Product Safety
What advice can you give on buying toys for children?
I've bought an electric kettle and it's faulty. I'm not worried about getting my money back, but I am concerned that it is unsafe. What can I do about it?
I've heard a product I bought recently has been the subject of a safety recall. How can I check whether this is true?
Some people say fireworks are so dangerous they should be banned. How can I be sure fireworks I buy won't be dangerous?
A cosmetic product which I have used caused an adverse reaction. What should I do?
What general advice would you give regarding cosmetic products?
What advice can you give on buying toys for children?
Apply common sense, purchase from reputable outlets, look at the toy and labelling, ensure toys are intended for the right age group, they are CE marked and have a manufacturer or importers address. Factsheets and other information is available at
- British Toy & Hobby Association - www.btha.co.uk
- Child Accident Prevention Trust - www.capt.org.uk/FAQ
- The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents - www.rospa.co.uk
I've bought an electric kettle and it's faulty. I'm not worried about getting my money back, but I am concerned that it is unsafe. What can I do about it?
Stop using it. Report the matter to Consumer Direct 08454 04 05 06 (or Trading Standards), have the make, model and serial number available if possible. CD will refer it to a Trading Standards Officer for consideration anyway. You can also contact the retailer or manufacturer (details normally in user instructions or on their web sites)
I've heard a product I bought recently has been the subject of a safety recall. How can I check whether this is true?
Check with the manufacturer or retailer concerned, information is often available on their web sites or try http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/ or http://www.ukrecallnotice.co.uk/
Some people say fireworks are so dangerous they should be banned. How can I be sure fireworks I buy won't be dangerous?
Many people go to professional displays, but if you want your own show only purchase your fireworks from reputable traders, and ensure that they are labelled as complying with the safety standard BS7114. Always follow the safety instructions on the firework, particularly the recommended safety distance for spectators. See http://www.berr.gov.uk/fireworks/ for more details about the safe use of fireworks.
A cosmetic product which I have used caused an adverse reaction. What should I do?
Stop using the product and seek medical attention if the reaction is severe or your have any other concerns. Please retain the container, packaging and associated literature. Report the matter to Consumer Direct Tel. No: 08454 04 05 06. They will give you civil law advice and refer your complaint to the Trading Standards Service.
What general advice would you give regarding cosmetic products?
Always carefully read the instructions for use and note any safety warnings. Check that you have no allergies to any of the ingredients. Store the product according to the manufacturers instructions. Dispose of the product when it has passed the Best Before date or Period After Opening (PAO). The PAO is denoted by an open container symbol with a stated period of months e.g. 24M. Cosmetic Products marked For Professional Use Only should not be applied by consumers.