Are you concerned over the safety of your washing machine?
Rightly so you should be - for the domestic washer is one electrical appliance that operates in close contact of large quantity of water.
A joint test report of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department (EMSD) and the Consumer Council will point you the way to the choice of proven electrically safe washers.
Included in the report were 10 test samples (5 washers and 5 2-in-1 washer-dryers) within the price range of $3,600 to $6,700.
Without exception, all samples were found to be in compliance of substantial requirements of the international safety standard, with only minor faults on marking and instructions - missing or incorrect symbols on the rating plate, non-provision of appropriate warnings on the risk of power supply cord replacement and proper positioning of machines and plugs.
Between January 2004 and September 2007, the EMSD was referred a total of 61 cases relating to accidents suspected to involve washing machines and washer-dryers.
In the same period, the Consumer Council received, on average, about 60 complaints a year on quality, and about 70 cases on repair and maintenance of these products.
Users are advised to observe the following:
- Do not install washer outdoors to avoid raindrops or dripping water.
- Never share socket outlet of washer with other electrical appliances of high energy consumption.
- Do not overload, and do not fill in excess or use inappropriate detergent.
- Do not dry clothes with downs or made of plastic, latex or rubber like materials.
- Never spray inflammable chemicals such as insecticide in the vicinity of an operating to washer.
- Remove all coins and keys from pockets before washing.
- Never let children play around the washer, and teach them not to get inside the washer. Close the cover after use.
- Use appropriate wash programme to save water and energy.
- Clean filters, detergent holders and door rim regularly to avoid block-up or proliferation of bacteria.
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