Wallpaper stripper fire.

[coldwarkid39]

Hi all.

This is my first post but I'm so shaken up I just had to ask you guys/girls advice.

 

The other day I bought a earlex ss125 wallpaper stripper from b&q and we've used it for the first time today.

 

Whilst my wife was using it right next to the smoke alarm it went off and I just thought steam had some how set it off.

 

However when she turned around to check the water container it was actually on fire inside the unit

amongst all the stripped wallpaper that was scattered all over the floor.

 

I unplugged it immediately ( I should have turned the leccy off at the mains, but panicked)

and luckily there is no damage but it could have been so much worse,

I dread to think what could have happened if I'd nipped in another room or to the loo.

 

I was wondering what you guy's think I should do?

 

I've left a message on the manufacturer's answerphone saying I expect them to ring me first thing Monday morning ,

but I'm wondering if I should get in touch with b&q about it as this could be happening to someone else right now for all I know.

 

Any opinions will be gratefully received but I may not reply to any posts until tomorrow

as the more I think about what could have happened the more shook up I am and I need a drink.

Thanks in advance.

[dx100uk]

so it was empty of water then too

 

there should be a built in trip

 

dx

[dx100uk]

B&Q are you main target

 

dx

[coldwarkid39]

It wasn't empty of water, it was about a quarter full and the fire was inside were the water is contained, but at the top of the container.

[coldwarkid39]

dx100uk- completely off topic but if the fire had happened a couple of hours earlier the Roger Waters album in your avatar would have been on my stereo. How weird a coincidence would that have been.

[dx100uk]

hehe good minds think alike

 

all I can say is I bet you were not amused to death

 

poss pop it outside and take a photo or two as well.

 

def get that back to B&Q sharpish

 

sounds dangerous like a manu fault

 

dx

[f16]

coldwarkid39.

Was the unit "flat and level" ??

The reason I'm asking is.

 

If there was a small amount of light engineering oil left inside the unit after manufacture,

and the "tip" of the heater element was exposed,

then this could "ignite" the oil and create the problem you have had.

 

Lucky you were there..... Could have been a lot worse.

F16

[coldwarkid39]

Hi f16. It was completely flat and stood on the floor.

[Crapstone]

Get in touch with your local Trading Standards as well and let them know of the problem you've had. At least that way they have a log of a report that there could be a hazard with them. If left to the companies it could be a long time until they have a possible recall. Just a thought..

[f16]

Is it a plastic or metal tank ?

[Crapstone]

http://www.diy.com/nav/decor/decorating-tools-and-supplies/wallpaper-tools-pastes-and-solutions/wallpaper_strippers___streamers/Earlex-SS125-Wallpaper-Stripper-12448597?skuId=12969303

 

Seems like it's this one.

[f16]

Well the only other thing I can suggest is the element in contact with the plastic tank. .. resulting in the fire.

 

Either way must be reported

[coldwarkid39]

Yes, I think I'll ring b&q today and see what they say.

[rebel11]

Hi coldwarkid39

 

I think your first call should be to Trading Standards as there's a Health & Safety issue with the product. You need to keep the product so Trading Standards can look at it. Then you need to take it up with B & Q Head Office, send a letter Recorded Delivery with pictures so they can see what you are saying.

[BankFodder]

Hi coldwarkid39

 

I think your first call should be to Trading Standards as there's a Health & Safety issue with the product. You need to keep the product so Trading Standards can look at it. Then you need to take it up with B & Q Head Office, send a letter Recorded Delivery with pictures so they can see what you are saying.

Totally agree with this. B&Q will want to get it off you.

You should refuse and do what you can to get it into the hands of TS.

I would also complain to the manufacturers.