NSW Fair Trading has issued a public warning to consumers to avoid using four heaters that have failed to pass an important safety test.
The warning applies to consumers who own any of the following four identified heater models:
- Regency i31 supplied by Fireplace Products Australia Pty Ltd;
- Regency F38 and FG38 supplied by Fireplace Products Australia Pty Ltd and the F38 and FG38 models branded and supplied by Masport prior to 2006 (excluding LP models);
- Real Flame Pyrotech (manufactured from 2012) supplied by Glen Dimplex Australia Pty Ltd; and
- Nectre 2000 (manufactured from 2007) supplied by Glen Dimplex Australia Pty Ltd.
Consumers are warned not to use the heaters until they have registered with the supplier for the heaters to be tested and modified by a licensed gas fitter.
All four models failed safety tests organised by Energy Safe Victoria in response to the death of a person linked to a Vulcan Heritage open flued gas space heater and a subsequent Coronial Inquest in Victoria.
Fair Trading said that due to the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning for users, it was essential for consumers who owned the above-mentioned heaters to register with the supplier and have the heater tested and modified by a licensed gas fitter.
Consumers with the Regency i31, Regency F38/FG38 or Masport F38/FG38 heater models should contact Fireplace Products Australia at [email protected] or call 1800 860 660.
Consumers with the Real Flame Pyrotech or Nectre 2000 should contact Glen Dimplex Australia at [email protected] or call 1300 014 389.
Fair Trading said the circumstances that could lead to carbon monoxide entering a building were complex.
“Among the contributing factors are well-sealed energy efficient houses and the operation of exhaust fans and kitchen range hoods,” it said.
“If the house is well sealed (with little ventilation) and the heater is running at the same time as an exhaust fan (e.g. a kitchen range hood or a bathroom fan), carbon monoxide can be drawn into living areas.”
