Slough Borough Council’s trading standards team is giving advice to consumers on the safety of products they may buy and the consumer’s rights.
Slough Trading standards check all products to make sure they’re safe.Most consumers will be aware of the CE mark on products such as toys and electrical appliances, which shows the device complies with British and European Standards.
However, not all products have this and under a European Directive, these goods are still required to be safe and it’s therefore up to trading standards to make sure they are.
Slough Trading standards can prosecute anyone found selling unsafe products by taking them to court where they could face a fine of up to £5,000 and/or imprisonment of up to three months.
In recent weeks, the team have investigated safety issues concerning barbeques, clothing, glass and cigarette lighters.
A safe product is one that under normal conditions, or reasonably foreseeable conditions of use, presents no risk or minimal risk to the consumer in the use of that product. An unsafe product is one that does not meet this requirement.
When assessing the safety of a product, Slough trading standards officers will look at and take into account;
* The products characteristics and packaging
* Instructions for assembly, use, maintenance and disposal
* The effects it might have when used with other products
* Labelling and other information provided
* The persons who could be at risk, particularly where children or the elderly are concerned
Consumers who have any concerns or require further advice should contact Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06.
Keith Eaglestone, trading standards manager for Slough Borough Council, said: “It is vital that where residents have concerns over the safety of any products that they bring these concerns to our attention through Consumer Direct.
“It’s our job to make sure that all products pass these safety measures before being put on sale and bought.”
Commissioner for Slough community and leisure, Cllr Shafiq Chaudhry added: “It’s important consumers are aware of their rights, particularly when their personal safety is concerned”.
“Our trading standards service takes all safety issues extremely seriously and they will assist both consumers and business when requested.”
Slough Borough Council
