Heater safety tips for a snug winter

June 6th, 2012

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Yesterday’s blitzkrieg-like storm in Sydney and up the Central Coast has served as a slap-in-the-face to many of who may have been in any denial that yes, it is definitely winter.

A drop in the mercury and howling winds encouraged many a Sydneysider to don scarves, Ugg boots, rummage in cupboards for hot water bottles and crank up the heater.

At the same time, the NSW Fair Trading Commissioner Rod Stowe reminded  people to check household heating appliances, electric blankets and hot water bottles before using them to warm up this winter.

“Gas and electrical appliances and products can pose a significant risk to life and property, if used in dangerous settings or ways,” he said. “Putting heaters too close to bedding or bringing external heaters into enclosed places has previously proved fatal for families in NSW.”

According to Stowe, this week several unapproved and unsafe gas and electrical products from Masri Brothers in Lakemba have been removed. 

Here are some heater tips from Fair Trading to keep you safe this winter:

• Do not place room heaters too close to furniture.
• Do not place clothing, furnishings, curtains and bedding too close to heaters.
• Do not allow children or pets to play, stand or sit too close to heaters. Supervise them at all times around heaters.
• Gas heaters must be certified and should be serviced every two years or in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions. If a gas heater produces a pungent odour, a sooty flame or the flame is yellow in colour, stop use immediately and get it serviced. Faulty or poorly maintained gas appliances can cause the production of carbon monoxide.
• Always have a source of fresh air entering the room when using a gas heater.
• Check electric heaters are free from dust and have intact power cords and plugs.
• Older style heaters with rusted reflectors or frames can cause hot spots and be a source of danger.
• When buying electrical products, check they carry the required safety approval mark. You can check these marks on the Fair Trading website.
• Only use appropriately licensed installers of fixed heating appliances. Do a licence check on the Fair Trading website or call 13 32 20.
• Electric blankets should be checked each winter for any faults or fraying cords.
• Only buy hot water bottles that carry the mandatory label: WARNING – Hot water bottles can cause burns. Avoid prolonged direct contact with the skin.
• Hot water bottles that are old, show signs of wear or are not used properly can burst or leak, resulting in severe burns. Ideally, buy new hot water bottles every winter.