More than 3,100 decorations and lights have been inspected in Fair Trading’s annual Christmas safety compliance blitz.
Minister for Better Regulation Matt Kean said Fair Trading inspectors searched 136 businesses in Sydney and the Illawarra during Operation Sleigh Ride 2018.
“The team tested and inspected dozens of Christmas accessories, including fairy lights and fibre optic Christmas trees, to help keep NSW families safe this festive season,” Mr Kean said.
“Unfortunately, four businesses in Erina, Mayfield, Pennant Hills, and Wentworthville were selling power adaptors that aren’t up to Australian standards. They’ve been directed to remove the dodgy products from the shelves.”
Mr Kean said Christmas preparations are well underway in many NSW households, and just a couple of common sense checks is all it takes to help keep families safe this Christmas.
“Electrical incidents can usually be avoided by not overloading power boards and adaptors, using weatherproof products for outdoor installations and checking fairy lights are Australian certified.
"If you’re using last year’s Christmas lights, check there isn’t any obvious damage like exposed wires. If in doubt, throw them out,” Mr Kean said.
“Our statistics show falls from heights are a big killer in NSW. So if you’re putting Christmas lights on the roof this year, use a good quality ladder that’s secured on stable ground, in dry weather.
“Electrical products that haven’t been tested and approved in Australia can be dangerous and we don’t want to see disasters this festive season. Australian approved products should have an acceptable electrical safety approval mark, such as the Regulatory Compliance Mark of a C-Tick within a triangle.”
Consumers can check their electrical items have the correct markings or report dodgy products on the Fair Trading website, www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au
