WITH Christmas approaching and balance scooters or ‘hover boards’ becoming a ‘must have’ gift this year, Derry City and Strabane District Council has issued a warning to the public not to be tempted to purchase unsafe balance scooters that are being imported into the North of Ireland.
This warning follows a number of issues arising where ‘hover boards’ have gone on fire.
Seamus Donaghy. Head of Health, Community and Wellbeing with Derry City and Strabane District Council explained that there have been reports of hover boards ‘exploding’ or catching fire whilst being charged and that many of these reports have been linked with house fires.
“Issues are lengthy that have arisen with these products and they have found to be “non-compliant” under consumer safety legislation because the cut-off switch to the internal battery not activating leading to overheating of the battery with the risk of fire, plugs and associated fuses and chargers not meeting safety standards.
“Other risks include the fact that many of the unsafe products have a clover-shaped plug, the user manual is not written in clear English and there are no manufacture/importer details on the product, user manual or packaging
“If you are considering purchasing a balance board or hover board or have bought one here are some key points you need to look out for.
“The plug must be a three pin UK plug. It is not acceptable for the product to be supplied with a two pin plug and adaptor for use in UK sockets.
“If there is an adaptor, it must be fixed in such a way that it can be removed only by using a screw drive,” he said.
Mr. Donaghy added: ““The product should have information about the importer and/or manufacturer.
“This must include an address but may also include a website and full contact details in case of problems with the product, just a mobile phone number is not good enough. Instructions should be in good English, with advice about safe use, intended users (e.g. by age or weight).
“Never leave the hover board charging unattended – especially overnight: faulty cut-off switches or a plug without a fuse could lead to the hover board overheating, exploding or catching fire.
“Always buy from reputable sources and stores. Always ensure that any replacement batteries or chargers are fully compatible with the item in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.
“If you have purchased one of the hover boards or something similar that you suspect may be unsafe, our advice is to stop using it immediately, do not charge the product, “ he added.
Derry City and Strabane District Council Environmental Health Service work throughout the year to ensure our residents are safe within the district.
The Council links with UK Trading Standards Officers and colleagues across NI to protect consumers from unsafe consumer goods. If you have any queries please contact the Council’s Environmental Health Department directly at 028 71253253.