• Jackeroo J3PR35L three-way portable refrigerators, made in 2010, cannot be sold in WA
• Risk of dangerous carbon monoxide levels when operated on gas in an enclosed area
• All portable gas appliances must be used outdoors in the open air

Owners of portable fridges are urged to check if their appliance is part of a gas safety sales ban in Western Australia due to carbon monoxide hazards.

Jackeroo J3PR35L three-way portable refrigerators can no longer be sold in the State following a prohibition order by the Director of Energy Safety.

The affected appliances were manufactured in 2010 so the ban is directed at second-hand sales.

The prohibition, issued under the Gas Standards Act 1972, only allows the fridges to be sold to Building and Energy officers for testing, validation or disposal.

“When this fridge is operated with gas in an enclosed area, it can emit dangerous levels of carbon monoxide, a potentially lethal toxic gas,” Building and Energy Acting Executive Director Nabil Yazdani said.

“If you have a Jackeroo portable fridge with the model number J3PR35L, you cannot sell it. Do not use it indoors or in an enclosed space, such as inside a tent, caravan, RV or boat, even if the doors or windows are open.

“This advice applies to all portable gas appliances, including barbecues, camping cookers and heaters. They should only be used outdoors, in the open air, while following the warning labels and manufacturer’s instructions.”

Carbon monoxide is known as the “invisible killer” because it is colourless, odourless and tasteless. It can be produced when gases do not burn properly due to a faulty appliance or lack of air in an enclosed space.

“Using portable gas appliances outdoors means there is enough air for the fuel to burn properly and any toxic gas to disperse,” Mr Yazdani said.

“If you notice symptoms of carbon monoxide illness – such as headaches, dizziness, weakness, nausea and confusion – immediately move to a well-ventilated area and seek medical attention.”

Visit dmirs.wa.gov.au/greatoutdoors for more information from Building and Energy on camping safely with gas including:

• Read the safety warnings, follow the manufacturer’s instructions and look for an approval badge to certify that the portable gas appliance is authorised for sale in Australia.
• Have your equipment serviced and checked regularly by a licensed gas fitter.
• Check for a gas leak by applying soapy water to the LPG cylinder, hose and appliance connections. Bubbles or a gas smell are signs of a leak.
• Look for a stamp on the LPG cylinder to show its last test date, which should not have exceeded 10 years.
• Store cylinders outside and away from sources of heat or ignition. Transport them in an upright position, secured firmly and outside the passenger area. Do not carry cylinders in the car boot or any unventilated space for extended periods.

<ENDS>

Media contact: Sarah Roberts – 0466 409 828 – BEmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au

Images of fridge: