New national standard for cigarette lighters to come into effect October 1
30/9/97 In an effort to stop children from being burnt or killed in cigarette lighter accidents, the State Government has adopted a new national standard which will come into effect from October 1.
30/9/97
In an effort to stop children from being burnt or killed in cigarette lighter accidents, the State Government has adopted a new national standard which will come into effect from October 1.
Fair Trading Minister Doug Shave said today was the last day that shops in Western Australia could sell cigarette lighters that were not approved as child-safe.
"From tomorrow, all cigarette lighters sold in WA must comply with safety and performance specifications, which aim to stop children accidentally burning themselves," Mr Shave said.
"WA has adopted a new national standard for cigarette lighters, under the Trade Practices Act, which comes into effect tomorrow (October 1).
"The thrust of the new standard is that all lighters will be required to have at least two distinct hand movements to ignite a flame, hopefully stopping any tragedies occurring.
"Research has shown the motor skills of children under five are not well-enough developed to allow them to operate the new types of lighters, either deliberately or by accident."
Since 1994, the deaths of nine Australian children had been directly blamed on non child-resistant cigarette lighters, with one of those deaths occurring this year.
"Researchers found some tragic burns cases occurred when children rolled the flint-wheel of unsafe cigarette lighters across hard surfaces, such as a floor," Mr Shave said.
"That is one scenario that the new standard is intended to prevent."
A previous WA order limiting flame-height (150mm for adjustable lighters), requiring child-warning labels, as well as 'clean' flames which do not spit, would remain in force.
Mr Shave said WA retailers and wholesalers had demonstrated their support for the new safety measures and the Ministry of Fair Trading had taken steps in recent months to ensure traders knew about the new requirements.
Traders who did not comply with the new standards could face fines of up to $200,000.
"The State Government believes these new safety standards are an appropriate initiative in light of the family tragedy and years of suffering that result from severe burns to children," Mr Shave said.
Media contact: Anabel Gomez (08) 9222 9595
