April 23, 2003
Panasonic is recalling aabout 64,000 cordless power tool battery packs. The battery packs can detach from the power tool unexpectedly and strike the operator or a bystander. Two such incidents have been reported.
Only battery packs manufactured between May 1, 2001 and Nov. 20, 2002, with model numbers EY9230, EY9136, EY9231, EY9200, EY9106 and EY9201 stamped on the top of the battery pack are included in this recall. The battery pack is black and yellow.
The units were sold at home improvement, hardware and mail order outlets nationwide. Battery packs were sold in the Panasonic Cordless Power Tool kit and separately as an accessory pack and replacement battery for the power tools. The battery packs cost between $150 and $400 (with kits) and between $50 and $100 (individually).
Consumers should contacct Panasonic Consumer Electronics, (800) 833-9626 between 9 a.m. and 8 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm's Web site at Panasonic.com/cordlesstools.
The recall is being conducted in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC).
