DECEMBER 2020
     

Carbon monoxide fears

ACCC renews warning of potentially
deadly water heaters fitted to RVs

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AUSTRALIA'S consumer watchdog has renewed its warning to caravanners that they could be using deadly water heaters in their RVs.

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission said that under certain conditions some Suburban-branded heaters which can operate on gas or electricity could become lethal.

"They may produce unsafe levels of carbon monoxide when gas is used to generate the heat," it said.

To date, only 210 units have been modified or scheduled for inspection and the supplier would like to encourage greater consumer response to the recall, the ACCC said.

The affected model numbers are the SW6DEA, SW6DA, SW4DEA, SW4DA, SW4DECA, SW6DECA and SW6PA with serial numbers between 181315552 and 193002648 and 8183311827 to 8190201139.

They were manufactured between April 4, 2018 and August 1, 2019.

"Carbon monoxide poisoning can cause death, and exposure for a short amount of time can lead to serious injuries," the ACCC explained.

"Carbon monoxide has no smell and is unlikely to be detected. It is also highly flammable and can explode on contact with a spark or flame."

More than 18,000 of the heaters has been sold, but only only 210 have been modified or scheduled for inspection.

The Gas Technical Regulators Committee, with the ACCC's help, is raising awareness of the need for repair of thousands of water heaters.

"Do not use the affected water heaters in gas mode under any circumstances," ACCC deputy chair Delia Rickard said.

"It's especially important to check your caravan's water heater as soon as possible if you plan to go away during the summer holidays.

"It only takes a minute and it could save the lives of your loved ones.

"We are concerned that a large number of deadly heaters remain in caravans and RVs because owners have not yet contacted Coast to Coast for an inspection.

"Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure has recalled these heaters due to the serious hazards they present. Owners should not take this issue lightly and act quickly."

Owners can check if their heater is affected by opening the exterior access door to the hot water service and checking the model and serial number located on the right hand side.
They should then enter the serial number at the Coast to Coast website.

"Anyone with an affected water heater should urgently contact Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure on 02 9645 7685 who will arrange for a licensed gasfitter to inspect their water heater free of charge," Ms Rickard said.

Consumers will not have to cover any costs related to the supply and installation of the new water heater, or any required associated work, such as the modification of cavity and gas and/or water lines.

Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure will check every unit to ensure the water heater is properly installed and if needed, will replace the unit through a licenced gasfitter free of charge.

Consumers who experience difficulties obtaining a timely remedy should contact Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure, their state or territory gas regulator or the ACCC online.

Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure issed a recall for water heaters on November 15, 2019, due to their serious safety hazards.

A total of 18,139 have been sold across all states and territories in Australia, mostly installed in caravans and RVs by caravan and motorhome retailers.

Gas regulators have been working with Coast to Coast Caravan and Leisure to identify a suitable safe replacement water heater.

Replacement models initially proposed by Suburban, the overseas manufacturer, also failed testing but a safe model was finally produced and approved for use in July, 2020.

Remediation could not commence until the Gas Technical Regulators Committee was satisfied of the safety of the replacement units.

The supplier then needed to import sufficient units from the US manufacturer, at a time when their supply chains were impacted by the pandemic situation.

The supplier has advised that stocks of replacement units are now in hand and they are keen to get remediation happening quickly.
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