. (VIMCO)
245,000
units affected
245,000
units affected
Facts
- Recall number
- 09328
- Date
- Aug 26, 2009
- Company
- Virginia Iron and Metal Company Inc. (VIMCO)
- Units affected
- 245,000
- Product
- Roller Shades
- Product type
- Blinds, Shades & Cords
- Hazard
- Strangulation
The product
This recall involves custom-ordered made-to-measure manual roller shades. The shades were sold in a variety of colors, fabrics, and sizes. They have a label on an adhesive strip that connects the shade fabric to the roller tube that reads "Lutron Shading Solutions" and "800-446-1503." The shade needs to be removed from the brackets and unrolled completely to access the label. The shade was sold with an orange, black and white hang tag warning consumers that "young children can STRANGLE in cord and bead chain loops." However, the hang tag may have been discarded upon installation. Nearly all shades were professionally installed.
What can happen
Strangulations can occur if the shade's looped bead chain is not attached to the wall or the floor and a child's neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop.
The fix
Consumers should immediately check their window coverings to see if the tension device is attached to the cord and installed into the wall or floor. If not attached, immediately stop using the window coverings and contact Lutron Electronics to receive a free repair kit. If the consumer has difficulty installing the tensioning device, contact Lutron for further instructions.
Incidents and where it was sold
- Incidents
- None reported.
- Sold at
- Specialty dealers and Expo Design Centers nationwide from January 2000 through April 2009 for between $200 and $2000 per shade.
Related pages
Questions and answers
What should I do with the recalled roller shades?
Consumers should immediately check their window coverings to see if the tension device is attached to the cord and installed into the wall or floor. If not attached, immediately stop using the window coverings and contact Lutron Electronics to receive a free repair kit. If the consumer has difficulty installing the.
What is the hazard?
Strangulations can occur if the shade's looped bead chain is not attached to the wall or the floor and a child's neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop.
A recall means the maker found a safety problem and offers a free fix; it does not mean every unit has the problem. Units affected are as reported by the company. Popular models sell more and so have more recalls and complaints. Official public data; texts are shortened. Contact the company named above for the remedy.