MILLIONS still at risk from ‘killer’ tumble dryers as government is accused of ignoring faulty appliances
MP Andy Slaughter believes Whirlpool should tell customers to stop using ‘potentially deadly’ machines
MILLIONS of families are still being told to use potentially 'killer' tumble dryers, despite warnings being issued in Australia to those with machines with exactly the same fault to stop using them.
Later today MPs will debate in the House of Commons about whether the government needs to intervene and order firms who have faulty machines to take them out of service if there is a risk of fire.
The debate has been spurred on by a fire in a flat which ripped through an 18-storey high rise in Shepherd's Bush caused 100 families to be evacuated.
Over 120 firefighters were called to fight the blaze.
Tumble dryers made by Whirlpool have been linked to fires in 750 homes since 2004, according to research by Which?.
The company is in the process of replacing or repairing 4.3million potentially faulty machines - under the brand names Indesit, Hotpoint, Creda and Proline - across the UK after finding a safety defect in October last year.
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The machines can be dangerous because excess fluff can catch in the heating element and cause a fire.
More than 810,000 machines have been repaired or replaced since October last year, leaving more than three million households still at risk.
While UK customers wait for a repair or replacement from Whilrpool has instructed them that they can continue to use faulty machines as long as they are not left unattended.
However, this is not the case in Australia where customers who have machines with exactly the same fault as those in the UK are told to ‘cease using the product immediately’.
In an adjournment debate today Andy Slaughter, MP for Hammersmith, will urge the House of Commons to take action immediately.
He will also question whether Whirlpool should issue different safety advice in Australia and ask Margo James, MP for Stourbridge to urge Whirlpool to change its advice to customers ‘as a matter of absolute urgency’.
MP Andy Slaughter told The Sun Online: ‘My constituent followed Whirlpool’s instructions to the letter and her home and those of her neighbours were destroyed.
“If the manufacturers won’t act, the government must do so to stop the use of these potential killer machines in our homes.’
It follows calls from the London Fire Brigade and Electrical Safety First for Whirlpool to change its advice to customers.
London Fire Commissioner Ron Dobson, speaking after the Shepherd's Bush tower block fires, said: ”If my kitchen had one of the recalled goods in it, I would unplug it straight away and stop using it until it has been checked and repaired.
“The speed with which the fire took hold shows how dangerous a faulty tumble dryer can be and that’s why we are calling for Whirlpool to urgently change their advice to consumers.
“The flat’s occupants had a terrifying ordeal. The kitchen quickly became smoke logged and thankfully they noticed the smoke and quickly left the flat and called the Brigade. This decision could have saved lives.
“If you have an appliance is subject to a safety or recall notice or you think there is something wrong with it our advice is simple. Unplug it immediately and contact the manufacturer or a qualified repair technician.”
Emma Apter, head of communications from Electrical Safety First, told The Sun Online: “It’s great to see an MP looking for answers on what is proving to be a very problematic issue.
“Given the number of high-profile fires caused by electrical appliances that should have been removed entirely from homes and the marketplace, there is a very strong case for Government action to reinforce consumer rights regarding product recalls and push for a robust and mandatory system for product registration.”
A spokesperson from Whirlpool told The Sun Online: “The safety of consumers is our number one priority and we are committed to doing everything we can to ensure that the tumble dryer modification programme is carried out in a safe and timely manner."
Is your machine on the faulty list?
If you bought a Hotpoint, Proline, Creda, or Indesit dryer between April 2004 and October 2005 then you need to check if it's faulty.
You can do this by locating the serial code and model number (found on the back of the dryer) into the online checkers at or .
Non-affected machines will have a green sticker on the inside of the dryer door or reverse of the machine.
Affected customers can also call 0800 151 0905 for the UK or 1800 804320 for Ireland.
Do you have a faulty tumble dryer? Tell us: [email protected]