Safety advice for a happy, hoppy Easter

Easter is a time Queensland families are hunting around for gifts, but the Office of Fair Trading (OFT) has some important tips to keep in mind when shopping for toys, sleepwear and other Easter goods.

With Easter festivities becoming more popular, Attorney-General and Minister for Justice Shannon Fentiman has warned consumers to be careful when filling their homes with Easter novelty items and toys.

“Buying bunny ears that light up or flashing Easter egg decorations may seem fun but what consumers may not know is that these items can contain potentially deadly button batteries,” Minister Fentiman said.

“Button batteries are small, round, discs which can look like coins or lollies to small children, but they pose a risk of serious injury or death to children if they swallow or insert them.

“As well as being used in novelty products and toys, they’re also found in many common household items such as remotes and key fobs, so it’s important to check these and put them out of children’s reach. 

“Make sure the compartment that houses a button battery is child-resistant, such as being secured with a screw. If the item is damaged or the button battery compartment does not close securely, don’t use it. Keep it away from children and dispose of safely as soon as possible.”

The Attorney-General said that Easter is also seen by many as the time to start purchasing winter woollies for ourselves and the family.

“If you are buying winter pyjamas, it’s important to remember that not all types of pyjamas have the same level of safety, and they need to be marked accordingly,” she said.

“Children’s nightwear must display a fire hazard label which can be classed as low or high danger. But even nightwear that is considered a low fire hazard is still flammable.

“Easter is a wonderful time to get together with family to enjoy a well-deserved break and often to exchange gifts - be that of the chocolate type or other kind - but let’s all make sure it’s remembered for the right reasons and not for an unforeseen accident.”

Common household items which may contain button batteries include:

• flashing novelties and toys (e.g. bunny ears, festive earrings, flashing Easter eggs)
• remote controls
• torches
• thermometers
• car keys
• watches
• calculators
• digital kitchen and bathroom scales
• musical greeting cards
• glucometers
• hearing aids
• reading lights
• cameras
• fitness devices.

For further information on product safety visit the OFT website here.

 ENDS

Media contact:                                       Inga Williams          0439 949 719

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