Trading Standards raise tumble dryer safety awareness
Highland Council’s Trading Standards team and the Scottish Fire and Rescue Service are asking owners of certain tumble dryers to be sure they are aware of some important safety advice issued by a prominent white goods manufacturer.
Highland Council’s Trading Standards Manager, David MacKenzie explains:
“Certain tumble dryers manufactured between 2004 and 2015 under the brand names Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda are subject to a product safety recall because some of them have been linked to house fires. In rare cases excess fluff can come into contact with the dryer heating element and present a risk of fire. Many registered owners of the affected dryers have already been contacted by the manufacturer. However we are mindful of concerns that some owners are not aware of this issue. As a precaution we want to reach out those Highland consumers who don’t know about the safety recall to advise them how to get further information.”
Trading Standards are advising owners of Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda tumble dryers to visit the website www.hotpoint.eu/safety for further safety information and to register any affected device for a modification, or to telephone the special information number 0800 151 0905.
The manufacturer has reached the view that consumers may continue to use affected tumble dryers whilst awaiting the approved modification, subject to certain precautions such as regular cleaning of lint filters and avoiding overloading.
David MacKenzie added:
“We are aware that some fire brigades are asking consumers to take an even more cautious approach by not using the dryer at all until it is modified. We would urge owners of these tumble dryers to register any affected device, read the warnings issued by the manufacturer carefully and, if they choose to continue to use the machines before modification, to carefully follow the safety advice given.”
Scottish Fire and Rescue Service’s (SFRS) Prevention and Protection spokesman in Highland, Station Manager Graham Clark, said:
"I would like to stress to the public not to leave appliances such as washing machines, dishwashers or tumble dryers on while they are out of the house or in bed. Fires in such appliances can smoulder for some time and if undetected can develop into a serious fire."
The fire service is also encouraging householders to sign up for a free Home Fire Safety Visit and Join Scotland’s Fight against Fire.
As part of its commitment to building a safer Scotland SFRS offers everyone in Scotland a free Home Fire Safety Visit. SFRS can also fit smoke alarms free of charge if your home requires them.
It's so easy to arrange. You can get in touch in the following ways:
- complete our Home Fire Safety Visit form on www.firescotland.gov.uk/your-safety
- call 0800 0731 999
- text "FIRE" to 80800 from your mobile phone