WASHINGTON, D.C. – The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with Black & Decker (U.S.) Inc., of Towson, Md., announced a voluntary recall of the Black & Decker Random Orbit Sanders because the black plastic disc (called the platen) that holds the sandpaper can fly off or break apart during use and the disc, or pieces of the disc, can hit the user or those nearby, posing a laceration hazard. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

The recall affects about 192,000 units sold at home center, hardware and discount stores and by authorized Black & Decker dealers nationwide from January 2007 through July 2009 for about $40. Black & Decker has received 73 reports of incidents involving the sanders’ black plastic disc breaking or falling apart, including 15 reports of injuries from flying pieces, one of which involved a serious facial laceration.

The recall involves Black & Decker random orbit sanders with model numbers RO400, RO400G, RO410K, RO410LW and FS3000ROS and date codes between 200701 and 200929. The sanders are orange and black. “Black & Decker” is printed on the sanders. The model number is printed on a label on the sander. The date code is stamped on the underside of the sander where the dust bag is inserted.

Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled sanders and contact Black & Decker for a free replacement platen to hold the sandpaper.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Black & Decker toll-free at (866) 220-1767 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday or visit the firm’s website at www.blackanddecker.com