Product Safety

ACCC urges safe riding after quad bike deaths rise this year

To prevent quad bike accidents this summer, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is warning the community to be fully prepared, wear protective gear and ride safe.

“Tragically, 20 Australians have died this year from quad bike accidents, including a six-year-old, a seven-year-old and a 15-year-old. In 2014, there were 15 deaths – sadly, a 30 per cent increase in fatalities this year,” ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.

Stay safe on hoverboards

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is urging consumers to choose safe products when shopping this Christmas. New and unfamiliar products are often introduced to the market at this time of year. Consumers may get caught in the Christmas rush and not take the time that they should to read instructions or warning labels.

ACCC takes action against Ozsale over children’s nightwear

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has instituted proceedings in the Federal Court against Ozsale Pty Limited (which also trades as BuyInvite) for allegedly selling children’s nightwear between July 2014 and October 2015 which did not comply with the mandatory Australian safety standard.  The ACCC also alleges that Ozsale made a false or misleading representation about the fire risk of one garment.

Ozsale is an online members-only shopping club that sources its stock by purchasing excess inventory from suppliers, predominantly overseas suppliers.

Infinity cables could cause house fires next year if not made safe

Time is running out for thousands of Australian homes and businesses to find out if they have faulty electrical cabling before it poses a serious danger, the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has warned.

The degrading cable could cause fires or electric shocks from as early as 2016. An estimated 3,900 km of unsafe cable was supplied and approximately 2,800 km is yet to be remediated, recovered or scheduled for remediation under the recall. Approximately 28 per cent of the cable has been accounted for.

ACCC inspects safety of showbags at Darwin Show

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission has inspected more than 90 showbags ahead of the Royal Darwin Show to ensure products included in the bags meet mandatory safety requirements.

ACCC Northern Territory Regional Director Derek Farrell said only one product, the Ninja Super Weapon set, was identified as not providing the correct warning label for projectile toys.

“The supplier of the toy has committed to ensuring the label is attached to the product before being supplied at the show,” Mr Farrell said.

ACCC address to Master Builders Australia

In an address to Master Builders Australia today, Australian Competition and Consumer Commission Deputy Chair Dr Michael Schaper  said that the ACCC and its state and territory fair trading counterparts are engaging with building regulators to encourage safety-based procurement practices in the building product sector.

His comments come as public interest in the origin of products and safety of building materials is increasing. Dr Schaper also clarified the role of the ACCC in building product regulation.

Recall of 'Inside Out' Event Cinemas cup

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is publishing a voluntary recall of the 15,000 ‘Inside Out’ illuminated cups that were sold as part of a promotion. The products were sold at Event Cinemas in NSW, QLD, SA, WA, ACT and NT between 17 June 2015 and 12 July 2015.

The ACCC considers the product could be unsafe as the button batteries in the lid of the cup may be released because the cover can be opened manually. The button batteries may also be released if the battery cover is not properly in place or if the lid is dropped.

Don't use a dangerous gas cooker this Easter

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission is warning consumers that six models of ‘lunchbox’ gas cookers have defective over-pressure valves  that pose a risk of explosion and injury.

“Portable gas cookers are popular camping items, which many families may be using during upcoming Easter trips. Before you pack, check whether your model is affected. If so, do not use it under any circumstances. If consumers are unsure whether their lunchbox gas cooker is affected, we recommend not using your cooker for now." ACCC Deputy Chair Delia Rickard said.