Issue Date:  -  Friday, 10 November 2006

Christmas candle danger - Major retailers caught selling banned dangerous goods

Consumer Protection’s annual product safety survey in the lead-up to Christmas has already detected two major retailers selling flammable candleholders that are subject to banning orders.

“This is a very disappointing finding considering the amount of media coverage and the risks associated with products that hold candles, and the requirement for them to be able to withstand the heat of the candles without igniting or melting,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

At least one of the retailers in question was issued with a formal warning in December last year. The retailer participated in a recall program of similar products following last year’s product safety checks by Consumer Protection.  Both retailers were given clear information about the requirements for candleholders last year so there is no excuse for non-compliance.

“The potential for tragedy, including serious injury and even death, prevents us from considering further warnings on these occasions. Both retailers will be issued with Infringement Notices for each and every offence committed,” he said.

Infringement Notices carry a modified penalty of $1,000 per offence.

Product Safety Inspectors will be issuing Infringement Notices to traders who are found to be selling products that do not comply with Product Safety Orders.

“It is not worth the risk financially or legally, to sell dangerous products which could be responsible for someone’s house burning down this Christmas. A one thousand dollar penalty might be the least of a seller’s worries if they are pursued for compensation by someone who loses their home,” Commissioner Walker said.

“We are appealing to retailers who abide by the law, and also consumers who purchase these types of products, to be our eyes and ears and to assist us in making this year’s product safety survey a success. I ask everyone to please report any sightings of candlesticks or candle holders that they consider could be a fire risk and we will investigate,” he said.

Reports can be made to Consumer Protection on telephone number 1300 30 40 54, by emailing consumer@docep.wa.gov.au <mailto:consumer@docep.wa.gov.au> or writing to Reply Paid 64772, Locked Bag 14, Cloisters Square, WA, 6850.