NSW:120 dangerous toys removed from market

AAP General News (Australia)
12-01-2011
NSW:120 dangerous toys removed from market

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SYDNEY, Dec 1 AAP - Nearly 120 types of faulty and life-threatening toys have been
detected in the run-up to Christmas, the NSW government says.

The NSW Fair Trading pre-Christmas checks found 117 types of toys that did not comply
with Australian standards, Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts said on Thursday.

Compliance officers found 100 varieties of toys for children aged three years and under
with small parts that could be fatal if inhaled or ingested.

Thirteen projectile toys had the potential to cause a significant eye injury, while
three yo-yo balls with cords could cause strangulation, Mr Roberts said.

One aquatic toy did not carry the required risk warnings.

The checks also uncovered six types of non-compliant electrical products, and seven
potentially dangerous Christmas-related products, including five flammable candle wreaths
and two Santa lighters.

The unapproved electrical items included potentially dangerous power plugs, energy-saving
lamps, travel adaptors and Christmas lights.

This year, NSW Fair Trading inspected 28,511 electrical items in 753 shops and markets
across the state.

Of these, just 2.7 per cent were found to be non-compliant.

All dangerous toys and products had been removed from sale and all suppliers were being
investigated, Mr Roberts said.

"Shoppers should always look for the approval marks on electrical items and can check
them at the Fair Trading website," he said.

Overseas approval marks were not acceptable in Australia and consumers should check
lights and electronic decorations for faults, worn plugs and frayed cords, Mr Roberts
added.

Photographs of all non-compliant products can be found at www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au

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