Concern over fire risk from recalled products (From Bucks Free Press)

Concern over fire risk from recalled products

3:50pm Thursday 14th March 2013 in News By Pete Grant

POTENTIALLY dangerous electrical equipment could be putting Bucks residents at risk of fire after a worryingly low number of returns from recalled products.

The Electrical Safety Council found that on average, only five to ten per cent of items recalled for safety purposes are taken back to stores.

Buckinghamshire Fire and Rescue Service is supporting a campaign to raise awareness of the dangers of such products after 238 Bucks house fires were caused by electrical appliances in 2011/12.

Head of protection David Priest said: “Continuing to use an electrical product that has been recalled can be very dangerous, as electrical faults are a common cause of house fires in Buckinghamshire.

“Electrical appliances are commonplace, yet we all have a responsibility to use them safely, in accordance with the manufacturer’s guidance.”

To combat the problem, The Electrical Safety Council has launched an online tool that will allow users quickly and easily to discover if they own an electrical product that has been recalled.

The widget, at www.esc.org.uk/recall allows users to enter a model number, brand name or description of a particular item, and if the product has been recalled, will advise on what to do next.

Council spokesman Emma Apter said: “We know that returning a recalled product is not always convenient, especially if it’s an item that you use every day, but recall notices are issued to keep consumers safe.

“The small inconvenience of returning a recalled item is worth it when you consider that faulty products can electrocute or cause a fire.”