White goods safety

The news has emerged that the initial cause of the fire at Grenfell Tower was caused by a fridge freezer.

As a result, the Government is calling on anyone who believes they may own a Hotpoint fridge freezer, with the model number FF175BP (white) or FF175BG (grey) to call Whirlpool Corporation’s freephone hotline on 0800 316 3826, or visit www.hotpointservice.co.uk/fridgefreezer to register their details for further updates.

Consumers should always be aware that the products in their homes may become subject to product recalls – often many months or even years after they have been purchased. We advise everyone to regularly check the Government's pages on product recalls, which gives lots of guidance, help and information.

RoSPA also supports the Register My Appliance scheme, which alerts people when any of their products have been recalled. We urge everyone to sign up to the scheme and register their appliances.

There are also many things that people can do to ensure that their products are used safely:

Fridges and freezers

• Install fridges and freezers in a dry, well ventilated room. These appliances should not be installed in direct sunlight or near a heat source such as a radiator
• Fridges and freezers are designed to live indoors – don’t be tempted to install yours in a garage or in areas that may be damp or subject to abnormal temperatures
• Occasionally clean the rear of your fridge or freezer and make sure that the drainage hole is clear.

Microwave ovens

• Do not attempt to heat non-food products unless the instructions say you can
• Keep vents on a standalone microwave clear and don’t put metal dishes directly onto the turntable.

Washing machines

• Check the filter from time to time and clean if necessary.

Tumble dryers

• Install in a dry, well ventilated room
• Clean the filter of fluff, lint and any other debris after every use
• Periodically clear the vent tubes of any accumulation of fluff or lint.

Small Appliances

• Leave portable hot appliances such as irons to cool down before putting them away, and keep them out of reach of children and pets. Hair straighteners and curlers get extremely hot so be sure to lay them on a heat resistant protective pouch or mat
• Use kettles and toasters in the open. Never in a cupboard. Regularly remove the crumbs from the rack and crumb tray of the toaster. If you live in a hard water area you should descale your kettle from time to time
• Don’t cover electric heaters or fans or leave them close to curtains
• Never use electrical equipment in wet conditions and don’t use appliances in the bathroom unless the instructions say that you can.

Many accidents and fatalities involve electricity - it must be treated with respect. Here are some tips.

• Have your wiring installation checked at least once every five years by an approved contractor, or straightaway if you are buying an older property
• Do not use appliances with worn or damaged flexes. Don't wire flexes together
• Keep portable mains-operated appliances out of the bathroom
• Have electric blankets serviced and checked regularly
• If an appliance appears faulty stop using it and have it checked at once
• Consider having a RCD (residual current device) for whole house protection. These are especially valuable when power tools are used
• Look for the CE mark when you buy electrical equipment
• Never overload an electric socket.

Sheila Merrill, public health adviser