CPSC and GE Announce Free Repair Supplement of Rebate Program for Recalled Dishwashers: Recalled Units Still Being Used, Creating Risk of Fire
Press Release # 01-054
Transcript
(View of dishwasher and close up view of GE label. Close up view of Hotpoint label.)
Screen Reading: "Ann Brown, Chairman, U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission"
(View of Ann Brown.) "These dishwashers can start a fire without warning. Over time, the switch begins to melt behind the control panel so you are not aware that there is a problem until it is too late. These dishwashers have a slide switch that can ignite and melt. If you have one of these dishwashers, stop using it until you've taken advantage of the recall."
Screen Reading: "In the recall announcement last year, GE provided customers with a rebate toward the purchase of a new dishwasher. CPSC and GE are announcing the supplemental rewiring option to increase the effectiveness of the original program, which has been implemented in over 628,000 units. CPSC and GE are cooperating in an effort to reach people who may not have previously come forward."
Screen Reading: "Both the CPSC and GE strongly urge consumers who have not replaced their recalled units under the original rebate program to contact GE right away to schedule a free rewiring or participate in the original rebate program."
Screen Reading: "Until the dishwasher has been rewired, consumers should keep the dishwasher door unlatched at all times to prevent the flow of electrical current that creates a risk of fire."
(View of GE van arriving. GE man gets out of van and opens van and retrieves equipment.")
Screen Reading: "The slide switch allows consumers to choose between heated drying and "energy saver" functions. Over time, the slide switch can melt and ignite presenting a fire hazard. In the free rewiring program announced today GE authorized technicians will rewire the slide switch, eliminating it from the electrical circuit and thereby eliminating the fire risk."
(Close up of dishwasher dial and switch. Person moving switch to "energy saver." Close up of Hotpoint sign. Person moving switch to "drying heat off."
Screen Reading: "There have been approximately 90 incidents of fire, smoking and melted switches. 14 of which included fires that spread beyond the dishwasher. Approximately 10 incidents have occurred since the recall announcement. No injuries have been reported."
Screen Reading: "The GE and Hotpoint dishwashers involved are models beginning with GSD500D, GSD500G, GSD540, HDA467, HDA477, or HDA487 with a serial number that has a second letter of A, M, R, S, T, V or Z (for example, BM12345)."
Screen Reading: "The model and serial numbers are located on a rectangular label that is on either the right or left front edge of the inner tub. The GE or Hotpoint brand name is on the front of the dishwasher."
(Lady opening dishwasher and pointing to model and serial numbers on label.)
(Man opening dishwasher pointing to label with model and serial numbers.
Screen Reading: "Consumers that have one of these recalled dishwashers should immediately discontinue use, unlatch the door, and contact GE at 1-800- 599-2929 anytime or at www.geappliancerecall.com."
(View of computer with the words "www.geappliancerecall.com" on the screen.)
End