Published
New South Wales Fair Trading Minister Anthony Roberts is urging people in NSW to pay close attention to government warnings about the safety of electrical goods and children’s clothing.
Mr Roberts said house fires in NSW over the weekend highlighted the serious risk to lives and property caused by unsafe use of heaters, particularly when in close proximity to bedding.
“Fire and Rescue NSW attended four heater-related fires on Saturday,” he said. “In one case a house was extensively damaged at North Ryde and bedrooms were damaged at properties in Waratah and Seven Hills.
“Blankets, a mattress and pillows were too close to heaters in those incidents.
“Three people at Lalor Park needed medical attention after fumes from a heater overcame them.”
Essential safety tips for room heaters are:
- do not place the room heater too close to furniture items in your home. The heat produced by the heater could ignite the furniture
- do not place clothing or other items too close to the room heater. Some materials burn very easily and could start a fire in your home
- do not allow children or pets to play, stand or sit too close to the room heater.
Minister Roberts said modern heaters were manufactured to the latest standards, made from modern materials and incorporated additional safety features that older style heaters may not. “Older style heaters with rusted reflectors or frames can cause hot spots and may be a source of danger,” he said. “People should check all heaters for the appropriate approval marks.” Examples of approval marks can be found on the New South Wales Fair Trading website.
Mr Roberts also reminded parents to be mindful of the fire risks associated with children’s clothing, especially nightwear. “All children’s nightwear sold in NSW must carry labels based on the fire risks associated with the product to help parents reach the right purchasing decision,” he said.
Essential safety tips for parents:
- read labels very carefully and avoid garments with WARNING: HIGH FIRE DANGER: KEEP AWAY FROM FIRE, unless they can guarantee children will never go near fire
- buy nightwear labelled LOW FIRE DANGER
- avoid loose nightwear that could easily catch alight if your primary heating source is a fireplace or a radiant heater
- choose form-fitting pyjamas with cuffs around arms and legs
- when making your own children’s nightwear, look for safety warnings on commercial patterns and avoid using lightweight material or fabric with a pile or a nap and
- never let children get too close to fires or radiators.
For more information about fire prevention go to: www.fire.nsw.gov.au
Contact details
General inquiries
NSW Fair Trading 13 32 20
Further information about nightwear for children can also be found on the nightwear for children page of this website.