Unsafe Fan May Cause Injury Or Electric Shock

[therat 18]

http://www.spring.gov.sg/NewsEvents/PR/Pag...k-20101001.aspx

Unsafe Fan May Cause Injury or Electric Shock

1. SPRING Singapore has found a non-registered electric clip fan in its routine market surveillance. Electric fans are among 45 categories of controlled goods which must be registered with SPRING and issued with the SAFETY Mark before they can be sold on the market. SPRING has the power to require those trading in non-registered controlled goods to stop selling and recall the products. Offenders may also be fined up to $10,000 or jailed for up to two years, or both.

2. The fan does not come with a fan guard, exposing the user to possible injuries from the turning blades. The fan is also a potential electric hazard as its 2 flat-pin plug does not fit the mains sockets here and its mains cord is not double-insulated.

3. So far, SPRING has found only one retailer who was selling the unsafe fan. He had imported 100 pieces and sold 72 of them. The remaining 28 pieces have been removed. Consumers who have bought the fans are urged to return or dispose of them. They may seek a refund from the retailer.

4. Consumers are reminded that they should look for the SAFETY Mark when buying controlled goods. They may also inform SPRING of any controlled goods which do not bear the SAFETY Mark. For more information, please visit : http://www.spring.gov.sg/safety.

Fact Sheet on Unsafe Non-registered Electric Clip Fan

Background

Electric fans are among 45 categories of controlled goods which must be registered with SPRING and issued with the SAFETY Mark before they can be sold on the market. Anyone who trades in non-registered controlled goods may be fined up to $10,000 or jailed for up to two years, or both.

In its routine market surveillance, SPRING Singapore found a non-registered electric clip fan (see below). Further, the fan does not come with a fan guard, and therefore, does not comply with the required safety standard, IEC 60335-2-80.

Unguarded Electric Clip Fan

Why unsafe?

All electric table/standing fans (including clip type) are required to have a fan guard. This guard prevents contact with the fan blades which can cause injuries.

The 2 flat-pin plug (shown below) is not suitable for use in Singapore as it does not fit the mains sockets here. The mains cord is not double-insulated and is an electric shock hazard.

The plug and mains cord pose an electric shock hazard

Safety is everyone’s concern

For Suppliers

Suppliers of controlled goods should ensure that the products they supply meet the relevant safety requirements. They must obtain evidence, in the form of test reports and Certificates of Conformity, that the products have met the required safety standards, and register the products with SPRING Singapore.

For Consumers

Consumers are advised to look for the SAFETY Mark when buying controlled goods. They may also inform SPRING Singapore if they find anyone trading in controlled goods which do not bear the SAFETY Mark.

Always insist on the SAFETY Mark

For details on controlled goods, please visit http://www.spring.gov.sg/safety.

More pictures of the Unsafe Fan