Gas heaters and TV sets recalled over safety fears

CALOR Gas is urgently trying to recall 800 portable heaters, which could emit deadly carbon monoxide.

The fault has been found in Royal Classic, Calor Classic and Calor Compact portable heaters purchased since August.

Calor said the heaters had been imported from UniPart UK by a number of Irish distributors. Retailers here had been notified of the fault and sales had been suspended.

Any Royal Classic, Calor Classic or Calor Compact portable heater bought after August 1 should be immediately switched off and returned to the point of purchase.

The statement downplayed the danger the affected machines pose with a spokesman saying there was a “perceived minimal risk” and that the emissions would be “marginally above the allowed levels”.

Anyone who has purchased one of the heaters will be offered a replacement product where stocks allow or a full refund.

A list of the serial numbers of the faulty machines and where to find the numbers on the machines is available on Calor’s website www.calorgas.ie. There is also a hotline — 1850 812 470 in the Republic or 028 9045 5588 in the North — for customers who are worried about their heaters.

Meanwhile, Lidl has recalled a number of 24-inch flat-screen television sets due to the risk of an electric shock. The Targa Sivercrest televisions are understood to have a short-circuiting risk.

The TVs went on sale on November 11, 2010.

“Under no circumstances should customers attempt to fix this device. Instead they should return the product to their local Lidl where they will receive a full refund. A receipt is not required,” Lidl said.