A team of inspectors from NSW Fair Trading will be out in force at Gunnedah’s AgQuip from 16 to 18 August checking for unsafe, unapproved and counterfeit products.

Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts said AgQuip attracted more than 100,000 visitors and 700 exhibitors and was an important event in Fair Trading’s compliance and safety inspection program calendar.

“Fair Trading will once again work closely with AgQuip’s management to ensure that all products, especially gas appliances, tools and electrical goods, comply with NSW’s rigorous safety standards,” he said.

“Inspectors will be focusing on power supplies for stand alone solar equipment, as well as power tools, welders, battery chargers and other household electrical items.

“They will also be checking for breaches of the Motor Dealers Act and making sure no second hand cars are being traded. Inspectors will also check gas appliances and LPG vehicles for any breaches of the Gas Supply (Consumer Safety) Regulation.”

Mr Roberts said Fair Trading had previously located and confiscated unsafe power tools, lamps and power adaptors that did not meet Australian electrical safety standards.

“People in the bush are doing it tough enough and they don’t need the added hassle of purchasing dodgy or unsafe goods or not getting what they pay for.”

Mr Roberts said all electrical goods sold in New South Wales must meet the requirements of the Electricity (Consumer Safety) Act 2004 and regulations.

“This legislation covers safe electrical appliances and other electrical goods, with 56 categories mentioned,” he said.

“Examples of acceptable electrical safety approval marks are available at the Fair Trading website.

“Overseas approval marks are not acceptable in Australia.

“Penalties of up to $82,500 and/or two years imprisonment for an individual or sole trader and $825,000 for a corporation can be given for breaches of the Act.”

Mr Roberts said inspections would also be conducted on stand-alone renewable energy systems in the Gunnedah region.

“Inspectors will be educating electrical contractors about the correct issuing of Certificates of Compliance for electrical work in all stand-alone systems,” he said.

Above: Fair Trading inspectors Bill Campbell and Peter Kemp on patrol at Agquip. Photo courtesy Robert Campbell, Northern Daily Leader.

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