Simpson Dura-Vent Recalls Fireplace Dampers Due to Carbon Monoxide Poisoning Hazard

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Name of product: DuraTech Anchor Plate with Damper and DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Damper

Units: About 500

Manufacturer: Simpson Dura-Vent Company Inc., of Vacaville, Calif.

Hazard: When the consumer attempts to open/close the damper, it can become stuck in its current position. In addition, some of the dampers were assembled backwards and are set to the closed position when the consumer attempts to open the damper. Both pose risk of carbon monoxide poisoning to the consumer.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves DuraTech Anchor Plates with Dampers and DuraChimney II Anchor Plates with Dampers. The products are intended for use as a starter section for chimneys in fireplace applications. The dampers allow the chimney to be closed when the fireplace is not in use. Each damper is a short sheet metal vent pipe fitted with a circular damper plate within the vent pipe, and attached to a square anchor plate. The damper plate rotates around an axis rod to control the flow of air through the vent pipe. The damper plates have a weight attached to one side, and a chain attached to the other side. When installed in a fireplace application, the square anchor plate is generally not visible.

The DuraTech Anchor Plate with Damper was manufactured in five sizes, as follows:

Dura-Vent Product Description / Dura-Vent Product Number
10" diameter DuraTech Damper / 99142
12" diameter DuraTech Damper / 99242
14" diameter DuraTech Damper / 99342
16" diameter DuraTech Damper / 99442
18" diameter DuraTech Damper / 99542

The DuraChimney II Anchor Plate with Damper was manufactured in four sizes, as follows:

Dura-Vent Product Description / Dura-Vent Product Number
10" diameter DuraChimney Damper / 10DCA-APD
12" diameter DuraChimney Damper / 12DCA-APD
14" diameter DuraChimney Damper / 14DCA-APD
16" diameter DuraChimney Damper / 16DCA-APD

Sold by: Dura-Vent distributors to fireplace/chimney contractors and by installers to home builders nationwide from January 2007 through May 2008 for between $100 to $150, depending on the model and size.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should ensure that their damper is in the open position when the fireplace is in use. Consumers or distributors with defective fireplace dampers should contact Dura-Vent to schedule a free repair. The remaining unrepaired recalled dampers were distributed in Washington and California. Consumers and distributors whose dampers were previously inspected and repaired do not need to schedule an additional inspection.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, consumers can contact Simpson Dura-Vent at (866) 860-7908 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. PT Monday through Friday, or visit the firm's Web site at www.duravent.com

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