Published
Director of Consumer Affairs Victoria Dr Claire Noone has today welcomed a voluntary recall of Shinn Fu Australia MVP ProLift 1800kg Trolley Jacks following surveillance and monitoring activity by Consumer Affairs Victoria as part of a national campaign on hydraulic trolley jacks.
“Last week, Consumer Affairs Victoria conducted visits to 84 retailers and other premises in the Gippsland region, checking that traders are aware of their legal obligations and ensuring that products on the shelves are safe,” Dr Noone said.
During the visits, inspectors discovered a number of trolley jacks that did not have the required warning and operating instructions as specified in the mandatory standards.
Following the action of Consumer Affairs Victoria, Shinn Fu Australia issued a voluntary recall of the MVP ProLift 1800kg Trolley Jacks, requesting that anyone who has bought these jacks between 1 March 2010 and 5 May 2011 return them to their place of purchase for an exchange or refund.
Trolley jacks are devices used to raise a vehicle via the vehicle chassis. Trolley jacks that are used incorrectly or are overloaded can lead to injury or death.
“Due to incorrect labelling and inadequate instructions, this particular product poses a risk for consumers who could misuse the product and possibly be crushed,” Dr Noone said.
“This is a positive outcome for consumers as potentially unsafe products have been taken off the market voluntarily without any direct intervention from authorities being required.”
Under the Australian Consumer Law (ACL), there are national product safety standards in place to help ensure that all goods sold across the country are safe for consumers. Mandatory safety standards for trolley jacks cover a variety of requirements for these products including design, construction, performance and packaging requirements.
On average, there are 160 injuries associated with trolley jacks each year across Australia. Injuries range from fractures to amputation to crush injuries.
Since 2007, Consumer Affairs Victoria has received over 1000 enquiries and complaints about vehicle parts and accessories. Consumer Affairs Victoria continually monitor the marketplace for unsafe products.
“During these inspections, Consumer Affairs Victoria adopted an educative approach, working with traders, manufacturers and distributors aims to ensure that they have all the information they need to fully comply with the law,” Dr Noone said.
“We are committed to protecting Victorian consumers from dangerous products and working with industry to ensure such products never reach the shelves.
“This action is a reminder that Consumer Affairs Victoria continues to take action to protect Victorian consumers from unsafe products available for sale.”
Further information on this recall is available at www.recalls.gov.au.
Contact details
General inquiries
Consumer Affairs Victoria 1300 55 81 81.
Media inquiries
Consumer Affairs Victoria media contact Rachel Tosolini, (03) 8684 8339
