What Is a Tilt Guard for a Stove?
It's a risk you may not think of in the kitchen, yet, an open range can tip and cause serious injury or death. Tilt guards, or anti-tip brackets and devices, if properly installed, prevent the range from tipping if a large amount of weight is placed on an open door, or if a child climbs on it. All new ranges come with a tilt guard or anti-tip device that will safely secure the appliance in place. Does this Spark an idea?
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Risks
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Manufacturers warn hot spills can occur when a stove tips. Range manufacturers have noted a couple of serious risks related to an open oven door. If the range has not been secured to the floor or wall, it can fall forward, like a lever. The range itself can fall on a young child or adult, which could cause serious injury or death. Hot items on the stove top could also spill, causing a similar outcome.
The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) reports, "From Jan. 1, 1980, through Dec. 31, 2006, CPSC staff is aware of 107 incidents associated with range tipovers. The incidents include 33 fatalities. Nearly half of the 33 fatalities (47 percent) involved children younger than 2 years of age. During this same time period, CPSC received reports of 84 injuries. The majority of injuries, regardless of age, were burns suffered when hot liquids spilled from the pots or pans that tipped when the range tilted."
Standards/Regulations
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In 1991, the American National Standards Institute (ANSI) and Underwriters Laboratories (UL) developed standards that require all ranges manufactured after that year to be capable of remaining stable while supporting 250 pounds of weight on their open doors. The International Association of Certified Home Inspectors Inc. recommends that its members inspect for anti-tip brackets on ranges, when completing a home inspection. If a bracket is not found, inspectors are advised to recommend that one be installed.
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Location
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Depending on the manufacturer, an anti-tip bracket can be mounted on the floor or on the wall. Brackets mounted to the floor allow the leg of the range to slide back into place, preventing it from falling forward. Brackets that have been installed on the wall slide into an opening in the back of the range.
Testing
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Homeowners or tenants who have moved into a home with an existing stove can easily check to see if an anti-tip bracket has been installed. If your range is electric, pull out the bottom drawer completely to expose the back feet. You should be able to see one of the feet in a bracket. You may need a flashlight for a better look.
A second way to tell will work on both gas and electric ranges. Remove all items from the top of the range before you begin. Take hold of the back of the range and tilt it toward you. If the bracket is properly installed, the range should not tilt more than 1 to 4 inches (depending on the make). If the range tilts easily upward, the bracket likely is not installed.
Ordering/Installing
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Anti-tip brackets can be purchased from manufacturers. Some manufacturers will provide them for free. Installation instructions are included with bracket kits in new ranges, or if kits have been ordered separately. Some appliance parts stores will also carry the brackets as part of their regular stock items. Installation takes approximately 30 minutes. If you are unsure about properly installing your bracket, it's best to contact a trained professional, particularly for gas ranges.
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References
Resources
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