Consumer protection has recalled over 6,600 Samsung top loader washing machines manufactured between 2010 and 2013. One of the recalled models caught fire in the laundry of an Armadale home on October 1, where firefighters were called to extinguish the blaze. No one was hurt. Commissioner for Consumer Protection, Penny Lipscombe, said the washing machines should be disconnected from the power supply immediately and not used again. The affected models were made between 2010 and 2013, with product numbers: “Affected consumers should remove the recalled machine from their homes as a top priority and seek a refund from the retailer who sold it,” Lipscombe said. “As this is regarded as a major fault, repair is not an option so consumers should get their money back and arrange to have the recalled washing machines collected by the supplier who will dispose of them." "The machines should not be re-sold or placed on the verge for bulk rubbish collection, as we want to remove any possibility that they are purchased or picked up by people who may not realise that they are dangerous," Lipscombe said. "Consumers are entitled to recover damages from the manufacturer for consequential loss or damage suffered as a result of a faulty product." The department said that consumers who have issues obtaining a refund from their retailer or having the machine collected should contact Consumer Protection on consumer@dmirs.wa.gov.au or 1300 30 40 54.
Over 6,600 Samsung top loader washing machines have been recalled in Western Australia because of fears they could burst into flames. The move followed an incident in which firefighters were called to put out a fire involving one of the machines. A spokesman for Samsung said it was aware that some models had caught fire, but did not know how many people may be affected.