Businesses advice on the supply of safe goods
Publish Date: Wednesday, 27 June 2007
Up to 750,000 accidental injuries are caused each year by unsafe products. Now help is at hand for these businesses involved in the manufacture, distribution and sale of products, such as toys, furniture and electrical goods.
In May the 'Don't Chance It', guide was launched and aimed specifically at businesses to help them meet all relevant regulations that apply to their products. The guide was developed by the local Councils in response to a request from the small business sector.
The Director of Environmental Health and Acting Chief Executive Alan Burke said:
"We wanted to give small businesses a starting point and explain what they need to do to meet their obligations to supply goods that are safe, to provide customers with all relevant information for safe use and any precautions to be taken. The guide contains basic, easy to understand information on how to avoid committing an offence, the role of local Environmental Health Departments and what action can be taken by Environmental Health Officers."
"It also provides useful guidance on a number of 'frequently asked questions' which covers products such as furniture, toys, electrical goods, pushchairs and prams, gas cookers, tyres, cosmetics, nightwear and children's clothing. This includes advice on what labels are required, what information and instruction should be provided, relevant standards the products should meet and any warnings that are needed. There is also a section on the general requirements for safe products. Age restricted products such as tobacco and cigarette lighter refills are also included in the guidance."
Copies of the 'Don't Chance it' booklet are available from each of the 26 district Councils and Belfast City Council's Advice Centre, 14 Wellington Place, Belfast or can be downloaded by clicking here.
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