Household goods presenting fire risks feature prominently in recent recall and safety alerts issued by Health Canada.

The President’s Choice Cordless Glass Electric Kettle sold more than 16,000 units over the past 2.5 years through the Loblaws chain of retailers, but is now recalled because the handle of the kettle could detach from the body. A resulting spill of hot contents could pose a burn hazard. Consumers are advised to stop using the product. Health Canada’s bulletin advises consumers to contact President’s Choice with a proof of purchase for a full refund. However, most consumers are unlikely to retain their proof of purchase for a relatively inexpensive household appliance.

Another unexpected source of burn hazards is the Rexair LLC Rainbow vacuum cleaner, recalled because the circuit board can spark. The Health Canada notice advises consumers to stop using the product, and to contact an authorized Rainbow distributor to arrange for a “simple repair that addresses the identified potential risk.” More than 4,820 units of this product were sold in Canada over the past year.

Another source of fire hazards could be your Christmas tree, if you own a Home Accents Artificial Christmas Tree. This product was recalled because its foot-petal controller may overheat. Slightly more than 5,000 units were sold in Canada, starting in September 2019, imported by Home Depot. Health Canada’s notice instructs owners to contact Willis Electric Co. for a replacement controller.

The fitness-minded should be aware of three other interesting product recalls. Consumers should immediately stop using Domyos Pilates Balls because the balls can suddenly burst. More than 6,000 units of the product has been sold over the past 2.5 years, through distributor Decathlon Canada.

Coolmore 12-foot Super Bounce trampolines with enclosure and fibreglass ladder have been recalled because T-connectors can become loose and disengage, creating a risk of injury. Consumers should contact Hart Stores to get replacement connectors.

While all bicycles pose some “fall hazard” risks, a number of Rocky Mountain aluminum bicycles sold from 2018 to 2020 pose additional risks because the front triangle of the frame can crack. Affected consumers should contact a Rocky Mountain Bicycles retailer for a replacement frame.

Health Canada’s online database is searchable, which is important because no guarantee exists that a Health Canada recall notice will make products disappear from store shelves or web sites.

Health Canada also provides a number of Twitter feeds, email notifications and mobile apps to help consumers stay aware of recalls and warnings. There is a Consumer Product Incident Report Form for consumers who have experienced health or safety incidents.

Consumers who may be worried safety regulators are not giving product safety problems the attention they deserve can also share their experiences online at the Consumers Council of Canada homepage.