Canterbury Fire and Emergency say firefighters attended two separate house fires in Christchurch over the last 24 hours — both involving bathroom heaters that have been banned by WorkSafe.
In March last year, retailers voluntarily recalled the Serene S2068 model of wall mounted bathroom heaters after a manufacturing defect caused fires and overheating events.
WorkSafe issued a prohibition of sale and use notice on the Serene S2068 heaters following a spate of similar fires last year.
In a post online, Fire and Emergency New Zealand said the latest incidents were a “timely reminder” to check the bathroom heaters in your home.
Anyone who had a Serene bathroom heater was urged to check whether it was the recalled S2068 model.
The model number was located on a sticker on the top side of the heater, and could be difficult to read.
Fire and Energency said: “If you have this heater, do not use it.”
“Serene S2068 heaters are unsafe. Testing has found these heaters are non-compliant with safety standards. A series of fires and overheating incidents are associated with these heaters,” the agency said.
WorkSafe said there was a significant risk of people being seriously harmed or property being damaged through use of these heaters.
“If it is installed in your property, get an electrical worker to make it safe by isolating it from the electrical supply, or contact your landlord to arrange this, and they can dispose of it safely,” FENZ said.
If your heater is a Serene model S207T or S2069, Energy Safety considered there was a low risk from continued use. However, if there was an unusual smell or noise from the heater, it shoudl nto be used and an electrical worker should be contacted to check it.
Bathroom heaters required a vacuum from time to time to remove dust buildup. Also, bathroom heaters should not be left running when the bathroom was not in use.