CPSC Recall in 1999: Stairway Gates Recalled by North States Industries

PRODUCT: Stairway Gates - North States Industries Inc., of Minneapolis, Minn., is recalling about 3,200 stairway gates. The recalled gates are white plastic, measuring 26 inches high and can be used in openings from 26 inches to 41 inches wide. "INTENDED FOR USE WITH CHILDREN FROM 6 UP TO 24 MONTHS OF AGE...MMFG. ID NO. 8675...NORTH STATES'' is on a warning sticker on the side of the gates. Ames, Ann & Hope, Hambleton & Carr, and Value City department stores nationwide sold the gates from March through April 1999 for about $15. PROBLEM: The locking mechanism can release when the gate is shaken and the gate will no longer act as the barrier it is intended to be. If the gate is placed at the top of stairs and the lock fails, a child could fall down the stairs and be injured. INCIDENTS/INJURIES: North States Industries Inc. has received one report of a gate's locking mechanism failing. No injuries have been reported. WHAT TO DO: Consumers should stop using these gates immediately and return them to the store where purchased for a full refund. For additional information, consumers should call North States Industries Inc. at (800) 848-8421 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. CDT Monday through Friday.

The locking mechanism can release when the gate is shaken and the gate will no longer act as the barrier it is intended to be. If the gate is placed at the top of stairs and the lock fails, a child could fall down the stairs and be injured.

Refund

North States Industries Inc. has received one report of a gate's locking mechanism failing. No injuries have been reported.

Ames, Ann & Hope, Hambleton & Carr, and Value City department stores nationwide sold the gates from March through April 1999 for about $15.