The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Harper Trucks Inc., of Wichita, Kan., announced a voluntary recall of about 292,000 Hand Trucks.
Hazard: When the tires are overinflated, they can explode causing the wheel hub to separate or break, ejecting pieces of the hub. This poses an injury hazard to bystanders.
Incidents/Injuries: Harper Trucks has received 19 reports of overinflated tires exploding that resulted in 19 injuries, including broken bones, loss of sight in one eye, contusions and lacerations.
Description: This recall involves Harper Trucks hand trucks with model numbers and type of wheels listed below. "Harper Truck" and the model number can be found on an adhesive sticker on the hand truck frame's cross member. Hand trucks with two-piece, grey metal wheels are not included in this recall.
Manufactured in: China, United States, and Taiwan
Sold at: The Home Depot from September 2008 through March 2009 and Sam's Club from January 1993 through January 2002 for between $28 and $42.
Remedy: Consumers should stop using the product immediately and contact Harper Trucks for a free repair kit that includes either lock washers to secure the four bolts on the 3-piece, metal/chrome plated wheels or new design replacement tires for the 1-piece composite tires.
