A $60 chest sold exclusively at Kmart has been recalled as a tip-over hazard, the Consumer Products Safety Commission announced.
The action is the latest of more than a dozen recalls of unstable bedroom clothing storage units in the past two years. They have not involved Home Furnishings Association members.
“The recalled chests are unstable and can tip over if not anchored to the wall, posing serious tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in death or injuries to children,” the CPSC said in a news release.
The units are Essential Home Belmont 2.0 four-drawer chests, which come in four colors. They are about 30 inches high and 28 inches wide. Nearly 20,000 units were sold by Kmart stores and online at Kmart.com from March 2018 to April 2020 for approximately $60, the CPSC said.
The chests were manufactured by Moveis K1 LTDA, of Brazil and imported by Sears Holdings Management Corp., of Hoffman Estates, Ill.
Anchor it, or keep it away from children
“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chests if they are not properly anchored to a wall and place them in an area that children cannot access,” the CPSC said. “For chests purchased on or after February 11, 2019, contact Transform to receive a free anchoring kit and upon request, a one-time, free in-home installation of the wall anchor kit. For chests purchased before February 11, 2019, contact Transform to receive a free anchoring kit.”
Customers can call Transform at 800-659-7026 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CT Monday through Friday. Or, they can find more information here.
The HFA urges its members to:
- Only sell products that meet applicable voluntary industry safety standards published by ASTM International.
- Make sure to give customers purchasing clothing storage units covered by ASTM safety standards appropriate tip-restraint kits and instructions for using them.
HFA also supports a mandatory safety standard, which currently is being developed by the CPSC. A mandatory standard would help remove unsafe units from the market.
Responsible furniture retailers do not want to sell products that may pose safety hazards for children.
If you are not a member of the Home Furnishings Association, consider joining and adding your voice to ours as we engage with our government for actions that will help your business succeed.
