recall reminder for faulty bathroom heaters prone to fires
Recall reminder for faulty bathroom heaters prone to fires
3:28 pm today
www.rnz.co.nz...
The Serene S2068 model that was recalled last year due to a manufacturing defect. Photo: Supplied / WorkSafe
Households are being urged to check their bathroom heaters to ensure they're not a recalled model that has caused numerous fires.
This time last year the Ministry of Business, Innovation and Employment (MBIE) issued a compulsory recall for a specific model of Serene heaters, warning of a significant risk to lives and property.
Since then 16,000 heaters have been decommissioned, but MBIE estimates there are still thousands in operation in Kiwi homes.
MBIE spokesperson Ian Caplin said the recalled heaters have caused 19 fires, including two after the recall notice was issued.
"That's 19 fire events too many, they're obviously very dangerous.
"They've been recalled but it is something where there are plenty of them about so we would urge people to check if they've got them. If they've got them, switch them off."
Caplin said MBIE estimates there are approximately 28,000 Serene S2068 heaters still in properties across the country.
"Technically it is a criminal offence to use them because they are prohibited from use.
"They're considered by the regulator to be so unsafe that it's not just an offence to supply and sell them, it's an offence to switch them on."
He said anyone who discovered they had a recalled heater should switch it off and get it professionally disconnected by an electrician or the supplier it was bought from.
"We know over Christmas there were two fires because of these heaters, and as the heaters get older and the known issues inside them get worse, and as we get into colder months, we are likely to see more and more fires occur."
MBIE had been working with Master Electricians to improve the information available around the recall, both to New Zealand households and to the electricians and suppliers who were undertaking the recalls.
"We have also discussed the recall with the Insurance Council who have advised that a fire that occurs from these heaters may not be covered by your home insurance if you do not act on the recall guidance, so keeping them in your homes not only risks lives, but your savings too," Caplin said.
"We've heard from our overseas counterparts that they only see around 20 percent of the products returned when a recall is issued.
"The fact that we have almost 37 percent returned really highlights the work being done, but also the need for more people to make sure they are checking their bathrooms."
Find out more about how to check if your heater was included in the recall, what other models pose a risk, and what you can do if you have one of these heaters on the Consumer Protection website
Secure your homes over summer
Police are reminding people to keep their homes secure during the summer months.
Inspector Glenda Barnaby, Christchurch Area Prevention manager, says daytime burglaries are just as common as nightime burglaries.
“Burglaries can be committed at any time of the day, and coming into warmer months there is more opportunity for thieves."
"Although a majority of burglaries involve forced entry through windows and doors, we are starting to see more incidents at insecure premises. Police deal with cases where burglaries are committed in broad daylight, sometimes even while the victim is at home. Good weather means open doors and windows, which makes homes more vulnerable to burglars.”
Inspector Barnaby says there’s a few things people can do to reduce their changes of a burglary being committed.
⚠️ If you’re going outside for gardening, relaxing in the sun, or working in the garage, take a moment to lock your doors and secure your windows first.
⚠️ Do the same at night when you go to bed - keep your doors and windows secure and close your curtains. Fitting window stays means you can get a breeze coming through, while keeping your windows secure.
⚠️ Get to know your neighbours - let them know if you’re going away and look out for one another.”
If you see any suspicious activity, people or vehicles in your neighbourhood, don't hesitate to contact Police.
If you witness or suspect any illegal activity, please call 111 if it is happening now, or make a report through 105 either online or over the phone, if it is after the fact.
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72.7% We work hard, we deserve a break!
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16.3% Hmm, maybe?
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11% Yes!
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90.2% Yes
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9.8% No
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