Consumers who have a Swift 500 series cooker in their caravan or motorhome are advised there is now a remedy for recalled models and should immediately arrange a free inspection of their cooker and possible repair.
Inspection and repairs will be carried out free of charge by the manufacturer, under a remedy Swift has negotiated with the Gas Technical Regulators Committee (GTRC). The GTRC comprises of representatives from Australian state, territory, and New Zealand gas regulators.
The ACCC is concerned about the risk of explosions and burns associated with 16 recalled models of the Swift 500 series cooker. About 11,000 cookers are affected, which were manufactured between 1 January 2019 and 31 May 2020 (inclusive).
"Unfortunately, three people have already suffered serious injuries and burns while using a defective Swift cooker. In one case a person suffered first degree burns to their stomach and legs. We don't want to see any more injuries occur," ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.
"Consumers should check if their cooker has been recalled by visiting our Product Safety website. Affected consumers not already registered for the recall should contact Swift Appliance Group as a matter of urgency, so Swift can arrange an inspection and potential repair."
"In the meantime, consumers are advised not to use the front left burner of their cooker until they have been inspected and necessary repairs carried out. Remove the knob and store it out of reach" Ms Rickard said.
Most of the recalled cookers were supplied new with the vehicle by retailers nationally and a small number were purchased separately by consumers and installed later.
The hazard
Part of the gas supply pipe to cookers used in motorhomes and caravans may break or erode. Gas leaks and an ignition source can cause explosions or fires.
There are three factors that can cause the gas supply tube to fracture and leak gas:
Overtightening the nuts when connecting the gas supply tubes to the burner.
The aluminium tubes rubbing on the reflector plate that sits behind the unit.
Vibration of the unit that is caused during transit.
The remedy
The remedy process involves inspecting the tube that supplies gas to the front left burner to check that it is fitted correctly and shows no signs of wear. Damaged or ill-fitting burner tubes will be replaced.
Swift 500 series cooker recall - next steps:
| Manufacture daters | Actions |
|---|---|
| 1 January 2019 - 31 May 2020 |
Contact Swift Appliance Group to have the cooker inspected and repaired under the recall. DO NOT USE the front hotplate left burner until the cooker is inspected and repaired. Remove the knob and store it out of reach. |
| Manufactured prior to 1 January 2019 Manufactured from 1 June 2020 onwards |
These cookers are not subject to the recall and consumers can continue to use as per the instructions for use provided with the appliance. |
These cookers are not subject to the recall and consumers can continue to use as per the instructions for use provided with the appliance.
Background
The Swift 500 series cookers are manufactured by Casale Trim Co Pty Ltd, trading as Swift Appliance Group.
The model and the date of manufacture can be found inside the cooker lid. These details can be checked against the full list of recalled models on the ACCC's product safety website, where consumers can also find information on what to do next.
Consumers can also register their details with Swift Group on its website to receive updates.
Product safety regulation is a shared responsibility between the ACCC and a range of regulators in the states and territories. Western Australia Building and Energy (Department of Mines, Industry Regulation and Safety) is the responsible regulator for gas safety in Western Australia. It works as a member of the Gas Technical Regulators Committee to ensure that all gas products are safe and compliant. Gas regulators do not have voluntary recall powers, or consumer protection powers. Unsafe gas consumer products are captured under the Australian Consumer Law's voluntary recall and consumer protection provisions.
