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Public Told How to Prevent Range-Tipping Accidents
 Over the past couple of months, the Association of Home Appliance Manufacturers (AHAM) has been working to increase public awareness that free-standing or slide-in gas and electric ranges, if not installed correctly, can tip forward when too much pressure is put on the range top or on an open door. As a result, injuries such as scalds or burns, or even fatalities, can occur, and young children and the elderly are especially vulnerable.
While there are few range tipping incidents per year, the association says that these accidents can be prevented by installing the anti-tip device provided with the range.
AHAM says that its range manufacturers adhere to all safety and stability requirements set by the U.S. safety organizations, including UL. As part of these safety requirements, manufacturers provide with every new range an effective and reliable anti-tip device that can be installed easily.
According to AHAM, if recommended installation guidelines are followed by properly installing the anti-tip device, the range will not tip.
The anti-tip device provided by manufacturers will work in all new kitchen range situations, AHAM says, and it is urging consumers to check that the device is in place by looking under the range to see if it is on the floor (possibly affixed to the rear leg of the range) or by gently pulling the back of the range to see if it pulls off the floor.
“If the consumer believes that the anti-tip device is not installed, they should call their installer or place of purchase to request that the anti-tip device be installed,” AHAM advises. “If consumers do not have an anti-tip device, they should contact the manufactures to obtain an appropriate device for their particular product.”
All AHAM members that manufacture ranges will provide an anti-tip device free of charge if one is requested. Consumers should have the model and serial number available when calling the manufactuer. The serial tags providing this information can be found at the edge of or inside the oven door.
For a list of manufacturers and their contact information, click here.
AHAM tells consumers only to use ranges and other appliances for the tasks they were designed to perform. Other safety recommendations include:
- Make sure the proper anti-tip device is installed correctly. If you are remodeling your kitchen, buying a new range or building a new home, make sure the installer uses the anti-tip device provided by the manufacturer. Contact your range manufacturer, your appliance dealer or an authorized servicer for information and assistance.
- Always keep the range door closed when not in use.
- Never use the door as a step stool, seat or a support for body weight or other objects.
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