Recalled TV Carts Linked To Deaths Of Three Children

Luxor Workspaces and the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission have announced a recall of over 85,000 carts used for audiovisual equipment—the kind often seen in schools for wheeling out large TV sets. The carts can tip over and have caused the deaths of three children, according to the CSPC.

“Consumers should stop using the recalled carts immediately and contact Luxor for a free repair. Luxor will provide metal ballast kits, which should be installed by the consumer to the lower shelf of the cart to add stability and weight,” the CSPC said in a statement.

The TV cart manufacturer will also provide new labels for the carts warning that objects over 25 pounds shouldn’t be placed on the carts, which have wheels on the bottom.

“New warning labels cautioning consumers to place no more than 25 lbs. on each shelf will also be provided. Consumers should attach these warning labels on each shelf,” the CSPC continued.

The carts have been linked to the deaths of three children between 2006 and 2016, according to a press release from the CSPC, and at least one serious injury. The children were crushed by large CRT TV sets, the kind that are no longer commonly purchased in the U.S. with the rise of flat-screen TVs but can still be present in homes and schools.

The carts have been sold since at least the early 1980s and have more recently been available for purchase at online retailers like Amazon, 123Stores and Grainger. The carts sell for between $125 and $250.

The model numbers for the recalled carts include the WT42 “Tuffy” plastic cart; the W42/AVJ42/SS-AVJ42 metal cart; and the LP-DUO/TPDUOEQ plastic cart. The CSPC has a full list of the model numbers along with how to identify each at its website.

“Luxor and Stand Steady AV carts are safe when used as intended and in accordance with the company’s operating instructions and warning labels. This has been the case since we first sold these carts in the early 1980s,” Luxor Workspaces President Paul Roche said in an emailed statement.

“Luxor is conducting a voluntary recall in partnership with the CPSC to help further ensure the safety of our AV carts – especially if a cart is loaded with a CRT ‘box’ TV and used in a location in which children may be present. The few reported accidents occurred when children were left unsupervised near an AV cart that was holding a CRT TV,” Roche continued.

The recall includes both the U.S. and Canada and any consumers with questions are encouraged to visit Luxor’s website, which includes a section on frequently asked questions and information on how to get the ballast repair kits.

“It is important to note that here have been no recorded incidents involving these carts and children since 2016, which may be linked to the fact that CRT TVs have mostly been replaced by much lighter, newer model TVs,” Roche said.

“Most of our AV carts are sold to businesses and institutions where children are not present,” Roche added.