An LG spokesperson told Current.com.au that the supplier discovered “that the micro-switch inside the ice maker in these fridges has the potential to deteriorate and cause the ice-maker to malfunction. In an extreme case there is a possible risk of fire.”

Independent metallurgical specialist, Keighley Laboratories, points out that with growing volumes of steel, alloys and metal components being sourced in the Far East from comparatively unknown suppliers, and manufacturers in this country ultimately responsible for any component failures, there is now a pressing need to re-inspect, or overcheck, material certifications. In support of this view, the company draws attention to a recent US study, in which 133 out of 220 samples of imported steel rod were rated as failures by a certified test laboratory, an astonishing 60% failure rate.

Set against this there are a number of key areas where we want to explore the potential for deregulation and streamlining of the existing provisions. In particular, representations made to Government demonstrate concern with the costs imposed on electricians by part P (electrical safety—dwellings). We believe it is now time to evaluate the building regulations’ contribution to the safety outcomes they were intended to support and, if we are to retain regulation of this kind, how we might minimise the associated costs.

The programme I am setting out today has been arrived at after active engagement with our external partners. A key theme to emerge from this process has been that these partners believe that although the regime is generally fit for purpose, there are things we can improve. This confirms the Department’s belief that the building regulations should remain the national minimum standard that building work should comply with. While much of the programme of work is deregulatory in nature, it will, however, include work to deliver our commitment to increase energy efficiency through part L (conservation of fuel and power). This will represent our next steps towards zero-carbon buildings and will also provide an opportunity to consider provisions for the existing stock in the light of the Government’s emerging policies on reducing carbon emissions, including the green deal. We will also explore how better to ensure high levels of compliance.

Frank Peri, CCCA's Executive Director said that "Once again, we see disturbing test results that seem to fit the pattern uncovered with our testing of offshore bulk data communications cable. The overwhelming failure rate of these offshore patch cords is very unsettling, suggesting that the manufacturers exporting these products are likely aware they are selling faulty products.  The lack of third party verification with lesser known brands should put all users on alert to be sure they are getting the performance they expect and are paying for."

The 2008 Copper Theft Report from Electrical Safety Foundation International showed that U.S. utilities spent more than $60 million and experienced over 456,000 outage minutes.