As winter arrives and energy bills escalate, Hereford & Worcester Fire and Rescue Service is reminding appliance owners to take advantage of free appliance registry at registermyappliance.org.uk
Keeping machines in peak condition and ensuring they are on the radar for necessary safety notifications are simple ways to make sure they last the longest possible, save money and keep everyone safe.
HWFRS is therefore supporting the Association of Manufacturers of Domestic Appliance’s (AMDEA) Register My Appliance campaign this week, which reminds appliance users to register small and large appliances, whether new, second-hand or inherited.
The campaign, running in International Product Safety Week, provides access to 60 leading appliance brands sold in the UK. Many manufacturers accept registration of products at least 12 years old.
Government statistics, say AMDEA, show we are using more than 210 million [1]
appliances in UK homes to help us with cooking, cleaning, laundry, washing dishes and conserving our food.
Yet official research estimated that 49% [2] of us have never registered a product, leaving some 100 million appliances untraceable, if a recall is needed.
This is an ideal time therefore to register people’s fridges, washing machines, dishwashers and other appliances.
Register the missing millions
Registermyappliance.org.uk is the AMDEA portal to make it quicker and easier for the public to register both new and older appliances, and to improve ownership data.
By doing so they ensure that they will be the first to know in the rare case of a safety notice or product recall.
All eligible
With the recent growth in online appliance offerings, some may have been purchased on second-hand sites, with others maybe inherited, or forgotten in second homes, garages and sheds.
Appliances provided by social housing, or in privately rented homes and those in multi-occupancy dwellings are all eligible for free registration.
How?
registermyappliance.org.uk links to 60 leading brands. By simply clicking on the relevant brand logo the user reaches a data-entry-form linked directly to the correct manufacturer.
To increase safety and the life of appliances the Register My Appliance portal also offers:
- A listing of appliance safety repairs and recalls
- Hints and tips on household safety
- Recommendations for appliance care
Sara Hall, Station Commander for Prevention, also wants to reach those people who might not realise that older models can also be recorded or have not done so yet, although it is best to check first whether an older appliance is already subject to a recall on the Government recall listing
Sara said:
“This winter will present many financial challenges for people but it is so important to keep their homes safe from fire and other emergencies”
“Registering your appliances is especially important this winter as many people will be buying second-hand items”
“Taking a few minutes to register all appliances allows manufacturers to know who has their products. This free process permits them to safeguard the right homes with immediate safety alerts and to make arrangements for free safety advice or repairs if needed.
“Registering is important whether they’re new purchases, pre-used buys or products passed on by family or friends. This service means you would be informed if ever a safety repair or recall is needed.
“You don’t need proof of purchase, so you can register if you bought second-hand or were given an appliance.”
“Don’t forget that any large white goods, under 12 years old can be registered. This includes second-hand appliances as well as those inherited, or even that chest freezer already in your home when you moved in!
“All can be registered – better safe than sorry. And don’t forget, it’s totally free.”
Safety matters for appliance owners @Registermyappliance.org.uk:
- Check if you have a recalled appliance right now, at: productrecall.campaign.gov.uk/
- Follow recall instructions to the letter – if you receive a safety notice or a recall, it is important to follow the manufacturers’ instructions and act straight away
- If you’re unsure what to do, contact your manufacturer or retailer: a quick Google search using your brand / UK / customer service will provide details for the manufacturer’s customer services team
- Share information with those around you who could be at risk: ensure older and more vulnerable owners don’t miss out on any vital, free, product safety repairs by sharing information with neighbours or loved ones. Or take to social media and retweet messages @HWFire and @regmyappliance
Sara is also reminding people that HWFRS offers FREE home safety checks:
”You can complete a FREE online Home Fire Safety check by following the link on our website. This easy-to-follow check will take you through your home a room at a time – the simple questions will help you spot fire risks and make your home safer.”
[1] BEIS, ECUK September 2021, Table A2
[2] BEIS September 2020, Consumer attitudes to product safety, page 22