Published
Minister responsible for Fair Trading Victor Dominello today announced a Government recall had been issued to Samsung regarding six top loader washing machine models.
The machines, of which more than 144,000 were sold nationally between 2010 and 2013, have been found to pose a fire risk.
Mr Dominello said consumers should be mindful of the potential dangers associated with the affected model machines.
“Don’t wait until it is too late. It is time for consumers to take action and check the model numbers of their Samsung top loader washing machines,” he said.
“If a consumer does have an affected machine, they should only use it if they are present or nearby to monitor it and contact Samsung to arrange a free inspection and repair. If a consumer notices any smoke or smell coming out of the machine, they should turn it off at the power point.”
While a voluntary recall has been in place since 2013, warning consumers of the dangers of the affected machines and providing a free in-home repair, both the NSW Government and Samsung remain concerned by the number of consumers that have not taken part in the recall to date.
To prevent further incidents occurring, it is essential that anyone who has one of these machines contact Samsung and organise to have it repaired.
Under the terms of the Government recall, Samsung will repair machines on-site in consumers’ homes. The reworked machines meet the safety requirements of Australian Standards and are independently certified following repair.
Under the Government recall, Samsung will also continue to provide significant reporting to Fair Trading about incidents, progress of repairs, and standard of technicians’ work. The company will continue its advertising and promotion campaign about the recall.
The move to a Government recall is a strong signal of the commitment to continuing efforts to get any affected machines repaired.
“The previous 'voluntary’ recall may have led some people to think it was optional to take part - far from it. Affected consumers need to take action and have their washing machine inspected and repaired,” Mr Dominello said.
Fifty-one percent of the affected models in NSW have already been inspected and fixed by Samsung as part of the voluntary recall; however, there are still incidents occurring involving machines that are yet to be inspected.
Machines that are yet to be inspected by Samsung pose a fire risk as moisture may penetrate electrical connectors within one area of the machine causing a fire hazard.
Model name and number details can be found on the back of the washing machine. Affected models are:
SW75V9WIP/XSA
SW65V9WIP/XSA
SW80SPWIP/XSA
WA85GWGIP/XSA
SW70SPWIP/XSA
WA85GWWIP/XSA
If people are uncertain whether their machine is one of those in the recall they should contact Samsung to get help. Free inspections of affected machines can be booked by calling Samsung on 1800 239 655 or by visiting www.samsung.com.au/washingmachinerecall.
For more information on the recall or for photographs of the six models visit the NSW Fair Trading website.
Important safety recall information is available at http://www.recalls.gov.au/