Store backs gas product

A Glen Massey man has called on The Warehouse to address an apparent safety issue with one its heaters after his malfunctioned.

Harry Bradshaw, a retired engineer, said he bought the Gascraft Farina heater from The Warehouse in June 2008, and after about a year he was concerned about its function.

He said the heater which was still under warranty did not "fire" properly when he started it, and Hamilton firm Gaspro, after a third test, advised Mr Bradshaw it was unsafe.

Cement which held the heating panels in place had come loose, and resulted in gas leaks which were causing incorrect and unsafe ignition.

"I didn't realise that was dangerous. It was igniting gas at the rear (of the heater)," Mr Bradshaw said.

Mr Bradshaw said Gaspro provided him with a letter stating the heater's flaws, which he provided to The Warehouse. The company refunded him the purchase price, but he was concerned by a staff member's comment the heater would be dumped. A store manager told Mr Bradshaw the company had the heater model checked and it would remain on the market.

Stuart Yorston, The Warehouse's marketing director, said the company took Mr Bradshaw's concerns seriously, but noted Mr Bradshaw was the only customer to complain about the model.

"We don't think there are major issues with these heaters. If there are other complaints out there, or people have got some issues, we can get them tested but we haven't had any other complaints," Mr Yorston said. He said the store decision to dispose of the heater was not appropriate. "We've got a process issue there."