Toxic and scalding Coles oil heater recalled

May 15th, 2012

A Dome branded oil heater has been recalled from Coles Supermarkets for potentially causing scalding and burns.

According to the ACCC’s Recall Notice, the heater is being recalled due to a potential safety hazard: units may rupture when turned on, allowing hot oil to spray out causing potential scalding and burns.

The Dome 5 Fin Oil Heater (JY-1000XLb), which is supplied by HE Group, has been distributed nationally by Coles Supermarkets from February 2012 to May 2012.

A report last week stated that the heater had been initially recalled for possibly emitting a sickening smell.

However, an upset consumer by the username ‘Samantha’ has left a comment on the online report saying that she was affected by the heater.

“This heater ruptured in my children’s room at 3am this morning – if my son didn’t wake up they would be dead right now. My house is toxic and full of chemicals with a 4 week old baby. Considering legal action.”

Meanwhile, the Recall Notice has said that no injuries have been reported and that no other Dome branded products sold in Coles are affected.

The affected batch number can be identified on the base of the oil heater: batches 111210, 111220, 111231 or 120106.

The Recall Notice has said customers should immediately stop using the unit and disconnect it from the power supply before returning it to a Coles Supermarket. A full refund of the purchase price will be given to affected consumers.

Consumers have also been encouraged to call HE Group for more information on this toll-free service number: 1800 079 124.

Keri Algar

Having once had to sit on the washing machine to stop it from bouncing into oblivion, Keri is today delighted with the new (smoother running) technologies that make housework easier every day. A self-confessed lazy-bones, Keri seeks out quirky inventions that ease the human workload, such as the robotic vacuum cleaner (wow). And as soon as someone figures out a Jetsons-like self-cleaning house, she will happily lay her pen to rest and retire from appliance journalism. Until then, her pick is a fridge that will tell her smartphone when it's time to pick up more beer on the way home. Magic.