3,000 affected gas cookers still not located
- NCA re-issues urgent gas cooker alert
- Serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning which can be fatal
- Approx 3,000 affected cookers still to be located
- Certain models of the following gas cookers require URGENT modification:
- Flavel
- Leisure
- Beko
- New World
6 December 2009
The National Consumer Agency (NCA) today issued a further appeal to locate over 3,000 gas cookers which, in certain circumstances, can cause carbon monoxide poisoning.
For specified makes and models of gas cooker, with a separate oven and grill, operating the grill with the grill door closed can cause extremely dangerous levels of carbon monoxide to be produced, which can cause serious injury or death.
Arising from a media campaign on this issue in October, considerable progress has been made with almost 2,500 additional cookers located. However, 3,000 cookers, representing 40% of affected cookers sold, have yet to be located.
Ann Fitzgerald, Chief Executive of the NCA, said: "Despite strenuous efforts by the Agency and the cooker companies, almost 3,000 affected cookers sold since 2003 have not been located.
"There have been at least six deaths to date in the UK and Ireland linked to this issue and we remain very concerned that so many affected cookers have not yet been located.
"There is a serious risk of carbon monoxide poisoning if the grill is operated while the door is closed. Particularly with the approaching Christmas period, with many people using cookers more than normal, we are again appealing to consumers to check their cookers today.
"People owning or staying in holiday homes / mobile homes etc are also reminded to check their cookers."
Anyone who might have one of these cookers should immediately contact the manufacturers to arrange for a modification to be made which is free of charge.
It is essential that people use the cookers in accordance with manufacturers' instructions, do not use the cookers as heaters or for any other purpose than cooking.
Of those cookers which have been located, the cooker companies continue to experience difficulties in making arrangements to call to some consumers and make the required adjustment to affected cookers.
The Agency urges all consumers with an affected cooker to take this issue seriously and make arrangements to have the refit carried out. People who may have concerns can also contact the NCA for information
The NCA is urging all consumers with gas cookers, including landlords and letting agents to:
- Check if their cooker is one of the makes / models affected (list attached)
- If so, contact the relevant manufacturer helpline numbers listed below to arrange for a FREE modification
- Under no circumstances operate the grill with the grill door closed - it must always be in the open position.
- These appliances are designed for cooking purposes only and must not be used as a space heater or for any other purpose.
What to do
Do not under any circumstances operate the grill with the grill door closed.
Check the product model numbers listed below to see if you own one of the affected cookers. The model and product code details are shown on the data badge at the bottom front edge of the appliance (see the image below).
Models affected
Beko:
- Model number DCG8511WLPG
- DCG8511PLW
- DG581LWP
Flavel:
- DCGAP5LS
- AP5LDWP
- AP5LDW
- AP5LDSP
Leisure:
New World:
- 50TWLM SV LPG
- 50WLM WH LPG
- 50WLM SV LPG
- 50TWLM WH LPG
Arrange for a free safety inspection and modification
- For Beko, Flavel and Leisure cookers, freephone 1800 25 29 25 (9am-8pm Monday-Friday,10am-4pm Saturday-Sunday)
- For New World cookers, freephone 1800 569 569 (9am-5pm Monday-Friday)
If you have any doubts please contact the freephone numbers given above.
Download the safety notice from the manufacturers (PDF, 192KB)