Electrical Fire Safety Week
This Electrical Fire Safety Week, Electrical Safety First are raising awareness about the fire risks associated with white goods.
Last year 1,140 accidental electrical fires involving common household white goods, such as tumble dryers and washing machines, occurred in areas across England – the equivalent of three fires per day.
Electrical Safety First have provided some tips below on how to safely use the white goods in your home…
Washing Machines
· When purchasing a washing machine, think about how much it will be used. A large capacity washer should be considered for frequent bigger loads.
· Try to avoid leaving a washing machine running during the night or when you are out, and as you can’t supervise it throughout the cycle, make sure you have a working smoke detector.
· Never overload – take large or bulky items such as duvets to the dry-cleaners. Make sure to clean the filter regularly. Empty pockets before washing items and keep machine and door seal clear of items such as coins or buckles, which can weaken door glass, leading to them potentially shattering under constant heating up and cooling down.
· Washing machines should be turned off when not in use. If your washing machine begins making a strange noise, don't ignore it. If you think there might be a problem, always unplug it and contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair technician.
Refrigerator
· Always ensure that the area you are placing the refrigerator is free of paper or other flammable materials, and make sure there is enough room behind the refrigerator for air to circulate freely.
· Don’t connect a fridge to the electricity supply until all packaging has been removed.
· Never block the interior or exterior ventilation openings of the refrigerator.
· Make sure you don’t trap the mains cable beneath the fridge when putting it in position.
· Don’t use the fridge outdoors or anywhere it is likely to come into contact with the elements.
· Don’t place a refrigerator near cookers, radiators, or in direct sunlight, as this will result in it having to work harder to maintain the required internal temperature.
· Defrost your fridge at least once a year to ensure these appliances continue to work properly. Clean behind your fridge and freezer regularly to keep lint and dust from building up. Do not use a heater to defrost the inside of the fridge.
Tumble Dryer
· Never overload – take large or bulky items such as duvets to the dry-cleaners.
· Always allow each drying programme, including the "cool down cycle”, to complete fully.
· Don't stop the dryer before the end of the cycle unless all items are quickly removed, and the door is left open to dissipate heat. In this case, do not leave the appliance unattended until it has sufficiently cooled down.
· Leave clothes contaminated with combustible substances such as solvents, grease, oils or fats out of tumble dryers.
· Don't leave dryers, dishwashers and washing machines on overnight. If possible, unplug or switch off appliances at the socket overnight and when going out to avoid the risk of an electrical fault causing a fire.
Recalled Washing machines and tumble dryers
In December 2019 Whirlpool recalled Hotpoint and Indesit washing machines due to a fire risk. If yours was made between October 2014 and February 2018, then the advice is to unplug and not use it until a replacement or repair can be arranged. If you have one, or are unsure, call 0800 316 1442.
Some Whirlpool tumble dryers have also been recalled. We urge anyone who is unsure whether they are affected to check their machine - the affected models are Hotpoint, Indesit, Creda, Swan or Proline, made between April 2004 and September 2015. If you have one, or if you are unsure, please call 0800 151 0905 immediately. If it is confirmed that your tumble dryer is affected, you should immediately unplug it and not use it until it has been modified.
You can register your white goods at www.registermyappliance.org.uk to be the first to know of any safety repairs or recalls to the products that you own.