MEDIA STATEMENT: Protect children from button batteries this Easter

Protect children from button batteries this Easter 

• The Crisafulli Government is reminding Queenslanders to keep children safe from the dangers of button batteries these holidays.
• Button batteries can be found in household goods and toys, including Easter-themed items.
• If swallowed, they can cause severe injury or death within hours, and immediate action is needed.  

Families are being reminded to stay vigilant about the dangers of button batteries in the lead up to the Easter holidays.  

The small, coin-sized batteries are found in many household items and children's toys, including Easter gifts, and pose a serious risk to young children if swallowed. 

Parents and caregivers are being urged to avoid products with button batteries where possible – or if they are purchased, to ensure they have a child-resistant battery compartment. 

Attorney-General and Minister for Justice and Minister for Integrity Deb Frecklington said it was a timely warning, with 20 children going to hospital every week across Australia with suspected button battery ingestion.  

"The safety of our children is paramount and while button batteries are small, they can cause significant harm if swallowed,” Attorney-General Frecklington said. 

“Every parent knows how inquisitive kids can be and that’s why we need to be so careful, including with the gifts we buy, because a tragedy can happen incredibly quickly. 

“The Office of Fair Trading undertakes rigorous inspections, enforcement actions and education, to help protect consumers from potential hazards and to ensure that retailers adhere to mandatory standards. 

“But I also urge families to know what to look out for, so we can all work together to help keep children safe.”  

ENDS 

MEDIA CONTACT: Molly Snaylam 0448 320 555 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION 

Over the past year, the Office of Fair Trading has ramped up efforts to ensure button battery safety in Queensland, with a total of 219 spot checks conducted and 941 product lines inspected.  

A range of enforcement actions have also been taken, including entering into 15 Enforceable Undertakings with corporations and individuals, issuing 53 Official Warnings, and issuing two Civil Penalty Notices at $18,780 each.  

The Enforceable Undertakings required retailers to stop selling unsafe products, commit to product safety by submitting a compliance program to Fair Trading, make donations to relevant charities, and cover testing costs. 

The most concerning issues found by inspectors were products without child-resistant battery compartments, batteries that could be released during testing, and missing warning labels. 

Advice from the Office of Fair Trading for parents and caregivers is to: 

• Check products are not damaged and that the battery compartments are secure to prevent tragic accidents as button batteries can cause severe injuries or death within hours.  

• Always store new and replacement button batteries out of sight and out of reach of children, and use secure containers to keep dangerous items away from curious little hands.  

• Safely dispose of used batteries immediately by putting sticky tape around both sides and putting them in a child resistant container. 

If you suspect a child has swallowed or inserted a button battery, call Triple Zero (000) immediately if they have difficulty breathing, or contact the Poisons Information Centre at 13 11 26 for expert advice. Immediate action can save lives.