Fair Trading Deputy Commissioner Steve Griffin is urging NSW residents to be vigilant about heating appliance safety and do regular maintenance and checks, consistent with manufacturer recommendations.

Mr Griffin said both gas and electric home heaters could cause fires and injury if not properly used and maintained.

“Each year about 4,500 residential fires occur in NSW, with 30 per cent occurring in winter months,” he said.

“Death can result from the improper use and maintenance of gas and electric home heaters.

“Gas appliances require regular servicing because:

• a burner in a space heater can become blocked with dust or lint and then soot up the heat exchanger and flue passageways,
• air filters, air passageways and fans can become blocked or limited by lint and dust, leading to overheating and burner problems, and,
• safety controls can wear out or fail.

“As gas appliances age, these problems can become critical.

“Annual service for gas water heaters and space or central heaters is recommended, especially after the first few years.

“Always follow the manufacturer’s service plan. Keep a note on the appliance of the service date.”

Mr Griffin said all gas appliances must be certified before they can be sold or used in a home.

“The Gas Supply (Gas Appliances) Regulation 2004 prohibits the sale of uncertified gas appliances and penalties of up to $2,750 for an individual and $11,000 for a company apply,” he said.

“The Gas Supply (Safety and Network Management) Regulation 2008 makes it an offence to install or connect an uncertified gas appliance and penalties of $2,200 apply.

“Currently the Australian Gas Association (AGA), SAI Global and IAPMP R&T Oceana and Global Mark are authorised to certify natural gas appliances for sale in NSW.

Suppliers of natural gas appliances should ensure all appliances are approved and carry the certifiers’ approval mark.

“Approval marks for gas appliances can be checked online.”

Mr Griffin said a correctly functioning gas appliance would have a blue flame.

“If your gas appliance is producing a pungent odour, or there is a sooty flame, or the flame is yellow in colour, stop using the appliance and have it serviced immediately,” he said.

“You should always use a licensed gas fitter to service your appliance. Online trade licences can be checked at this website or call 13 32 20.

“You should also always have a source of fresh air entering the room where the appliance is being used.”'Mr Griffin said consumers should check electric heaters for any damage to the appliance, the power cords and plugs.'

“All dust that may have gathered during storage should be removed and all ventilation holes should be cleared of obstructions,” he said.

“Any damage should be repaired by an electrician.”

Mr Griffin said appliance manufacturers were required to provide ‘how to use’ instructions with their products.

“Always read the instructions and follow them when using the appliance,” he said.

“During operation, maintain a safe distance between heaters and furniture, curtains, tablecloths and bedding. Do not sit on the heater unit.

“Check that room wall vents are not blocked by dust and debris and if you have central heating, have the unit serviced according to the manufacturer’s specifications.”

Mr Griffin said electric room heaters must be approved prior to sale and marked with an approval mark.

“Consumers should check to ensure their electric heaters are approved,” he said.

“The approval mark indicates the appliance was manufactured to a high standard and passed stringent testing.”

Mr Griffin said all electrical goods sold in New South Wales must meet the requirements of the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 and regulations.

“This legislation covers safe electrical appliances and other electrical goods, with 56 categories mentioned,” he said.

“Examples of acceptable electrical safety approval marks are available online.

“Overseas approval marks are not acceptable in Australia.

“Retailers are required to ensure these goods carry the appropriate safety labels and NSW Fair Trading inspectors visit retailers throughout NSW regularly to ensure only approved appliances are for sale.

“Penalties of up to $82,500 and/or two years imprisonment for an individual or sole trader and $825,000 for a corporation can be given for breaches of the Act.”

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