Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts today said the approach of winter was a timely reminder to parents about the safety of electrical goods and children’s clothing.

Mr Roberts said a cold snap across much of the state meant families were already starting to switch on heaters and buy new winter nightwear for infants, toddlers and pre-schoolers.

“A lot of people will be happy to see the arrival of winter after a long summer, but the new season brings its own hazards,” he said.

“People start bringing out electric and gas heaters or get tempted by cheap products available on the market.

“I urge people to take the utmost care in inspecting their old heaters and to avoid using them if they have suspect wiring or dodgy connections.

“Don’t buy a new heater if it doesn’t carry the correct approval marks as these heaters could be illegal and put your life and your family’s lives at risk.

“Retailers and consumers can check any prospective heater purchase by looking at the appropriate approval marks on the NSW Fair Trading website.”

Mr Roberts also said LPG cabinet heaters that were previously banned from sale in NSW posed a serious fire or explosion risk.

“LPG cabinet heaters have been the cause of a number of fires in this country and in New Zealand and people should not use them under any circumstances,” he said.

Mr Roberts said parents should also make sure they check the labelling on children’s winter nightwear.

“Parents should select nightwear that carries the low fire danger label,” he said.

“Avoid garments with the high fire danger label unless they can guarantee their children will never go near fire or radiators.”

For more information contact Fair Trading on 13 32 20 or visit the Fair Trading website.

Consumers and retailers can also obtain further information about the mandatory standard for children’s nightwear by visiting the Product Safety Australia website, administered by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, at www.productsafety.gov.au

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