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New consumer safety guide launched: people and pets top of mind
Statements
Standards Australia is launching a new suite of Consumer Reference Guides to improve public access to the latest expert consumer advice.
The first guide, aimed at preventing common dangers caused by button batteries, was released today, 26 August, during an online consumer safety event co-hosted with Choice.
This marks the beginning of an expanded catalogue of no cost online consumer safety guides, targeting priority areas where Australians face potential harm as a result of buying or using everyday products.
Kareen Riley-Takos, Chief of Engagement, Standards & International Relations, said expert tips for consumers to help prevent the potential dangers of button batteries in the guide was a welcome addition.
“Our first consumer guide was designed to provide free, accessible information to help reduce the risk of serious injury, particularly in young children,” Kareen said. “Starting with button batteries our soon to be expanding suite of product guides will offer the most relevant and urgent advice we can share with families and retailers.”
Accidental swallowing of a button or coin battery, by a pet or child, can result in severe injury or death, especially when the battery becomes lodged in the oesophagus. Standards Australia is expanding its existing support for national product safety regulations around both batteries and the products that use them via the new guide.
“Since we published our button battery guidelines, which focused on installing and selling potentially dangerous products, multiple product recalls have highlighted ongoing gaps in safety compliance, reinforcing the need for consistent, standards-based approaches. This suite of guides targets consumers equipping them take control to make safe choices.”
Kareen added: “We know higher voltage lithium batteries, can cause tissue burns in under two hours so we’re keen to eliminate the knowledge gap and protect people and pets at the point of purchase.”
Products containing small batteries pose serious risks, and these guides aim to help the community identify safer options and avoid preventable dangers.
Standards Australia is launching a new suite of Consumer Reference Guides to improve public access to the latest expert consumer advice.
The first guide, aimed at preventing common dangers caused by button batteries, was released today, 26 August, during an online consumer safety event co-hosted with Choice.
This marks the beginning of an expanded catalogue of no cost online consumer safety guides, targeting priority areas where Australians face potential harm as a result of buying or using everyday products.
Kareen Riley-Takos, Chief of Engagement, Standards & International Relations, said expert tips for consumers to help prevent the potential dangers of button batteries in the guide was a welcome addition.
“Our first consumer guide was designed to provide free, accessible information to help reduce the risk of serious injury, particularly in young children,” Kareen said. “Starting with button batteries our soon to be expanding suite of product guides will offer the most relevant and urgent advice we can share with families and retailers.”
Accidental swallowing of a button or coin battery, by a pet or child, can result in severe injury or death, especially when the battery becomes lodged in the oesophagus. Standards Australia is expanding its existing support for national product safety regulations around both batteries and the products that use them via the new guide.
“Since we published our button battery guidelines, which focused on installing and selling potentially dangerous products, multiple product recalls have highlighted ongoing gaps in safety compliance, reinforcing the need for consistent, standards-based approaches. This suite of guides targets consumers equipping them take control to make safe choices.”
Kareen added: “We know higher voltage lithium batteries, can cause tissue burns in under two hours so we’re keen to eliminate the knowledge gap and protect people and pets at the point of purchase.”
Products containing small batteries pose serious risks, and these guides aim to help the community identify safer options and avoid preventable dangers.
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