No manufacturer ever wants to utter the world “recall,” but in 2023, more products had to be pulled from the shelves in recent years, according to a report by Sedgwick. Often citing safety concerns, products were returned in masses out of fear of consumers potentially harming themselves or their employees.
For the safety of our readers, FacilitiesNet has followed all the recall notices throughout the year. Here are the top recalls of 2023:
In September, Gree recalled 1.56 million dehumidifiers due to a defect that caused the products to overheat, smoke and catch fire, posing a burn hazard to building occupants. The recall applied to 42 models of dehumidifiers sold between January 2011 and February 2014, according to the recall notice.
If facility managers had purchased a Gree dehumidifier, they can check their model number with the list of recalled products on Gree’s website. Managers should immediately unplug the recalled dehumidifiers and contact Gree for a refund.
In August, Daikin Comfort Technologies pulled its line of Amana Packaged Terminal Air Conditioner/Heat Pumps after reports of a potential burn or fire hazard. The company said that the machines were equipped with its DigiAir module compressor, which could overheat.
Daikin received 52 reports of incidents, including 10 fires. No injuries were reported. Managers should contact the manufacturer for instructions on how to disable the DigiAir module and to arrange for a free repair with a qualified technician.
Generac recalled its GP15000E line of portable generators due to a specific hazard that can cause fire and burns. According to the recall notice, the generators fuel tank can fail to vent adequately from the rollover valve, causing the gas tank to build up with excess pressure and expel fuel when opened, posing fire and burn hazards.
The company received reports of 27 incidents of the generators overheating and pressuring or expelling fuel when opened, including three incidents resulting in severe burn injuries.
If purchased, facility managers should immediately stop use and contact Generac for a free repair kit.
With nearly 200 incidents and two injuries reported of the head of sledgehammers coming loose, Stanley Black & Decker were forced to recall the tool from DeWALT, Stanley and Craftsman Fiberglass brands. The sledgehammers weigh between two and 12 pounds and range between 14” and 36” in length. The sledgehammers were sold between November 2013 and November 2022.
Managers should stop use of the sledgehammers immediately and check Stanley Black & Decker’s recall website on how to get a refund.
Rust-Oleum recalled its Professional Fluorescent Pink Inverted Marking Spray Paint cans due a defect in the nozzle, prompting it to come detach during use and potentially cause an impact injury. At the time of the initial recall, there had been five reports of the spray valve and plastic cap becoming detached, causing paint to splatter. No injuries were reported.
Managers who purchased the spray paint cans should stop use, take a photo of the product and the date code on the bottom of the can, wrap the product in a plastic bag and place it out of reach of children. In order to obtain a refund, facility managers will be asked to provide the photos of the product and the date code on the bottom of the can, as well as provide a name and mailing address. Cans can then be disposed of in accordance with local requirements.
Mackenna Moralez is the associate editor of the facilities market.
Greg Zimmerman is senior contributing editor for FacilitiesNet.com and Building Operating Management magazine.
