Dire hire: When you hire electrical equipment, your're forced to place your safety in the hands of others
Article Abstract:
The Hire Association Europe (HAE) is committed to high standards, but a survey of 45 hired hedge trimmers and wallpaper strippers found that four out of 10 were not safe, with more than one in 10 very dangerous, and a third of tools hired from HAE members were unsafe. Some of the problems with hedge trimmers included outdated designs and poor maintenance, and the problems with wallpaper strippers related to badly wired plugs, loose mains cords and failure of the electric strength test. Few hire shops recommended the use of an RCD as protection against faults or cut cables, although the major chains are more likely to recommend and offer RCDs.
Publication Name: Which?
Subject: Consumer news and advice
ISSN: 0043-4841
Year: 1999
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The shocking state of product safety
Article Abstract:
Electrical goods in Europe have to have a CE marking but its meaning is obscure and it is not, as commonly thought, a safety mark or mark of approval from any organisation and it cannot be relied upon. Eighteen products were tested and six proved to be dangerous. A Pro-Team MTW-6 rotary fan had incorrect wiring and the earth wire was not securely fixed. The cord damaged easily and could electrocute a user. The blades of a blender by Viva detached when the machine was switched on. An Absaar BBL 1205 NE car battery charger was also dangerously wired. All were CE marked.
Publication Name: Which?
Subject: Consumer news and advice
ISSN: 0043-4841
Year: 1998
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Swimming pool safety
Article Abstract:
A survey of swimming pool safety shows that some may come below recommended standards when ensuring swimmer safety. Two expert swimming pool inspectors carried out anonymous safety inspections at 29 pools, and all 29 pools failed to meet some of the guidelines. More than two thirds of the pools did not have adequate lifeguard cover, and in general, signs were often inconsistent in the reception and pool areas. Several pools had hazardous features that gave serious cause for concern.
Publication Name: Which?
Subject: Consumer news and advice
ISSN: 0043-4841
Year: 1998
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