P&M Worm Probes Found Hazardous; Electrocution Risk Cited In CPSC Order To Halt Manufacture And Sale Of Worm Probes
P&M Worm Probes Found Hazardous; Electrocution Risk Cited In CPSC Order To Halt Manufacture And Sale Of Worm Probes
Recalling Firm: P&M Enterprises
Motivo del Retiro / Peligro
TranslatedElectrocution/Electric Shock
Descripción del Producto e Identificación
TranslatedJuly 26, 1991 Release # 91-099 PandM Worm Probes Found Hazardous; Electrocution Risk Cited In CPSC Order To Halt Manufacture And Sale Of Worm Probes WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has determined that the "WORM GETT'RS," an electric worm probe made by PandM Enterprises of Caldwell, Idaho, presents an electrocution hazard and may no longer be produced or sold. In a lengthy decision and Order issued on July 17, 1991, the Commission unanimously upheld the decision of Administrative Law Judge Paul J. Clerman that the PandM "WORM GETT'RS" was defective. The product, which is used to shock worms out of the ground, can expose users and passers-by to a lethal dose of electricity. The worm probe draws full line voltage, 110-120 volts, to its two, six, or 12 bare metal shafts. The Commission found that by touching the exposed shafts, or even by contacting the ground in the vicinity of the probe, consumers could be shocked or electrocuted. Twenty-eight persons, most of them children, have died using "functionally equivalent" worm probes. The Commission ordered PandM to refrain from manufacturing the product, offering it for sale, distributing it, or importing it into the United States. The agency directed its staff to work with PandM to notify the public of the hazard and to warn consumers against further use of the worm probe. Because the owners of PandM have declared bankruptcy, and lack the resources to conduct a recall campaign, the Commission did not require the firm to recall the hazardous probes. PandM can elect to appeal the Commission's decision to a Federal court. The CPSC has taken this action as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The CPSC is a Federal agency responsible for consumer product safety. Some 15,000 different types of products fall under the Commission's jurisdiction and each year these products are involved in an estimated 28.5 million injuries and 21,600 deaths
Productos Afectados
TranslatedWorm Gett'rs electric worm probes
Additional Source Details
| Field | Value |
|---|---|
| U R L | https://www.cpsc.gov/Recalls/1991/PM-Worm-Probes-Found-Hazardous-Electrocution-Risk-Cited-In-CPSC-Order-To-Halt-Manufacture-And-Sale-Of-Worm-Probes |
| Title | P&M Worm Probes Found Hazardous; Electrocution Risk Cited In CPSC Order To Halt Manufacture And Sale Of Worm Probes |
| Hazards › Name | Electrocution/Electric Shock |
| Products › Name | Worm Gett'rs electric worm probes |
| Products › Type | Worm Probes |
| Products › Category I D | 2239 |
| Recall I D | 5105 |
| Recall Date | 1991-07-26T00:00:00 |
| Description | July 26, 1991 Release # 91-099 PandM Worm Probes Found Hazardous; Electrocution Risk Cited In CPSC Order To Halt Manufacture And Sale Of Worm Probes WASHINGTON, DC -- The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) has determined that the "WORM GETT'RS," an electric worm probe made by PandM Enterprises of Caldwell, Idaho, presents an electrocution hazard and may no longer be produced or sold. In a lengthy decision and Order issued on July 17, 1991, the Commission unanimously upheld the decision of Administrative Law Judge Paul J. Clerman that the PandM "WORM GETT'RS" was defective. The product, which is used to shock worms out of the ground, can expose users and passers-by to a lethal dose of electricity. The worm probe draws full line voltage, 110-120 volts, to its two, six, or 12 bare metal shafts. The Commission found that by touching the exposed shafts, or even by contacting the ground in the vicinity of the probe, consumers could be shocked or electrocuted. Twenty-eight persons, most of them children, have died using "functionally equivalent" worm probes. The Commission ordered PandM to refrain from manufacturing the product, offering it for sale, distributing it, or importing it into the United States. The agency directed its staff to work with PandM to notify the public of the hazard and to warn consumers against further use of the worm probe. Because the owners of PandM have declared bankruptcy, and lack the resources to conduct a recall campaign, the Commission did not require the firm to recall the hazardous probes. PandM can elect to appeal the Commission's decision to a Federal court. The CPSC has taken this action as part of its mission to protect the public from unreasonable risks of injury and death associated with consumer products. The CPSC is a Federal agency responsible for consumer product safety. Some 15,000 different types of products fall under the Commission's jurisdiction and each year these products are involved in an estimated 28.5 million injuries and 21,600 deaths |
| Recall Number | 91099 |
| Manufacturers › Name | P&M Enterprises |
| Last Publish Date | 2015-01-21T00:00:00 |
Consumer Action Protocol: What You Should Do Immediately
Safety StepsCheck the model number, serial number, and date stamp on the rating label on the back or underside of the product.
Immediately discontinue using the product. Unplug electrical items and keep juvenile items out of reach of children.
Under statutory consumer protection rules, consumers are entitled to a full refund, certified replacement, or free repair kit without needing the original sales receipt.
If you suffered an injury, illness, or property damage from this product, file an official incident report with regulatory authorities (CPSC).
Your Legal Rights as a Consumer
Recalls are legally binding corrective safety actions overseen by statutory government bodies. Recalling entities are legally prohibited from charging consumers for official safety remedies. If a retailer or dealership refuses your recall remedy, notify the issuing regulatory agency immediately.
Frequently Asked Questions About This Recall
FAQ GuideQ1:What should I do immediately if I own or bought P&M Worm Probes Found Hazardous; Electrocution Risk Cited In CPSC Order To Halt Manufacture And Sale Of Worm Probes?
Immediately stop using the product and keep it out of reach of children. Disconnect power if electrical, and do not attempt makeshift home repairs.
Q2:Can I get a full refund or free repair for this recall?
Yes. Recalling manufacturers and retail merchants are required under consumer protection regulations to offer a statutory remedy—typically a full refund, certified repair kit, or replacement unit.
Q3:Do I need my original sales receipt to claim a remedy or refund?
In most recall cases, no receipt is required. Because safety recalls are matters of public health and statutory compliance, retailers and manufacturers routinely issue refunds, store credit, or replacement kits upon presentation of the affected product or lot code.
Q4:Where can I verify official information for this safety alert?
This safety alert is aggregated directly from official regulatory agency records (CPSC). You can click the 'Official Agency Alert' link on this page to view the primary government notice and contact the manufacturer directly.
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