MS VAN LITSENBURG ASKED THE MINISTER FOR TOURISM AND FAIR TRADING (MR LAWLOR) —
QUESTION:
Is the Minister aware of any safety issues relating to the current market for winter goods?
ANSWER:
I thank the Member for the question.
This time of year is a busy one for the Office of Fair Trading’s Product Safety Unit and those interested in winter safety issues.
As Members would realise the recent cold snap has meant parents and caregivers around Queensland have been reaching for their heaters, hot water bottles and winter pyjamas. The products we use at this time of the year are all designed to keep us warm but there is a greater risk of fire, scalds and burns, particularly to children.
A recent demonstration to highlight the burning behaviour of children’s nightwear was held at the fire safety house in Petrie revealing how quickly some fabric types can burn and providing a strong warning as we head into cooler months.
Fortunately, burn related injuries associated with clothing remain low and raising parents and caregivers’ awareness each year at the onset of winter provides a good injury prevention message.
I urge all Queenslanders to display common sense when it comes to safety and to make informed decisions when buying winter clothing, appliances or other products.
With clothing, Australia has mandatory safety standards for children’s nightwear which manufacturers and retailers must comply with. Nevertheless, some parents may not be aware that even articles marked ‘low fire danger’ can still burn.
Certain clothing styles and fabric types are more flammable and dangerous than others and should have a fire warning label to warn parents of the risk level.
The "LOW FIRE DANGER" label with black text on a white background covers garments made from low fire danger fabric such as polyester fabrics and garments often used in tracksuit type clothing that are styled to reduce fire danger. This does not mean the item won’t burn but because of its style or fabric type the flame will spread at a slower rate.
The "WARNING HIGH FIRE DANGER KEEP AWAY FROM FIRE" label has a flame symbol printed in black colouring on red material and covers garments made from materials that can ignite rapidly, particularly cotton fabrics and long flowing styles of nightwear.
There are a range of practical steps parents can take when purchasing and using products this winter including:
installing guards around heaters, fires and stove tops
choosing low risk children’s nightwear (including close fitting garments and items with a ‘Low Fire Danger’ label)
checking the condition of heating appliances such as heaters and electric blankets before use, including electrical plugs and cords – do not use any heater or electric blanket with frayed cords
never heating water bottles with boiling water or water hotter than 50 degrees Celsius
always supervising children around heating areas, and
checking your smoke alarm is working each week.
No amount of safety labels or precautions can do a better job than adult supervision in keeping your children safe and I urge all Queenslanders to watch their children closely whenever a heater or open fire place is being used.
