NSW Fair Trading Minister Stuart Ayres is warning consumers to be vigilant about gas and electrical product safety on Australia Day.
Mr Ayres said all gas barbecues and small camping gas appliances must be certified and labelled and electrical goods must be approved and marked, to be legally sold.
“Australia Day is approaching and out will come the barbecues,: he said. “Don’t leave it until the last minute, get ready now. Do some simple checks because LP gas cylinders and attached equipment can kill, if gas leaks. Be careful with lunchbox gas cookers and don’t overload them with big pans. Read instructions carefully.”
Mr Ayres said consumers should check all gas and electrical appliances for approval labels or certification marks and retailers must be vigilant when selling goods.
“Check hoses on BBQs,: he said. “They can crack and perish. LP gas is heavier than air so will accumulate in low areas, rather than dissipate. It can generate an explosive mixture with air if the cylinder or attached equipment leaks. Cylinders of LP gas or acetylene carried or left in closed vehicles have caused explosions and fire,
“Don’t light cigarettes in cars carrying gas bottles. Keep cylinders in a secure and upright position when transporting them. Don’t use cylinder that is more than 10 years ld.
“If the cylinder doesn’t have attest mark, it could be lethal. It can’t be legally fitted in NSW if you buy a cylinder without legible test mark, you need t have it inspected at a certified gas cylinder test station and stamped with a test mark.
“Never use indoor any appliance that is designed for outdoor use. Check electrical appliances for fayed leads and damaged plugs and don’t use them near water, for example too close to pools.”
in 2013 Fair Trading Inspectors undertook checks across the state to clear shops and markets of uncertified gas barbecues, cook tops, wok burners, cast iron burner rings, kebab cookers, regulators and hose assemblies, as well as unapproved electric barbecues, battery charges and bug zappers.
The Minister said 462 sites were inspected for electrical items and 23,508 individual products examined, 767 were found to be non-compliant and removed from sale.
Safety warning for Australia Day
