Published
NSW Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts is urging consumers to check their oscillating fan heaters following a voluntary national recall of two brands of heaters due to the risk of fire and injury.
Mr Roberts said the Home Collection 2000W Oscillating Fan Heater Model No NFE20O and the Abode 2000W Oscillating Fan Heater Model No NFE20O, have been sold Australia wide through Woolworths and Big W since March 2011.
“The problem with these products is a potential safety hazard caused by incorrect assembly where wires may come into contact with the heating element,” he said.
Mr Roberts said a NSW Fair Trading investigation into a fire involving one of the heaters identified a manufacturing fault and prompted the voluntary recall.
“NSW Fair Trading has been advised 5,083 Home Collection and 3,340 Abode appliances have been sold in NSW and a total of 15,192 appliances across both brands have been sold nationally,” he said.
“Customers are asked to immediately stop using the affected heaters and return the products to any Woolworths Supermarkets or BIG W store for a full refund.”
For further information, customers should call Woolworths Toll-free Customer Service 1800 103 515 or BIG W Toll-free Customer Service 1800 251 311. A recall notice from Woolworths and Big W is appearing in all major and many regional newspapers across the country today and tomorrow. The fault can cause smoke, fumes and fire.
Mr Roberts said the suppliers did the right thing in acting swiftly to remove the products from their supermarket shelves.
“Thankfully no injuries have been reported to date,” he said.
“Voluntary recalls play an important role in product safety by minimising the risk to consumers. By working closely with government, manufacturers and sellers of electrical goods can ensure the removal or rectification of unsafe products sold to the public.”
Under the Australian Consumer Law, a supplier is obliged to recall consumer goods immediately they become aware the goods may cause injury, do not comply with a safety standard or are banned. When a supplier initiates a recall, they must notify the Commonwealth Minister within 48 hours of recalling the goods. Failing to do so is breaking the law. For more Australian product recall information visit www.recalls.gov.au
Mr Roberts said that with many parts of the state experiencing cold conditions, families needed to be extra vigilant about the safe use of heating and electrical appliances.
Essential safety tips for heaters: Do not place heaters too close to furniture, bedding or clothing. Do not allow children or pets to play, stand or sit too close to heaters.