Product Safety

This Topic Includes:
What manufacturers, suppliers and retailers can do
Product Safety factsheet - PDF
 

Product safety can be improved when everyone involved – in product regulation, manufacture, supply, sale, purchase, and use – works together and actively contributes to making sure that products are safe and are used safely.

What consumers can do

In the shop

• ask if there’s a standard - does the product meet the standard? If not, don’t buy it.
• does it fit? - try it before you buy it!
• do you think it’s unsafe? - tell the shopkeeper why.
• look at labels – do they say how to use and care for the product – and how not to use it?
• ask if you need any safety equipment to use the product safely. Make sure you buy, or already have, the recommended equipment before you use the product.

At home

• read and follow all instructions and safety information before you put it together, install it, plug it in, or use it
• repair broken toys and furniture immediately or don't use them
• provide adequate supervision of children using the product. Keep older children's toys out of reach of younger children
• be aware of possible dangers of old or modified products
• use products only for their intended purpose, and in a safe environment especially when children are around
• check the condition of products regularly, and do any necessary maintenance immediately
• report any problems to the supplier, retailer, or the Measurement and Product Safety Service.

What if…

• it breaks through normal use? - Take the product back and ask for a refund or replacement
• it becomes unsafe? - Take the product back and ask for a refund or replacement
• you’re still unsatisfied after taking the product back? – Contact the MAPSS team
• there is a product safety recall? Stop using the product immediately, and respond according to the recall instructions.

What manufacturers, suppliers and retailers can do

• provide clear instructions for proper use
• train staff in safe and proper use so they can provide correct information to consumers
• be aware of and follow industry and safety standards
• incorporate safety into design
• develop product recall plans and procedures
• implement a quality assurance program which includes consumer feedback
• respond quickly to safety concerns
• get advice from the MAPSS team.

What the government can do if there’s a safety problem

• establish mandatory safety standards and ensure compliance with them
• promote consumer awareness
• encourage research to improve safety
• facilitate solutions between consumers and suppliers, including:
• talking to the shopkeeper or supplier
• talking to the manufacturer
• suggesting modifications to make the product safe
• negotiate the removal of unsafe products from sale
• assist companies to recall unsafe products
• help develop voluntary standards.

If the problem is extremely serious, the Minister of Consumer Affairs can:

• recall unsafe products
• ban unsafe products
• make mandatory standards.

PDF of publication/Ordering publication

The Product Safety factsheet is now available online in PDF format (78 KBs). Instructions for obtaining the Adobe Acrobat viewer.

The printed factsheet can also be ordered using our online Publications Form.