Caravans and recreational vehicle (RVs) owners are being urged to check for dangerous ‘Suburban’ branded water heaters which may emit deadly carbon monoxide.
Fair Trading NSW said the Suburban Recreational Vehicle water heater could operate using electricity or gas and could produce unsafe levels of carbon monoxide when used in ‘gas mode’.
“Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause death, and exposure for a short amount of time can lead to serious injuries,” Fair Trading NSW said.
“Carbon monoxide has no smell and is unlikely to be detected,” it said.
“It is also highly flammable and can explode on contact with a spark or flame.”
Fair Trading NSW said Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure had recalled the heaters due to the serious hazard they presented.
Deputy Chair of the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Delia Rickard said people shouldn’t use the affected water heaters in gas mode under any circumstances.
“It’s especially important to check your caravan’s water heater as soon as possible if you plan to go away during the summer holidays,” Ms Rickard said.
“It only takes a minute and it could save the lives of your loved ones,” she said.
Ms Rickard said people could check if their heater was affected by opening the exterior access door to the hot water service, checking the model and serial number located on the right hand side and entering the serial number into the Coast to Coast website.
She said consumers would not have to cover any costs related to the supply and installation of a new water heater, or any required associated work, such as the modification of cavity and gas and/or water lines.
The Coast to Coast website can be accessed at this PS News link.
