1 comment.Less than a quarter of non-compliant regulators returned
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Since the 10th of August 2011, when the recall of LPG regulators found to be non-compliant on the local market was first announced and ordered, the Malta Competition and Consumer Affairs Authority (MCCAA) has closely monitored the situation and effectiveness of this recall. To date, of the around 9000 units of regulators of different makes known to be affected by this recall, less than one fourth have been returned by consumers for replacement.
The MCCAA is urging consumers to return these regulators to the place of purchase to be replaced. The important action to be taken here is that consumers refrain from using these TPA Butane LR2522 and Liquicontrol Malta regulators, as shown in the photographs.
The MCCAA reminds consumers to check all appliances using LPG to ensure that these regulators are not used anymore and are replaced by suitable compliant regulators. The MCCAA reminds consumers to particularly check gas heaters as these may have regulators of the recalled types attached which are not much in use at the moment. However, gas heaters may pose additional risks as these are frequently used with the gas cylinder inside.
The MCCAA once again reiterates that the general public should:
a) ensure that the regulator being used on their system is suitable for the type of gas supplied. All regulators are marked according to the type of gas they are designed to work upon. The gas used in Malta is ‘Liquified Petroleum Gas’ (LPG). Consumers should ensure that the regulator they have is suitable to work on LPG. Regulators which are marked with ‘Butane’ should not be used on LPG cylinders;
b) replace aged regulators as recommended by the manufacturer, and use appropriate flexible hoses that have an expiry date printed on them. Normal water hoses should NEVER be used. Flexible hoses should be secured to the regulator nozzle with hose clips.
MCCAA said it also reminds consumers that should they encounter any problem with the cylinders and/or valves, they should immediately contact the pertinent operator whose contact details are required by law to be imprinted on the gas cylinders.
For any further clarifications, one can contact the Technical Regulations Division of the MCCAA on 23952000.
It would have been more helpful if any gas supplier could exchange them,on a one for one basis, as most people do not tend to keep the receipt for them after so many years.
Its no wonder such a small number have been returned. Most people with non-compliant regulators will be forced to buy new ones