Store convicted for breaching safety rules

Media Release
6 November 2009

Bargain store convicted for breaching electrical safety rules

Fashion Leader Limited was found guilty of breaching the Electricity Regulations, and convicted on four charges, in the Auckland District Court on 4 November and fined $500 and $100 costs.

Fashion Leader Limited, a bargain store in Papakura, had failed to establish the safety of electrical products before offering them for sale.

Energy Safety, part of the Ministry of Economic Development, prosecuted Fashion Leader Limited after it continued to sell the products, despite warnings and prior education.

“This store continued to fail to take steps to ensure the safety of the electrical products it sold. Selling low cost items does not mean that safety can be compromised,” says Richard Lamb, Energy Safety Compliance Officer.

The products being sold included table lamps, hair dryers and plug adaptors. All of these are considered high risk items and were never intended for use in New Zealand. They presented a risk to anyone who used them.

“We regularly monitor and audit suppliers of electrical products, including bargain type stores. Our aim is to encourage all retailers to take responsibility for the products they supply.”

Mr Lamb said retailers should be cautious about who they obtain their stock from, and they must always ask how safety has been established.

“Not establishing if something is safe before it is supplied, not only puts customers at risk but also the business too.

“The rules are in place to protect consumers and encourage good business practices’” says Mr Lamb.

Fashion Leader Limited had breached Electricity Regulations 107(a) and 107 (aa).

ends

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