An interim ban has been ordered on the sale of portable LPG cabinet heaters in NSW while a safety inquiry is undertaken to determine if they should be banned permanently.

LPG cabinet heaters are portable heaters designed to be connected to a liquid petroleum gas container with a capacity of up to 9 kilograms.

Fair Trading Deputy Commissioner Steve Griffin said the NSW Fire Brigades had raised safety concerns about outdoor cabinet heaters after a house owner was unable to turn off the heater at the shut-off valve.

“The matter has been referred to the NSW Products Safety Committee to determine if the heaters meet Australian safety standards,” he said.

“Under the Fair Trading Act 1987 a product can be prohibited or its supply restricted if it is found to present unacceptable hazards and is likely to cause injury or death.

“One of our major concerns is that the heat could cause the bottle to vent and ignite the escaping gas.

“We are also concerned about the labelling of the appliance and its description as a room heater.

“Consumers are advised to stop using these heaters immediately.”

Mr Griffin said LPG appliances of this type should never be used indoors and especially in small and enclosed rooms.

“Fair Trading is treating this matter very seriously as portable LPG heaters are widely available on the net, through ebay and some retail stores,” he said.

“I urge consumers to contact the NSW Products Safety Committee and share their concerns and feedback.”

Further details of how to make a submission can be obtained by contacting Graham Humphreys on (02) 9895 0321.

The inquiry will close on 1 September 2010.

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