Two chests of drawers sold by Kirkland’s have been recalled because of safety concerns.
“The recalled chests are unstable if they are not anchored to the wall, posing serious tip-over and entrapment hazards that can result in death or injuries to children,” the Consumer Products Safety Commission said it a recall notice Aug. 28. “The dressers do not comply with the performance requirements of the U.S. voluntary industry standard (ASTM 2057-17).”
Kirkland’s will refund the purchase price or install tip-restraint devices, according to CPSC.
This is a significant action, which should alert Home Furnishings Association members not to sell clothing storage units that fail to meet the ASTM standard.
No accidents were reported
Two Kirkland’s products are recalled: black wash mirrored chests and six-drawer Camille chests. Both products were made in China from medium-density fiberboard. The mirrored chest, imported by The Design House of Nashville, Tenn., has five drawers. It stands 35 inches high and weighs 47 pounds. Its stock-keeping unit number (SKU) is 177373. The Camille chest, imported by The Crestview Collection of Memphis, Tenn., is 36 inches tall and weighs 75 pounds. Its SKU number is 145191. SKU numbers can be found on the Kirkland’s price label attached to the back of the furniture hangtag.
The recall was triggered by CPSC testing, Kirkland’s said. No accidents or injuries were reported.
CPSC warned, “Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled chests and place them in a room away from children.” Approximately 3,000 of the chests were sold for about $200 each from January 2016 to May of this year.
Kirkland’s offers more information on its website here, and a video showing how to install tip-restraint devices.
HFA urges mandatory standard
The Home Furnishings Association urges its members not to sell clothing storage units that do not meet ASTM safety standards. HFA also has urged CPSC to set a mandatory standard for furniture stability.
CPSC has not said what products it is testing for stability, but the Kirkland’s action should warn retailers that any unit they sell that doesn’t comply with the ASTM standard is subject to recall without notice.
Many HFA members are leaders in addressing this important safety issue. HFA members will speak on this subject at the American Home Furnishings Alliance Regulatory Summit Oct. 2 in Colfax, N.C.
