Parents warned of safety perils of novelty lighters

Added: 28/04/2008
Category: Norfolk County Council

As new legislation prohibiting retailers supplying novelty lighters to consumers comes into force, Trading Standards Officers are asking parents to be aware of the fire risk posed by any novelty lighters that may remain in circulation.

Since March 2007, European law has prohibited manufacturers and importers from placing non child resistant, and novelty lighters on the marketplace.

As of March 2008, the same law now prohibits retailers from selling such lighters.

Trading Standards Officers at Norfolk County Council are requesting parents be aware that any novelty lighters found on sale may not be child proof - and could be a fire risk in the wrong hands.

Martin Greaves, Principal Trading Standards Officer at Norfolk County Council, said:

"Novelty lighters are likely to be more attractive to children, due to them often being shaped more like a toy than a conventional lighter, or by featuring flashing lights or audio effects.

"Many of such lighters are not child resistant and can quite easily be ignited by a child.

"These lighters are now banned from being sold on the marketplace and Norfolk County Council Trading Standards service would like parents to bear in mind the risk posed by those novelty lighters that are still in circulation. We also request that Consumer Direct are informed of any premises that are still selling such lighters.

They can be contacted on 08454 04 05 06."

Commenting upon the changes to the law, Norfolk County Council Fire and Rescue Service, said:

"Norfolk County Council Fire and Rescue Service supports any move that will help make youngsters safer.

"Lighters, like matches, can do serious damage in the wrong hands and we would urge parents to keep any such items well out of reach of children."