SaferProducts incident

Failure type

Fire / ignition

Incident narrative

SaferProducts.gov consumer incident report 20120820-38688-2147464541. Severity: Incident, No Injury. Product: husqvarna 455 rancher 20 inch chainsaw (Husqvarna 455 rancher 20 inch chainsaw). Incident: Husqvarna 455 rancher chainsaw, 20 inch bar and chain, approximately 5 years old, during routine use with brand new husqvarna chain. While cutting, chain departed bar, unbroken, was ejected rearward, struck crankcase of chainsaw, punctured gasoline reservoir, approximately 3/16 to 1/4 inch diameter hole, with resultant gas pouring out of running, hot, chainsaw. Chance of fire, explosion, and injury or death is significant in this circumstance. I telephoned consumer support line at husqvarna, spoke with [redacted] on 20 august at 1930 hours. He took no name or contact info. Suggested I might return to store where I purchased it to "see if they would do something," or take it to a local dealer, presumably for repair. I indicated during my initial contact with him that it was not a warranty claim nor request for repair location, but a concern about safety about which I hoped the company would be concerned, perhaps wish to see the saw, etc. When I reiterated that he suggested I send a letter to the "corporate office," and provided their mailing address. I asked if there was a department or person to whom to address it, and he said "safety.". I will write such a letter but have little confidence in their interest in a fire/explosion hazard based on their representative's lack of enthusiasm to record any details, ask if I was injured, get a call back number, or offer to pass along my concern. [redacted]