Published
New South Wales Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe is urging consumers not to use electric hot water bottles, also known as electric heat packs, that are being recalled after a South Australian woman suffered serious burns when one of these products ruptured.
Mr Stowe said the SKYLA Brand electric hot packs are being recalled nationally following negotiations between NSW Fair Trading and the supplier Havenhall Pty Ltd.
“These products are designed to be connected to electric power to heat up liquids contained within the bladder of the heat pack with the aid of electrodes,” he said.
“It is distressing to learn someone has been badly injured while using this product.
“The woman suffered serious burns to her torso when the product burst open.”
Mr Stowe urged consumers to stop using the product immediately.
“We want to make sure that the message is reaching consumers that the products should be returned to the place of purchase for a full refund,” he said.
“Consumers who purchased the product online should contact Havenhall Pty Ltd on 02 9316 9810 between 9am-5pm or via info@havenhall.com.au
“Consumers should also check the Recalls website www.recalls.gov.au for further information.”
Mr Stowe said the manufacturer Havenhall Pty Ltd is based in NSW and is the majority supplier to the Australian market of the heat packs. The company has worked with Fair Trading on the current voluntary recall.
“Fair Trading raised serious safety concerns over these electric hot water bottles in April this year,” he said.
“That resulted in a Prohibition Notice being issued and the supplier being ordered to undertake testing of the safety to prove the safety of its products.”
This is the second warning about these products issued by Fair Trading. The previous public warning was issued on 15 April 2014.
All electrical goods sold in NSW must meet the requirements of the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004. It is an offence to sell unsafe electrical goods.
The maximum penalty for selling, importing, hiring or exchanging unmarked or unapproved electrical goods is $82,500 and up to two years imprisonment for an individual or $825,000 for a corporation.
To check electrical approval marks go to Fair Trading website.
Follow Fair Trading on Facebook at: http://www.facebook.com/FairTradingNSW and Twitter at: http://twitter.com/NSW_FairTrading
Electric hot water bottles
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