Warning about dangers of ceiling fans

The arrival of hot weather has prompted a warning on the potential dangers of ceiling fans.

Fourteen children have been injured by the rotating blades on fans in the past four years, Consumer Affairs Minister Yvonne Henderson said today.

These accidents had been reported to the Child Accident Prevention Foundation through its injury surveillance system.

"Some children have almost been scalped by the blades, which can cause deep cuts," Mrs Henderson said.

"On a number of occasions, accidents have occurred when parents or friends lifted a young child into the air and into the revolving blades.

"Children have also been injured when climbing near the fans or bouncing on a bed."

During winter the fans were forgotten and so were the dangers associated with their use, Mrs Henderson said.

"Most of the recorded incidents have resulted from children or adults forgetting that the fans were on.

"The Child Accident Prevention Foundation has expressed concern about these accidents.  I urge parents to exercise care when fans are operating."