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A National Framework for Product Safety in Australia and New Zealand encourages a co-operative approach to product safety. Consumers, Suppliers and Government are all working together to reduce product-related injuries.
Consumer
As a consumer, you play an important role in purchasing products that are safe and have a responsibility to ensure that they are used safely.You should:
- buy products that are appropriate for the user (eg. toys with small parts are not appropriate for children up to and including 36 months of age)
- respond to product safety recall notices
- read and follow instructions
- use products for their intended purpose only
- ask the supplier if the product meets an Australian or international safety standard.
- use appropriate protective gear
- consider the environment in which the product is being used and the possible effects on others (eg. young children should be kept away from exercise equipment that could harm them)
- check the ongoing condition of the product
- take immediate action on safety problems with the supplier or appropriate agencies.
Supplier/manufacturer
Product suppliers and manufacturers have an obligation to help ensure that only safe products are marketed.Suppliers should:
- provide clear instructions for proper use. This includes warnings against possible misuses
- be aware of and meeting industry and mandatory safety standards
- develop product recall plans and procedures including effective communication strategies to the public (eg. advertisements in papers)
- incorporate safety into product design
- develop appropriate safety standards through product improvement
- implement a quality assurance program which includes consumer feedback
- Respond quickly to safety concerns that arise.
Government
Governments play a role in setting and implementing regulatory frameworks that encourage markets to deliver safe products to consumers. Governments can intervene where there is evidence of actual or potential product safety problems. They do this where intervention is justified in terms of costs and benefits to consumers and suppliers. Governments contribute to safety outcomes by:- establishing and ensuring compliance with mandatory safety standards for specific consumer products (eg. children's products, electrical products)
- promoting consumer awareness of particular product hazards
- promoting good product safety management practices to suppliers
- facilitating solutions between consumers and suppliers
- encouraging research to improve the safety of products.
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Information on accessibility for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website can be viewed at: http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/accessibility.html
Information on copyright for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website is provided on behalf of South Australia Central http://www.sacentral.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=60
Disclaimer
Information on the disclaimer for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website is provided on behalf of South Australia Central http://www.sacentral.sa.gov.au/site/page.cfm?u=61
Privacy
The South Australian Office of Consumer and Business Affairs (OCBA) is committed to protecting your privacy and the confidentiality of your personal information, consistent with the South Australian Government's Information Privacy Principles. If you would like to view the full privacy statement please visit: http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/privacy.html
Webmaster
If you wish to provide feedback on the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website please contact the Webmaster via email mailto:webmaster@agd.sa.gov.au
Accessibility
Information on accessibility for the Office of Consumer and Business Affairs website can be viewed at: http://www.ocba.sa.gov.au/accessibility.html