Monthly Archives: March 2017

Landlords are reminded that around five million tumble dryers are a potential fire safety hazard, with a large number still waiting to be modified by the manufacturers.

One device has been blamed for a tower block blaze in Shepherd’s Bush, London, that took 120 firefighters to bring under control.  The fire was in a 18-storey building in August.

Afterwards, London Fire Brigade renewed its campaign to make white goods safer, and warned people not to use faulty tumble dryers which are awaiting modification.

The brigade said it believed a faulty Indesit tumble dryer was the cause.

There are believed to be 5.3m dryers made by Whirlpool brands Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda between April 2004 and September 2015 which are subject to a safety notice about fire risk, caused by excess fluff coming into contact with the heating element.

Dave Brown, London Fire Brigade’s director of operations, said:  “This fire has highlighted just how dangerous faulty white goods can be.  Thankfully, there were no serious injuries in the Shepherd’s Bush fire, but we may not be so lucky if it happens again”.

London Fire Brigade has advised people to unplug and stop using tumble dryers altogether that are subject to a safety notice.

Landlords should check tumble dryers in their properties.

Which? has advice about how to check whether a dryer is safe or not, and also lists 113 models that it knows to be affected by the safety alert.

See: www.which.co.uk/news/2015/12/113-hotpoint-indesit-and-creda-tumble-dryer-models-pose-fire-risk-426557/

In 2014, the British Standards Institution introduced a new set of requirements to address the child safety risks posed by blinds and curtains.

The rules mean that any blind installed with cords and chains must have breakaway connectors and cord and chain safety retainers.  The cords and chain must be kept at a minimum of 1.5 metres from floor level.

All new blinds and curtain tracks fitted by a professional must pass the new standard, meeting the necessary safety requirements and test methods.

These requirements apply to new blinds.  Existing blinds may not incorporate these safety features, but you can buy inexpensive cleats to tie up cords, chain-break connectors and cord tidies from blinds suppliers and some DIY stores.