Last year, 1,873 fires were caused by domestic electrical white goods such as dishwashers and fridge freezers in England, the equivalent of over five fires per day. The Electrical charity, Electrical Safety First's product checker, contains the details of electrical products that have been recalled since 2007. If you have searched for a product that you own and it is not listed, this means that it has not been recalled and should be safe to use. However we advise you make sure it is registered.
Commenting on demands for plastic-backed fridges to be removed from sale, Phil Buckle, Chief Executive of leading safety charity, Electrical Safety First, said: “Electrical Safety First has long argued for manufacturers of plastic backed fridge freezers – which can pose a significant fire risk and lead to large, rapidly developing fires - to use safer materials.
Non-combustible backs provide better containment of fire, whether that’s from ignition within the product or from an external source. “However, for many people – particularly those in vulnerable groups – getting rid of their old fridge freezer and buying a new one simply isn’t economically viable.
To provide immediate support for consumers, we have established a website (www.whitegoodsafety.com) to offer advice and help in using fridges and freezers. safely. “The charity is also working with the London Fire Brigade to make white goods safer. Together we are developing a new ‘voluntary mark’ to be used by manufacturers of fridges and freezers to demonstrate that they have been made from fire-resistant materials.”