CPSC, Safety 1st Announce Recall To Replace Model #177 Bed Rail And Flashlight

WASHINGTON, D.C. - In cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Safety 1st, of Chestnut Hill, Mass., is offering to replace approximately 191,000 of its Model #177 Bed Rail and Flashlight. The bed rail's support bars may separate from the rail, if not firmly locked in place, allowing children to fall from the bed. The Model #177A is not being replaced.

Safety 1st has received more than 50 reports of injuries, including bumps, cuts and scrapes and 2 fractures, that resulted from children falling from bed when the support arms separated. The bed rail's support arms may appear locked in place when they are not. The model #177 Bed Rail and Flashlight, recommended for children ages two through five, consists of a 42" wide white plastic bed rail that attaches to two blue plastic support bars, or gripper arms, that fit between a bed mattress and box springs. The support bars have hinges so that the bed rail can be folded down and out of the way. A red plastic removable flashlight is attached to the top of the bed rail. Safety 1st will replace consumers' Model #177 with its new Model #177A.

The Model #177 was sold nationwide from January 1994 through June 1995 in juvenile product stores and chain discount stores for approximately $20.00. The blue plastic support bars of the #177A bed rail, sold since March 1995, have a large caution statement molded in the top of each support bar: "Caution: Be certain support arm snaps firmly and securely into hinge bracket prior to use. Do not disassemble!" Additionally, the Model 177A support bars permanently attach to the rail hinge with a snap-in feature.

Consumers who own Model #177 Bed Rail and Flashlight, without the caution statement, should call Safety 1st toll free at (800) 366-1282 between 9:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. EST for instructions on how to return the product and obtain a replacement Model #177A Bed Rail and Flashlight, which can be folded, but not disassembled.