The owner of professional oven-valeting firm Ovenu, has slammed a controversial television advertisement, claiming it could put homeowners at “serious risk of injury”.

 

The advert for Oven Pride has already provoked over 700 complaints for its tag line ‘so easy a man could do it’, but, claims Rik Hellewell, “it is the blatant lack of suitable protective clothing worn and the irresponsible use of a dangerous caustic product that should see this advert removed immediately.”

 

Rik says: “I have written to the Advertising Standards Authority to demand they remove this advert. Forgetting all the media hype centered around the ‘sexist’ issues of the advert, it has been allowed to air with a flagrant disregard for the health and safety of people using this DIY product. A product that, by the manufacturers own admission, is caustic based, can cause severe burns and is corrosive.”

 

Oven Pride’s Safety Data Sheets (SDS) say users of the product should be sporting full length gloves, overalls, apron and boots with a full face visor. However the character in the advert can be seen using the product without protection for his eyes or any obvious sign of regard for the danger posed by the caustic content of the product.

 

The SDSs sheet highlight that ‘Eye contact may result in severe burns and permanent damage. Skin contact may result in severe burns which are slow to heal. Ingestion may result in perforation of digestive tract and severe burns to mouth and throat. Inhalation of mists may result in severe burns to respiratory tract.’

 

Rik adds: “Whether the intended users of Oven Pride are male or female they should be actively encouraged to think of their own safety. Having spent the last 15 years in the oven cleaning industry I am well positioned to highlight the dangers of using caustic based products, something that neither I nor my franchise owners have ever done.

 

“What’s wrong with blokes cleaning an oven anyway - 90% of our franchise owners are men, who make money from cleaning ovens.”

 

15^th May 2009

 

Ovenu is delighted to have been given the official seal of approval from the Vitreous Enamel Association (VEA).

 

Ovenu’s Carbon Remover product has been independently tried-and-tested and found to be both effective and safe for use on enamel-based surfaces, such as those commonly found in high quality ranges and Agas.

 

Many oven interiors, hobs and quality BBQ parts are manufactured with a vitreous enamel surface and manufacturers recommend using VEA approved products for use in cleaning their appliances.

 

The new product joins Ovenu’s existing product range, all of which are environmentally-friendly, completely non-caustic and contain REACH compliant ingredients.

 

Ovenu also has ISO 9001 accreditation, marking it as a quality assured firm. It is the only oven cleaning firm in its sector to receive such an accolade, for its outstanding training, customer care and management.