Cigarette lighters around children
Choose a safe cigarette lighter and learn how to use it and store it safely around children.
Cigarette lighters: the basics
Disposable lighters (and cheap refillable ones) must be child resistant.
This means only that they are harder to use, not that a child cannot use them.
Always keep all cigarette lighters and matches out of the reach of children.
A number of children have died in fires caused by playing with lighters, so the Ministry of Consumer Affairs has used its power to introduce safety requirements that lighters must meet.
Before you buy a cigarette lighter
Only buy lighters that are child-resistant. This means that they are harder to use, but it isn't impossible for a child to use them.
Using cigarette lighters safely
Throw away your old lighters that are not child-resistant.
Pass the word to friends and family.
Remember that child-resistant lighters are safer – but they are not child proof.
Never let your child play with cigarette lighters (or matches).
Do not ask your child to fetch your lighter for you.
Do not give your child a lighter to chew on or play with.
Got a problem with a cigarette lighter?
If you find a cigarette lighter that does not meet the mandatory standard you can report it to the Commerce Commission.
Read more about the cigarette lighter product safety standard.
The Commerce Commission enforces the Cigarette Lighters Product Safety Standard. You can contact them at:
Phone: 0800 943 600
Address: PO Box 2351, Wellington
Email: contact@comcom.govt.nz
Website: www.comcom.govt.nz
