HOTPOINT INDESIT AND CREDA TUMBLE DRYERS

OFFICIAL TUMBLE DRYER Q&A INFORMATION

A statement from Whirlpool Corporation

KEY FACTS

• Following Whirlpool Corporation's acquisition of the Indesit business in October 2014, Indesit began working with Whirlpool’s global safety experts in reviewing the Indesit product portfolio in accordance with Whirlpool’s industry leading risk management systems and methodologies. As part of that process, in 2015, Indesit engaged in thorough investigations of incident reports associated with two of its dryer production platforms. This led to Indesit reporting the issue to regulatory authorities for consideration. These discussions determined that corrective action of the affected dryers is required.
• Affected appliances are air-vented and condenser dryers produced in Yate between April 2004 and September 2015 under the Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda brands.
• All new dryers manufactured since 1st October 2015 have been modified to incorporate the design changes that address the potential safety and quality issue.
• These products may present a safety concern. In some rare cases, excess fluff can come into contact with the heating element and present a risk of fire.

WHAT DO CUSTOMERS NEED TO DO?

• We are asking customers to check their individual model numbers through our dedicated websites http://safety.hotpoint.eu or http://safety.indesit.eu or contact us on 0800 151 0905 (1 800 804 320 for customers from the Republic of Ireland).
• If their model is identified as affected then they need to register their details with us on these websites or via the phone. This is an ongoing repair programme over several months and, as such, we will be in contact with them as soon as possible over the coming months to arrange their modification which will take one hour and will be completed in the their home. The modifications will further enhance the safety and quality of your tumble dryer.

ARE AFFECTED TUMBLE DRYERS SAFE TO CONTINUE USING?

• They can continue to use their tumble dryer while awaiting corrective action although we are requiring that they do not leave their dryers unattended during operation as an extra precaution. Additionally, the lint filter should be cleaned after every cycle, and proper venting should be ensured, in accordance with the original instructions for use.
• ‘Unattended’ means do not leave the house or leave the dryer on whilst asleep. It does not mean that you need to stay in the same room that the dryer is located when in operation.
• We have a statutory partnership with the Local Authority (Trading Standards) under the national Primary Partnership scheme administered by the Better Regulation Delivery Office. Under this scheme Indesit has been working closely with the authority on the repair campaign actions. The Local Authority has provided advice to Indesit on this matter and we have responded proactively to implement an agreed course of action. We continue to remain in regular dialogue with the Authority, during which progress is monitored and reviewed.

Affected appliances are air-vented and condenser dryers produced in Yate between April 2004 and September 2015 under the Hotpoint, Indesit and Creda brands.