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Ladders are used in most households for a range of jobs from DIY to changing lightbulbs; however, if the ladder is not in good condition or is used unsafely, falls can occur and cause fractured limbs, spinal cord damage, severe brain injury or death. Standards Australia has just published a revised standard AS 1895.2:2020 Portable ladders which provides minimum requirements…
Read More Safe ladder use and Australian Standards
A blow-up swimming ring in a pool
An updated mandatory safety standard for aquatic toys will help to better protect children using inflatable aquatic toys in and around water. Children, in particular young children who often cannot swim, are at risk of drowning if their inflatable aquatic toy suddenly deflates when air is released through the air inlet. The hazard increases if…
Read More New safety standard for aquatic toys
Two children riding bicyles on a path in the woods
Protection given by a helmet for recreational activities goes a long way in preventing serious head injuries. The recently published third edition of the Australian/New Zealand standard AS/NZS 2063:2020 Helmets for use on bicycles and wheeled recreational devices addresses these concerns. The objective of the updated Australian/New Zealand standard is to provide lightweight helmets that…
Read More Why you should use a helmet when skateboarding or cycling
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While many of us have already hauled out the winter woollies, electric blankets and hot water bottles, the first official day of winter is the perfect time to check they’re still safe to use. Commissioner for Consumer Affairs Dini Soulio said a number of winter warmer products may pose a safety risk if they are…
Read More Hot safety tips for consumers in cold weather
A close-up image of a green electric circuit board
The extensive growth in Artificial Intelligence (AI) programs by the world’s most advanced economies has highlighted the need to effectively use the standards process to promote, develop and realise the opportunities of responsible AI, delivering business growth, improving services and protecting consumers. Standards Australia has released the Artificial Intelligence Standards Roadmap: Making Australia’s Voice Heard. This comprehensive…
Read More Artificial intelligence – Standards Australia roadmap
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Even when you think you know what you are doing, never attempt to do your own electrical work — it’s dangerous, illegal and can be fatal. Compliance with standards in the electrical sector is a key element of safety in the community and industry. Consumers’ Federation of Australia has a representative on the Standards Australia Technical Committee EL-001 Wiring…
Read More Doing some DIY – beware electrical work
Small round disk batteries in green and black cardboard packaging that says 'GP Lithium'
CFA has made a submission to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) Button Battery Taskforce. The ACCC launched the taskforce to investigate the safety of button batteries and the products that contain them. Button batteries pose a severe injury risk for young children and other vulnerable groups, like the elderly and those with dementia,…
Read More Consumers’ Federation of Australia responds to proposed button battery regulation options
A gold watch on a table with button batteries scattered around the watch
Consumer household products with button batteries, including children’s toys, should have secure battery safety compartments, child resistant packaging and clear information and warning labels, under proposed new mandatory standards put forward by the ACCC for consultation. Button battery safety is a key part of the ACCC’s Product Safety Priorities for 2020, which show how the ACCC will…
Read More Product safety priorities focus on button battery safety
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ACCC Chair Rod Sims announced the ACCC’s compliance and enforcement priorities for 2020 in a speech to the annual Committee for Economic Development Australia (CEDA). These priorities provide focus to the ACCC’s enforcement and advocacy work, as well as develop solutions to deliver benefits for all consumers. The 2020 priorities include: Competition and consumer issues in the…
Read More ACCC releases its compliance and enforcement priorities for 2020
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CHOICE is calling on the government to introduce tighter product safety laws, following an alarming number of infant deaths linked to inclined sleepers in the US. CHOICE experts say that based on research conducted in the US, inclined sleepers are so dangerous for young babies that they should be completely avoided. Two inclined sleeping products…
Read More Inclined sleepers: A tragedy waiting to happen in our homes
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The Australian Summer is an iconic part of the Aussie lifestyle but did you know that some of our favourite summer pastimes include a range of standards designed to keep us safe? They affect everything from the fans keeping you cool to your coolest pair of sunnies, read more here. Consumers’ Federation of Australia (CFA) regularly seeks…
Read More Summer, standards and how they relate to you
The dashboard of a car; the airbags have deployed and are deflated
About 3.56 million defective Takata airbags have now been replaced as part of the compulsory recall, but more than seven percent remain outstanding and the ACCC is urging consumers not to ignore or delay responding to recall notices. Figures released on Friday show about 3.56 million airbags in 2.59 million vehicles were rectified as at…
Read More More than 250,000 vehicles with defective Takata airbags remaining for replacement