URGENT SAFETY NOTICE 16th June 2022 – SWIFT APPLIANCES
URGENT SAFETY NOTICE 16th June 2022
We have received an important update on the Swift 500 Series cooker. Please read and share this information.
The following information can be found on this website.
WHAT HAPPENED
A person was injured while using a Swift 500 series cooker in a caravan.
The owner of a Queensland registered caravan was using a Swift 500 series cooker while camping in NSW. When the front left burner ignited, the user observed the flame was only on ‘simmer’ despite the control knob being on full. The user moved the cooking pan to the rear right side burner and used the front left burner as a simmer. Within a very short period an explosion occurred, engulfing the user in flames and causing severe burn injuries. RSHQ is working with other gas regulators and the manufacturer, Swift Appliance Group, to implement a national recall.
HOW DID IT HAPPEN
An examination of the Swift 500 series cooking appliance identified a failure point in the internal piping at the outlet connection point of the front left control valve. The failure point caused gas to leak within the appliance and the leaking gas tracked to an undetermined ignition source and ignited, causing burn injuries to the person using the appliance.
Key issues
Gas leaked when the control valve was turned on and ignited.
The gas leak within the appliance did not easily disperse and tracked to an ignition source.
There were no visible signs of fatigue prior to failure.
RECOMMENDATIONS
Owners of caravans and recreational vehicles should check if their cooking appliance is a Swift 500 series appliance and avoid use until the extent of the issue is known and documented.
The gas supply to the appliance can be isolated at the gas isolation valve, adjacent to the appliance, to allow the electrical element and other gas appliances to be used safely.
If you smell gas, turn off the gas immediately at the cylinders and contact a gas work licence holder to check the gas system and all gas appliances for safe and correct operation.
Investigations are ongoing and further information may be published as it becomes available. The information in this publication is what is known at the time of writing.
We issue Safety Notices to draw attention to the occurrence of a serious incident, raise awareness of risks, and prompt assessment of your existing controls.
References and further information
Further information is available on the Swift Appliance Group website.
Other gas safety and health information is available on the Petroleum Gas Inspectorate website.
This safety alert will be updated when more information is available.
Authorised by Bill Date – Chief Inspector – Petroleum & Gas
Contact: Paul Beaumont, Principal Inspector, Gas Work and Devices , +61 7 3199 8027 gassafe@rshq.qld.gov.au
Issued by Resources Safety & Health Queensland
Safety: This information is issued to promote safety through experience. It is not to be taken as a statement of law and must not be construed to waive or modify any legal obligation.
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AN UPDATE ON THE USE OF SWIFT 500 SERIES GAS COOKTOPS AND OVENS
This update supersedes earlier communications on this subject
The Swift Appliance Group and a number of state authorities are currently investigating
a serious incident involving Swift 500 series cooktops and ovens.
Investigations are ongoing to determine the exact cause of the failure and which
cooktops/ovens may be affected.
While there currently is no recall in the interests of our owner’s safety Royal Flair strongly recommend one of the following:
1. I OWN A CARAVAN WITH A SWIFT 500 SERIES COOKTOP/OVEN
Do not use the appliance until the issue is resolved and your appliance is either
given the OK or rectified
Immediately turn the gas off at the gas isolation valve
If you smell gas, turn off the gas immediately at the cylinders and contact a
licensed gas repairer
2. I AM ABOUT TO PICK UP MY NEW ROYAL FLAIR CARAVAN
You can still pick up your new van, please contact your dealer if you have any further questions.
3. HOW TO IDENTIFY IF I OWN A SWIFT 500
Please check the Swift Instruction Manual provided with your caravan.
If in doubt, please consult a caravan repairer.
4. WHERE CAN I FIND OUT MORE INFO?
We will be in touch with more information as soon as it comes to hand. Please
continue to monitor our Website and Facebook page for further updates.
In the meantime, feel free to visit the Swift Appliance Group website:
www.swiftappliancegroup.com.au
