Weightlifting Bars Recalled by York Barbell Co. After Reports of Units Breaking

WASHINGTON , D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed.

Firm's Recall Hotline: (800) 358-9675
CPSC Recall Hotline: (800) 638-2772
CPSC Media Contact: (301) 504-7908 

Name of Product: Olympic Weightlifting Bars

Units: About 3,300

Manufacturer: York Barbell Company Inc., of York, Pa.

Hazard: Due to a defect in the sleeve mechanism, the bar can break under the pressure of significant weight, which could injure consumers and by-standers.

Incidents/Injuries: York Barbell has received two reports of bars breaking under the pressure of significant weight. No injuries have been reported.

Description and Models: This recall involves all 7' Int'l Hard Chrome 1000 lb. and 1500 lb. test Olympic bars with model number 32012 and 32013, 7' Int'l Black Oxide 1000 lb. and 1500 lb. test Olympic bars with model number 32020 and 32021, 7' International Men's Olympic Needle-bearing bars with model number 32010 and 6 ½' International Women's Olympic Needle-bearing bars with model number 32011. The bars have split sleeves and YORK is printed on the sleeve assemblies of each bar.

Sold at: Fitness wholesalers and retailers nationwide from November 2005 through July 2006 for between $200 and $500.

Manufactured In: China

Remedy: Consumers should stop using the recalled bars immediately and return them to York Barbell for a full refund.

Consumer Contact: For more information, contact York Barbell Co. at (800) 358-9675 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m. ET Monday through Friday, or visit the company's Web site at www.yorkbarbell.com