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Press release: Independent investigation finds no further action required on fridge freezer model

The investigation into the fridge freezer Hotpoint FF175B model identified by the Metropolitan Police as being involved in the Grenfell Tower fire has confirmed there is no need for a product recall or any other corrective action, and that consumers can continue using the product as normal.

As part of the government’s response to the Grenfell Tower fire, Business Secretary Greg Clark ordered an immediate examination of the unit by independent technical experts.

This included a thorough product safety investigation which examined the Grenfell Tower appliance, further independent examinations and testing of other FF175B appliances, undertaking analysis of data and documents, and commissioning independent experts to assess the risk of the FF175B model.

Based on the findings of the investigation, the experts have concluded that the product met legal safety requirements and that the risk associated with the model is assessed as low.

This conclusion has been verified by the Chief Scientific Adviser who chaired a panel that considered the methodology and conclusions of the technical investigation.

John Loughhead, BEIS Chief Scientific Adviser said:

Having considered the robust technical investigation, I support its conclusion that no product recall or other corrective action is required, and that people who own this particular model can continue to use it as normal.

The results of the investigation have been shared with the Metropolitan Police, the Grenfell Inquiry, and, with the Grenfell residents through appropriate channels.

The government continues to place huge importance on consumer safety. This is why, on 21 January 2018, we accepted all the recommendations made by the Working Group on Product Recalls and Safety to upgrade the UK system of product safety, and we established the Office for Product Safety and Standards.

As the manufacturer of this product, Whirlpool has co-operated with the investigation and has undertaken their own investigation in line with their legal obligations.

Whirlpool will continue to provide advice and support to its customers directly through Whirlpool Corporation’s Freephone hotline on 0800 316 3826 and its website www.hotpointservice.co.uk/fridgefreezer.

Consumers are encouraged to:

  • visit the ‘Product Recall – Acting on Product Safety’ page for up-to-date information on current recalls
  • register their household appliances so manufacturers can get in touch quickly if a problem is identified – visit Register my appliance for more information
  • re-familiarise themselves with the manufacturer’s instructions to check they are using their household appliances safely
  • follow standard safety advice, not overload plugs, ensure sockets are not damaged and check cables and leads are in good condition

People with concerns about product safety can call the Citizens Advice consumer service line on 03454 04 05 06. The government website on product recalls can be found at www.gov.uk/productrecall.

Note to editors

  1. On 14 June 2017 the Prime Minister announced a Public Inquiry into the Grenfell Tower fire. Chaired by Sir Martin Moore-Bick, a highly experienced former judge of the Court of Appeal, the Inquiry will report directly to the Prime Minister and will examine the circumstances surrounding the fire, including the immediate cause or causes of the fire and the means by which it spread to the whole of the building.
  2. The Working Group on Product Recalls and Safety consisting of product and fire safety experts was brought together to explore and build on the recommendations made by Lynn Faulds Wood in her independent review into consumer product recalls. The Working Group is chaired by Neil Gibbins, former Deputy Chief Fire Officer for Devon and Somerset, and consists of fire safety, trading standards, consumer and industry experts. The Working Group report was published on 19 July 2017.
  3. The government responded to the Working Group’s report and launched a new Office for Product Safety and Standards in January to further enhance the UK’s world-leading product safety system and give consumers the highest ever levels of protection.

Link: Press release: Independent investigation finds no further action required on fridge freezer model
Source: Gov Press Releases

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Press release: Northumberland fire starter fined

A man who deliberately set fire to buildings on his land to avoid demolition costs has been sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, and ordered to pay over £24,000 in fines and costs after a successful prosecution by the Environment Agency.

The flames from the blaze took fire rescue services four hours to extinguish and the distraction also caused two motorists on the nearby A1 to crash.

Nigel Weston Smith (63), owner of Whittle Colliery in Shilbottle, Northumberland, was charged with waste offences at Newcastle Crown Court on 14 May, 2018. He was sentenced to 10 months imprisonment, suspended for 18 months, fined £14,000 and ordered to pay £10,745.45 costs.

The court heard that Smith, constructed a two storey building at Whittle Colliery without planning permission and was ordered by Northumberland County Council (NCC) to demolish it.

After receiving a fine of £3,000 and a further NCC enforcement notice to remove the building, Smith decided to burn the building rather than pay to have it demolished.

In March 2014 he offered the site as a training venue to Northumberland Fire & Rescue Service (NFRS), suggesting the building could be set on fire. When NFRS rejected the offer on the grounds that the fire would be too big, it was not a controlled environment and there was inadequate water supply, Smith decided to burn it illegally.

On 5 March he advised NFRS that he was demolishing a large cabin and would burn timber and waste in small amounts. NFRS received three separate reports from members of the public concerned about the fire.

Smith called NFRS again on 20 March saying he intended to burn wood and timber from parts of a building. He stated he lived on site, had adequate water supply and he would not burn if the wind was blowing in the direction of the A1.

At 8.30 that evening, two motorists driving northbound on the A1 were distracted by flames and smoke from a large fire. Both were injured in a collision as the first slowed to call 999 and the second collided into the rear of the first.

It took NFRS four hours to extinguish the fire, which produced a significant amount of smoke raising concerns that the fire would spread. Smith had fled the scene.

Smith was described by Judge Robert Spragg as ‘breathtakingly arrogant’ by ignoring repeated requests from planning officers to remove the building. He added that Smith only escaped an outright custodial sentence by a narrow margin.

In mitigation, Smith stated that the remains of the building had now been removed at his own cost and that he regrets his actions.

Rachael Caldwell, Environment Agency, said:

Smith showed complete disregard for environmental laws because he wanted to cut corners and save himself the cost of demolishing a building legally – a building that shouldn’t have been there in the first place. It is fortunate that no one was killed by his recklessness. We’re pleased with the result of this case and hope this sends a message to anyone out there that thinks they can circumnavigate environmental laws, especially in such a dangerous manner.

Link: Press release: Northumberland fire starter fined
Source: Environment Agency