Component Failures Result in the Recall of Over 80,000 Step Stools

Cinnaminson, NJ, November 5, 2012

Last month, the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) announced the recall of approximately 84,000 step stools that were sold exclusively at The Home Depot.  According to the CPSC release, the top step/standing platform can break, posing a fall hazard to consumers.  The step stools were sold from April 2012 through August of this year.

The CPSC release states, “The recalled products are Easy Reach by Gorilla Ladders 3-Step Pro Series step stools, model number HB3-PRO. The step stools have three plastic steps, a steel tubular frame and a plastic-molded tool holder. The model number is located on the underside of the middle step on a blue label. The label also states that the step stools are rated to support 225 lbs. Recalled step stools have a “J” stamped into the underside of the top step and/or the underside of the tool holder.”

The step stools were manufactured in China and the U.S. importer has received reports of the product breaking.  Product failures like this can result in injuries and be extremely costly to manufacturers and distributors.  When a part failure comes to light, it is important that the root cause of the failure be quickly investigated and understood.  One company that has extensive experience in this field is EMSL Analytical, Inc.

At EMSL, the company provides a wide range of material testing, characterization and forensic laboratory services.  “EMSL’s Materials Science Division helps clients develop solutions to challenges in manufacturing, quality assurance, and research and development,” reported Joe Frasca, Senior Vice President, Marketing at EMSL.  “These types of product recalls, which may have resulted from material or design failures, happen far more frequently than many people may suspect.  EMSL’s research scientists can help product manufacturers, distributors, and retailers test products before they go to market or identify the root cause of problems if they have already occurred,” he continued.

EMSL’s laboratory is supported by Ph.D. scientists and a broad array of instrumentation that can apply a full spectrum of standard and customized analyses including elemental and chemical, structural, particle, surface, contaminant, mechanical, failure, and bio-effectiveness to projects.  To learn more about materials testing services, please visit www.EMSL.com, call (800)220-3675, or email info@EMSL.com .

About EMSL Analytical, Inc.
EMSL Analytical is a nationally recognized and locally focused provider of environmental and materials testing services and products to professionals and the general public.  The company has an extensive list of accreditations from leading organizations as well as state and federal regulating bodies.

Contact Information

Joseph Frasca

Senior Vice President of Marketing

EMSL Analytical

(1) 1-800-220-3675

jfrasca@emsl.com