Range Tipover Safety Alert

The CPSC says a range anti-tip bracket can save you or your child from serious injury or death. For 2006 through 2008, the CPSC estimates a yearly average of 1,700 appliance-related instability and tipover injuries were treated in hospital emergency departments. That figure covers appliances in general, not only ranges.

For 2000 through 2008, the CPSC received reports of 13 deaths linked to instability and tipover of stoves, ovens and ranges. Many of those deaths involved children younger than 10 years old. This matters to any home with a stove and a child.

What Is the Hazard?

A range can become unstable and tip over. The CPSC links this to injuries and deaths, and many of the reported deaths were children. The CPSC also warns about children using an open oven door as a step to reach tempting items, such as cookie jars, placed near the range.

Voluntary safety standards for gas and electric ranges call for manufacturers to supply anti-tip brackets with new ranges. The bracket only helps if it is installed and the range is held securely by it.

What Should You Do?

1. Check that your range has an anti-tip bracket. The bracket should be attached securely to the wall or floor. The range should be held securely in the bracket.
2. Install an anti-tip bracket if your range does not have one. Make sure your range is properly engaged in the bracket.
3. If the safety hardware was not provided or installed, contact the range manufacturer. Ask if your range model should have an anti-tip bracket. The CPSC says some manufacturers will send a replacement bracket at no charge.
4. Do not leave children unsupervised in the kitchen.
5. Turn pot handles inward when cooking.
6. Move tempting items, such as cookie jars, away from the range. This keeps children from using an open oven door as a step to reach them.
7. Do not place heavy food or other items on an open oven door.
8. Do not push down on an open oven door. Do not use it as an assistive device to stand.

Source:https://www.cpsc.gov/safety-education/safety-guides/kitchen/range-tipover-safety-alert