Following a case brought by Hertfordshire Trading Standards on November 3rd 2014, a spokesperson for Beko said:
"Beko acknowledges it should have notified Hertfordshire Trading Standards about the LPG conversion kits issue as soon it was aware of the matter. It accepts responsibility for not doing so. Finding these LPG kits was Beko’s priority at the time and its efforts are continuing through a wide range of activities.
"It is important to record that the charges relate solely to Beko's communications with Hertfordshire Trading Standards around the LPG kit issue, not its extensive activities to trace the kits.
"These LPG kits are designed to convert specific models of pre-2009 Beko-manufactured mains gas cookers to run on bottled gas. We are only looking for a limited number of LPG kits in relation to this issue. None of Beko's current range of cookers is affected. Anyone with any concerns about this issue should visit http://www.beko.co.uk/lpgconverter-kit "
Notes to editors
LPG conversion kits are designed to convert mains gas cookers to run on bottled gas (LPG). The law requires that they are fitted by a Gas Safe Registered gas engineer.
The LPG kits in this case relate to specific models of Beko-manufactured gas cooker manufactured between 2003 and 2009 that may pose a risk to safety if converted to run on bottled gas (LPG).
These models have separate oven and grill and the risk arises if the grill is used, against manufacturers instructions, with the door closed. A simple modification to the grill door seal removes the risk and is offered for free by Beko.
As of October 27 2014 Beko believes there are 836 unaccounted LPG conversion kits and continues to look for them.
Beko’s activities to trace the unaccounted-for LPG kits, as part of ongoing corrective action on gas cookers, includes:
- Two rounds of letters, phone calls and home visits to customers, where we have details
- Communications and advice to distributors
- Safety information passed to Gas Safe to ensure its engineers are aware of the LPG kit issue
- National newspaper advertising
- Media alerts to targeted specialist media
- Extensive awareness raising campaigns aimed at potential users of LPG conversions including outreach to:
- Caravans and static homes residents
- Canal boats and barges owners and operators
- Residential mobile home park operators