Product safety
Contents
Urgent consumer safety notice - Baby self feeding pillows (2 December)
Urgent Safety Alert has been issued for baby self-feeding pillows.
Overview
To some extent we all take the safety of items we use around the house for granted however the trading standards service is working with manufactures, importers and retailers to make sure that we can literally sleep easy in our beds.
We enforce safety legislation on a wide range of products including toys, upholstered furniture, carry cots, pens, pencils, electric blankets, child car seats and second hand items. We do this by investigating complaints, carrying out inspections and submitting test purchases to experts to have them tested.
Product safety
Trading Standards are accountable for enforcing the laws relating to the safety of goods we purchase.
We are able to inspect shops and markets for the safety of goods on sale, petrol stations and public houses to guarantee the accuracy of weighing and measuring equipment. If unsafe goods are found on sale we have the authority to remove these goods from sale.
We work closely with our partners within Trading Standards Metrology Lab who offer services such as a public weighbridge, toy testing, electrical testing of portable appliances, calibration testing and trade weights and measures.
Examples of safety problems include:
- Sharp points or edges on toys
- Small parts on toys which could choke
- Toys with toxic metals such as lead in the paint
- Badly constructed electrical items including Phone Chargers & Laptop Batteries
- Window Blind Cords and Curtain Cords
- Candle Safety
The law
The law says that:
- New and second hand goods sold by a trader must be safe
- The supplier must ensure they are safe to use for their normal purpose.
It is our responsibility to make sure the law is respected. We do this by:
- inspecting trade premises
- testing samples of different goods
- investigating consumer complaints.
If you think something is unsafe
If you have bought a product that you think is unsafe or you know a trader who is selling goods you believe to be unsafe, email trading.standards@southtyneside.gov.uk and we will look into the matter.
Product news
Urgent recall of faulty home use sunbeds
See information from Hartlepool Council on an urgent product recall of faulty sunbeds, which are supplied to members of the public by Carlton Leisure Ltd trading as Golden Brown Sunbeds, Murray Street, Hartlepool - Sunbed safety warning - Hartlepool Council (November 2018).
E-cigarette battery safety
For the latest governement advice, visit GOV.UK: E-cigarette battery safety.
Laughing gas
Warning as "laughing gas" canisters found in South Shields - 25 June 2020
Further advice
The Citizens Advice consumer service provides free, confidential and impartial advice on consumer issues. Call the Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 0808 2231133.