TP 14566 – Public Notice
Child Restraint Systems
2010-P05 E
November 3, 2010
Road Safety
Information: 1-800-333-0371
Manufacturer:
Britax Child Safety, Inc.
13501 South Ridge Road
Charlotte NC 28273
U.S.A.
Tel: 704-409-1700
Fax: 704-409-1710
Website: www.BritaxUSA.com
Consumer Contact:
1-888-427-4829
Media Contact:
Demetra Bernard 704-409-1687
Model and Model Numbers Affected:
Chaperone E9L95P2, E9L95P3 and E9L95P5
Dates of Manufacture:
April 1, 2009 to May 31, 2010 inclusive
Number of Units:
2,350
Geographic Distribution:
Across Canada
Issue:
Britax Child Safety, Inc. has informed Transport Canada of a potential safety defect with respect to breakage of some of their chest clips manufactured for the Chaperone infant restraint. The resin used in the manufacturing process of the chest clips was incorrectly processed which resulted in a more brittle chest clip. Although the chest clip is not a regulated component of children’s restraint systems, due to the number of complaints received by the company in the United States, Britax is recalling the chest clip.
Safety Risk:
In the event of breakage, the sharp edges of the chest clip could injure an infant. In addition, one complaint received by the company stated that a fragment of a chest clip was found in the mouth of an infant. Therefore, there may be a risk of choking if a fragment of a chest clip was ingested.
Background and Company Action:
Britax Child Safety, Inc. is issuing a voluntary recall of this product in both the United States and Canada. The company has replaced approximately 400 chest clips in response to consumer requests. There have been three reports of scratches and one report of a fragment being found in the mouth of an infant. All four of these complaints originated in the United States. Transport Canada has received no related reports of chest clip breakage or injury to an infant as a result of this defect.
Once the problem was identified, Britax Child Safety, Inc. changed the material used in the chest clip. The company has tested the new chest clip and the company is satisfied with its performance.
Consumer Recourse:
To identify if the chest clip is subject to the recall, flip the chest clip over and look for a moulding stating "PC" (polycarbonate plastic). If such moulding is present, then contact the company. If the moulding states "POM" (polyoxymethylene plastic) then the chest clip is not affected by the recall.
All owners of affected Chaperone infant restraints should contact Britax Child Safety, Inc. at their toll free number (1-888-427-4829) or visit www.ChaperoneSeatRecall.com to receive, free of charge, a new chest clip, as well as installation instructions. Restraints that are still with retailers will be retrofitted prior to sale.
Until the repair kit is received, Britax Child Safety, Inc. recommends that the Chaperone infant restraint can continue to be used, but urges parents and caregivers to regularly verify that the chest clip is intact.
Transport Canada: 1-800-333-0371
Release Date: November 3, 2010