HPM Industries has announced a voluntary recall of three Instant Heat bathroom heating products distributed between 1997 and February 2004.

“Despite meeting all electrical safety regulatory requirements and being approved for sale by the Office of Fair Trading, HPM has identified a possible fault with the heat lamp holders that could potentially lead to overheating in some circumstances,” said HPM general manager – sales and marketing, Doug Lees.

The recall applies to three models – the R622/1A (3-in-1 bathroom heater, light and exhaust fan), R622/1B (heat lamp unit) and R622/2A (3-in-1 bathroom heater, light and exhaust fan) whihc contain a defect allowing the heat lamps to operate without the fan running, which results in overheating, fire and/or the actual heat lamps dislodging and falling out.

Customers who have purchased the heat lamp unit R622/1B are urged to discontinue use immediately, while people with the R622/1A and R622/2A 3-in-1 models should discontinue use of the heat lamp but can continue operation of the ordinary light and fan.

HPM Industries will arrange for a licensed electrical contractor to inspect the affected products and modify them where necessary.

In the meantime, HPM Industries asks customers with the affected products to stop using the heat lamps until they call HPM Industries’ toll free hotline (1300 76 4544) for advice.

“Consumer safety is our number one priority and we are extremely proud of our commitment to providing customers with the highest quality products and service,” said Lees.

“We have chosen to undertake a recall as a precautionary measure in the interest of public safety and to maintain our commitment to providing quality products and service.”

“We have consulted the Office of Fair Trading and we are following the appropriate Electrical Regulatory Authorities Council (ERAC) recommendations to ensure we conduct a thorough and effective product recall.”

Instant Heat products are stocked by various electrical wholesalers including Bunnings, Mitre 10, Hardware House, and various independent electrical retailers who have been have been notified by written correspondence.

Other similar products in the Instant Heat range contain a different style of heat lamp holder and are not subject to this recall.

This recall does not apply to products distributed after February 2004.

This is the third Australian recall of heating products in the last six months. IXL Appliances recalled detachable electric blanket controllers in early September 2005 and in early December 2005, New Zealand-based Skope Industries recalled electrically heated ladder towel rails.