CPSC, thyssenkrupp Access Settle Home Elevator Lawsuit

The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and thyssenkrupp Access Corp., (TKA) based in Grandview, Missouri, have settled an administrative lawsuit CPSC filed in July 2021 involving home elevators sold to dealers between 1996 and 2012, CPSC announced on September 14. CPSC observed there have been three incidents, including one fatality, involving children becoming entrapped in the space between the exterior door and the elevator car door in these elevators. As part of the settlement, TKA is recalling the elevators, providing free inspections and, if necessary, free installation of safety devices known as space guards at no charge to customers. “The settlement of this matter does not constitute a determination by the Commission, or an admission by TKA, that the elevators contain a defect or present a substantial product hazard,” CPSC stated. Approximately 16,800 such elevators for two-stop landings were manufactured and distributed by TKA, Access Industries and National Wheel-O-Vator through 2012.