08/03/2020
Kitchen Appliances

In 2018/19 Buckinghamshire Fire & Rescue Service attended 20 accidental house fires where a kitchen appliance such as a washing machine, tumble dryer, dishwasher or fridge freezer was the source of ignition. Increasingly the appliance catching fire has already been recalled by the manufacturer.
What NOT To Do

- Do not use washing machines, tumble dryers or dishwashers overnight or when you are out of the house. A fire risk can be posed by their high wattage, friction and motors
- Do not ignore product recalls or safety notices, they are highlighting a known safety issue to you
What TO Do

- Check whether your kitchen appliances have been recalled or a safety notice has been issued for them on the Electrical Safety First product database
- Register your kitchen appliances with manufacturers so that you are notified of any future recalls or safety notices
- Be aware that you can register kitchen appliances that you have not owned from new as you are still eligible to be notified of recalls and safety notices
- Always use your kitchen appliances in line with the manufacturer’s guidance
- Maintain your appliances by removing lint from tumble dryers, or periodically vacuum behind appliances to stop dust from building up
- Do not block or cover vents or any other openings on kitchen appliances
- If your tumble dryer has a ventilation pipe, ensure it is free of kinks and is not crushed in any way
- Ensure you have working smoke alarms on each level of your home and test them every month
- Consider requesting a Home Fire Safety Visit to review fire precautions within your home and receive additional advice and guidance
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