EMSD urges public to stop using one model of Baumatic towngas cooking appliance (with photo)
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     The Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) today (August 1) urged the public to stop using a Baumatic built-in type towngas single burner cooking appliance with the model number PWK1.1SS-HK and contact the importer, Baumatic Asia Ltd, on the recall arrangement.

     "Although this model of cooking appliance has no immediate danger and no related accidents have been reported, it poses potential safety hazards. We therefore have withdrawn the approval of the model according to the Gas Safety Ordinance. We have also instructed the importer to stop selling all products of this model and to arrange a recall to ensure safety," an EMSD spokesman said.

     In mid-2015, the EMSD received reports of overheating at the bottom of the said cooking appliance model at City Point, Tsuen Wan. Investigation revealed that placing the appliance in a windy environment would more easily cause abnormal burning and result in overheating and damage to the appliance. The EMSD requested Baumatic Asia Ltd to make improvement in this regard. Baumatic Asia Ltd subsequently undertook enhancement measures, including installation of a burner ring for affected occupants and providing user guidelines for the occupants’ reference. The EMSD continues to closely monitor the situation to prevent potential safety hazards. Since then, the number of overheating reports has greatly reduced.

     Last month, the EMSD received a report of serious overheating at the bottom of the model again. Investigation revealed that overheating at the bottom of the appliance could still happen if the burner ring is misplaced. In addition, the quality of components of some of the products was found to deviate from that of the design of the approved model, posing potential safety hazards.

     According to Baumatic Asia Ltd's record, cooking appliances of this model were mainly installed in about 1 600 flats at City Point, which was carried out by the developer, while a small number were sold to other people.

     For those who have bought or installed the said appliance model, please contact Baumatic Asia Ltd on the recall arrangement:

Hotline:  3586 9819 (9am-6pm, Monday to Saturday)
WhatsApp Messenger platform: 5663 3678 (other hours)

Ends/Monday, August 1, 2016
Issued at HKT 11:00

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