For many years, glass covers on certain types of fireplaces have been a potentially serious, yet widely unrecognized safety hazard to people of all ages. Due to the fact that these glass covers can reach temperatures between 500° F and 1,000° F, it only takes a matter of seconds for an individual to become severely burned after touching the surface. If an individual falls into a glass fireplace cover, he or she will likely be seriously burned and scarred for life.
Glass covers on fireplaces present a serious product liability risk. In fact, over the past 15 years, more than 2,000 children (ages five and under) have suffered serious burns from the glass enclosures on gas fireplaces, according to FairWarning.org.
New Protective Fireplace Barrier Provides Increased Safety
Fortunately, new industry standards have just gone into effect. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports that as of Jan. 1, 2015, American National Standards Institute (ANSI) standards now require manufacturers to include a protective barrier on all new gas fireplaces.
In addition to the newly required protective fireplace barrier on all newly manufactured and sold glass covers, heaters designed to vent to the outside will also have to have this protective barrier. The protective barrier provides an increased level of safety so that children and adults will be less likely to come in direct contact with the scorching temperatures found on the surface of the fireplace’s glass cover.
Current owners of these types of fireplaces can purchase protective retrofit barriers such as an attachable safety screen, a safety gate or a fireplace safety screen. Those interested in purchasing an attachable safety screen are advised to check with the manufacturer of their fireplace to make sure they get the right size. Those who want to purchase safety screens can do so at most fireplace retailers or hardware stores. Safety gates can be purchased at a number of big boxes and baby product stores.
Injured by a Defective or Dangerous Product?
A product is potentially very dangerous or even deadly if it is defective due to a faulty design, mistakes in the manufacturing process, or a failure to include proper safety warnings and instructions.
If you or someone you love has been injured by a defective product, you may be able to pursue compensation for the injuries and loss you sustained. Determining liability in these types of cases is not a simple task. Hiring a skilled Corpus Christi products liability attorney will significantly increase your chances of proving liability and maximizing the monetary compensation you are eligible to receive under the law for your damages. Contact Herrman & Herrman, P.L.L.C., to find out how to get started.
Sources:
- FairWarning.org: Toddlers Suffer Severe Burns From Broiling Fireplace Glass, as Businesses Write Their Own Safety Rules
- Consumer Product Safety Commission: Protect Young Children from Burns on Glass Fronts of Glass Fireplaces – Use Protective Barriers
