Is your house at risk?
Death-trap appliances
The UK saw at least ten deaths associated with dangerous household appliances in recent years. According to a Daily Mail report, millions of dangerous household appliances are still in use because manufacturers have failed to warn consumers that they are faulty.
These fatal deaths were the result of poisonous carbon monoxide and fires. Many more houses have been burnt and destroyed as a result of these dangerous household appliances. Closer home, NUH reports that almost 70% of accidents in Singapore occur at home.
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Negligence of household appliances
The Electrical Safety Council (ESC) found out that out of the 266 recall notices received over the past six years, less than one-fifth of the appliances were ever repaired or returned.
The current recall system is accountable for the safety of household appliance but has been negligent in maintaining the risks and hazards. Furthermore, ESC also says that manufacturers have delayed issuing recall notices and have not given sufficient information to customers.
Fire chiefs also added that the current recall system is “unsuccessful and inadequate”. The penalty system for manufacturers will be revised so as to deter them from any more negligence.
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Consumer protection in Singapore
In Singapore, SPRING is the safety authority that manages the Consumer Protection Registration Scheme (CPS Scheme). The CPS scheme ensures the safety of 45 categories of household appliances. Before appliances are sold in Singapore, they have to be accessed and given the SAFETY mark.
Before purchasing a household appliance, be sure to identify the SAFETY mark because it certifies that the good is controlled and accessed. There would be a unique 8-digit registration number right below the mark, which allows the appliance to be traceable to the registrant and registered models.
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