Flaming football banned
Issue Date: - Tuesday, 17 June 2008
Addendum/Correction: 1250hrs 17-06-08
Early reports described this product as a 'hacky sack'. Consumer Protection confirms that
the banned product is in no way connected to the Hacky Sack toy. Hacky Sack is a
registered trade mark owned by a company unconnected to 'fire footbags'. The products
subject to the bans are 'fire footbags', not Hacky Sacks.
National and state product safety banning orders have been issued by the Australian Consumer & Competition Commission (ACCC) and WA Consumer Protection for products designed to be ignited, called ‘Hacky Sacks’. The banning orders came after Consumer Protection officers in WA detected sales of the potentially dangerous product in a local smoking paraphernalia shop.
Small, ball-like bags designed to be dipped in kerosene prior to being ignited and kicked around, were being sold for around $35 in Perth and were also available on the Internet.
The WA Consumer Protection Commissioner ordered an interim banning order on the ‘Hacky Sack’, ‘Fire Footbag’ and similar products, and this was augmented by the national ban which was announced yesterday.
“These products which include instructions on how to set fire to them and then to play with them like a football are highly dangerous to both people and the environment,” Consumer Protection Commissioner Anne Driscoll said.
“Terrible burn injuries could result from using these items as described in their instructions, not to mention the risk of serious fire damage to homes and bush lands.
“Frankly I am stunned that retailers in Perth or anywhere else would stock this kind of toy that has the potential to inflict serious burns on consumers should they be careless enough to use it as intended.
“Irrespective of the vague warnings on the packaging that tells consumers to wear safety glasses and cotton or denim clothing, there is absolutely no way this product, potentially a candidate for the ‘Worst Product of the Year’ award, can be used safely,” the Commissioner said.
Anyone who has purchased this type of product should not use it but return to the place of purchase for a full refund. Consumers encountering problems obtaining refunds from traders should contact Consumer Protection for assistance on telephone 1300 30 40 54 or email consumer@docep.wa.gov.au .