Seven finger amputations lead to generator recall, officials say. Here’s what to know

A nationwide recall of a certain brand of generators has been issued after officials said several people reported the devices injured their fingers to the point of amputation.

Generac and DR 6500 Watt and 8000 Watt portable generators have “an unlocked handle [that] can pinch consumers’ fingers against the generator frame when the generator is moved, posing finger amputation and crushing hazards,” according to a recall notice from the U.S. Consumer Protection Safety Commission.

Seven people had their fingers amputated as a result of their injuries and one person’s finger was crushed, the agency said Thursday.

About 321,160 units in the U.S. and another 4,575 units in Canada have been recalled.

The units were sold at “Ace Hardware, Amazon, Blain’s Farm & Fleet, City Electric Supply, Costco, Do it Best, Fastenal, Home Depot, Lowe’s Stores, Napa Auto Parts, Northern Tool & Equipment, Orgill, Power Equipment Direct, Ravitsky Bros., True Value, and W.W. Grainger from June 2013 through June 2021,” the notice reads.

“Consumers should immediately stop using the recalled portable generators, unless the locking pin has been inserted to secure the handle in place before and after moving the generator, and contact Generac for a free repair kit,” according to the agency.

You can contact Generac at 844-242-3493 — or at www.generac.com/handleguard and www.generac.com.

This story was originally published July 30, 2021 at 3:44 PM with the headline "Seven finger amputations lead to generator recall, officials say. Here’s what to know."