Thermal safety valves recalled due to potential gas explosions and fires

Monday, November 1st 2004, 12:50 pm

By: News On 6

WASHINGTON (AP) _ Robertshaw Controls Co. is recalling 123,544 gas valves and 37,350 magnet heads used in commercial cooking equipment because the gas valve can stick open if the pilot light goes out, allowing gas to continue to flow and posing the risk of fire or explosion, the Consumer Product Safety Commission said Monday.

There have been 12 reports of flash fires, including 9 reports of people being burned, the commission said.

The Robertshaw TS-11 Thermal Safety Control Gas Valves are used in commercial cooking equipment with pilot lights, including fryers and warming trays. The valves and the magnet heads were assembled in Mexico and sold by food service equipment dealers between February 2003 and August 2004 to commercial food service providers, such as restaurants. The recalled products carry date codes 0306 through and including 0432.

Consumers should have the appliance examined by the gas company or a qualified technician. The company will arrange for free repair or replacement of the recalled gas valves. Consumers can call 800-232-9389 from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. CST Monday through Friday.

The TS-11 gas valve with different manufacturing dates and a different hazard was recalled in 2002, the CPSC said.