It is nearly two years since tumble dryer manufacturers launched a massive fire safety repair campaign following reports of faulty tumble dryers catching fire. However, there are still fears that some tumble dryers are still vulnerable. Whirlpool a large manufacturer of domestic appliances embarked on a national repair campaign in Spring 2016 but a new government report suggests that the company has not done enough to rectify the situation and that there are still over one million tumble dryers in the UK at risk of fire.
received necessary modification
Main causes of fires in Whirlpool dryers are by fluff catching on heating elements and defect in door mechanism
The House of Commons committee heard that only approximately 50% of an estimated 5.3 million affected dryers have received have received the necessary modification. Since 2004 there has been, nationally, at least 750 tumble dryer fires. The main causes of fires in Whirlpool dryers are by fluff catching on heating elements and a defect in the door mechanism.
If there is anyone whos own an affected brand – Hotpoint, Indesit, Proline and Creda – sold in the UK from April 2004 and September 2015, they must contact Whirlpool to check if their tumble dryer needs repairing by calling the helpline number given on their official website.
soak up flammable liquids
If the tumble dryer is not one of the above affected brands it is still important to ensure that the tumble dryer is not at risk from catching fire.
Listed below are some simple preventative steps to take:
- After every use always clean the fluff filter.
- Every six months vacuum the areas where fluff builds up and check the external vent. If a user has a condenser dryer, they should also clean the condenser unit at the bottom of the machine.
- Once a year remove and check the vent pipe for fluff.
- Never leave the tumble dryer running overnight.
- Always keep it well ventilated.
- Never dry items such as rags that have been used to soak up flammable liquids such as alcohol.
The Firetrace fire suppression systems
Firetrace’s fire suppression systems provide a simple, easy to fit solution to prevent any fire from escalating. The solution uses a linear pressurized detection tube which is heat sensitive. Should the tubing sense heat or flame, it will rupture and the resultant pressure loss will open a pneumatic valve and deploy extinguishant via fixed diffusers.
The system is both affordable and more reliable than electronic based systems as there is no need for batteries or electrical power. Firetrace provides systems to companies and organizations across the UK. Further information on how Firetrace can protect a user’s tumble dryer is available at the company’s webpage. The team is also available on call to resolve any doubts regarding the same.