BSJ orders recall of fire-hazard fans
Published:Wednesday | September 19, 2018 | 12:00 AMChristopher Serju/Gleaner Writer
The public is being advised to stop using the 18-inch standing model of the VideoCon brand fan, model number VC-1881PP, as the motors burnt out during two quality tests conducted by the Bureau of Standards Jamaica (BSJ).
In a release advising of a recall of the fans, which were imported by VideoCon Trading Limited located at 65-67 Orange Street, downtown Kingston, the BSJ/National Compliance & Regulatory Authority (NCRA) advises that this was because "while undergoing abnormal operation and overload tests in the BSJ laboratory, the fan motors burnt in both situations."
For this reason, persons who have bought any of the VideoCon brand of fans are being advised to check for model number VC-1881PP, and if in possession of this model, to stop using it immediately and return it to the point of purchase.
"These fans are a safety hazard," the agency has advised, and any malfunctions should be immediately reported to the Consumer Affairs Commission.
Lorice Edwards-Brown, chief executive officer of the NCRA, said that engineers who conducted the laboratory tests in a controlled environment were convinced that in a personal-use situation, the burning motor would transition to a fire very quickly. It was this non-conformance with safety standards that triggered the recall.
Since being advised of the recall, VideoCon has met with the agency and is willing to replace any malfunctioning unit, Edwards-Brown said.
Consumers with queries may contact the BSJ between the hours of 8:30 a.m. and 4:30 p.m. by calling 876-618-1534, 876-632-4275, or 876-926-3140, or by email at info@bsj.org.jm.