Whirlpool Changes Safety Advice on Tumble Dryers
But manufacturer's move 'too late' for residents hit by last year's fire
Tumble dryer manufacturer Whirlpool has changed its safety advice to customers following action by trading standards and a campaign by Which? calling for action.
A tumble dryer made by Whirlpool was confirmed by investigators to be the cause of last year's year's blaze in Shepherd's Court on the Charecroft Estate, south of Shepherd's Bush Green.
The blaze which spread to five floors in the 18 storey building caused extensive damage, shown in the picture above. Tumble dryers have now been linked to a total of 750 domestic fires.
London Fire Brigade confirmed an Indesit tumble dryer, a brand owned by Whirlpool was believed to have caused the fire last August.
Now the company has told users to immediately unplug the machines.
Whirlpool had been accused by Which? of dragging its feet in dealing with the problem.
Its change of heart came on Wednesday, after the company received two enforcement notices from Peterborough trading standards – where Whirlpool’s UK head office is based.
Which? is now asking people to sign a second petition, calling for the Government to urge Whirlpool to recall all faulty tumble dryers.
Further information can be found on whether any further steps need to be taken here:
You can also call a dedicated freephone helpline on 0800 151 0905
"This is too little too late for our residents, but it is a positive step," said Cllr Sue Fennimore, H&F Cabinet Member for Social Inclusion. "The question needs to be asked why this action was not taken when the risks were already known, and before the home-destroying and life-threatening fire in Shepherds Bush last August.
"We will only be fully satisfied when Whirlpool comply with the London Fire Brigade's total recall campaign to make white goods safer, and there are improvements to the national products safety system."
London Fire Brigade's Total Recalls campaign is calling for changes that will make white goods safer and stop fires like this ruining lives. You can find out more about the campaign here.
You can find out if your product is subject to a product recall or safety notice here.
If it is, London Fire Brigade's advice is to stop using it immediately.
March 6, 2017