Unsatisfactory safety characteristics of visibly glowing radiant heaters on the market

Market Surveillance Agency of BiH and market inspections of the BiH entities and Brčko District of BiH conducted proactive market surveillance of visibly glowing radiant heaters during the period from 1st October to 31st December 2020. The objective of the surveillance was to determine the extent to which visibly glowing radiant heaters on the market of Bosnia and Herzegovina are safe to use, as well as whether there have been any improvements in safety of these products compared to the results of surveillance in previous years. Unfortunately, the results of laboratory tests show that there is no improvement. Out of 9 tested samples of heaters, only 1 sample complied with the prescribed safety requirements. 

During the implementation of proactive surveillance, 17 inspection controls were conducted. Inspectors performed administrative and visual control of the products on the market and took 9 samples for laboratory testing. Laboratory tests showed that only one of the tested products complied with the requirements of the Order on electrical equipment designed for use within certain voltage limits.

Risk assessment showed that the remaining 8 heaters are non-compliant and pose serious risk to consumers. Constructional defects could lead to risk of burns and fire. Economic operators were ordered to withdraw the non-compliant heaters from the market and to inform consumers of the risks and how to return the affected products. 6 models of the non-compliant heaters were destroyed.

Overall, during the implementation of proactive surveillance of visibly glowing radiant heaters, 8 models of heaters were withdrawn from the market (total of 324 products), out of which 247 products were destroyed.