PROTECTING THE PUBLIC FROM UNSAFE CONSUMER GOODS

What Goods are covered?

All goods on sale to the public must be safe for their intended use.  The responsibility to supply safe consumer goods applies all the way down from the manufacturer to the retailer.

EXCEPTIONS:

Some goods such as second hand goods sold privately are not covered.

What is an unsafe product?

An unsafe product is one that poses a risk of injury during normal use, when used in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions or warnings.

Examples of problems are: -

·        Sharp points which could cause injury;

·        Small parts which could cause a child to choke;

·        Paint which may have excessive levels of lead and be injurious to health.

What Castlereagh Borough Council Environmental Health Service do to protect you from unsafe goods?

·        Inspect local manufacturers, importers and retailers regularly;

·        Sample and test suspect products;

·        Investigate complaints from the consumer;

·        Remove unsafe goods from sale;

·        Take action against offenders;

·        Carry out regular surveys of targeted products;

·        Provide advice, information, public education campaigns to the public, manufacturers, importers and retailers.

What should you look for when buying goods?

When purchasing goods you should follow the Consumer Code:

THE CONSUMER CODE

·        Only purchase goods from a reputable supplier.

·        Examine goods to see if they carry any safety symbols or signs, eg.  BEAB Approval, Kitemark, CE Mark, Cigarette/Match Resistant labels, etc.

·        Read all warnings carefully and follow the operating instructions.

·        Keep receipts as proof of purchase.

·        Only use goods or equipment for the purpose for which they are intended.

·        If in doubt or if you need advice contact us at the Environmental Health Service.

We can offer expert advice and have access to accredited test laboratories when needed. We have enforcement power which can resolve your problems with unsafe or dangerous consumer goods.

Other consumer issues which are not to do with product safety are enforced by other agencies such as Trading Standards – Telephone N  (028) 9025 3900.