REVIEW Justin Madders MP
‘It’s clear that this is a time for change’
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Electrical Safety First’s 2024 Product Safety Conference put consumer safety and online marketplaces under the microscope. ERT was there.
W Lesley Rudd
ith the theme of Time for Change, the 2024 Electrical Product Safety Conference brought together experts and industry leaders to examine all
the latest crucial issues impacting the safety of electrical products.
A major focus of the day was the new UK
government’s approach to ambitious product safety targets highlighted in the 2024 King’s speech, and how it will advance the Product Regulation and Metrology (PRM) Bill. Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of Electrical Safety First, opened the 16th edition of the conference: “This event has become a key moment in the calendar for those passionate about ensuring the safety of electrical goods.” Ms Rudd reflected on progress since last year’s conference, which spotlighted the dangers of poor- quality e-bike and e-scooter batteries, which had led to devastating fires and loss of life: “Our Battery Breakdown Report didn’t just identify the causes, but offered clear solutions. I urged the government to act on those recommendations, and I’m pleased to say they have.”
She highlighted positive developments, including commitments to introduce standards for conversion kits and the bans by platforms like
Wish.com, eBay, and Amazon on unsafe e-bike products. Since then, the new Labour government has introduced the PRM Bill. “This legislation could be revolutionary,” Ms Rudd explained. “It addresses the twin threats of unsafe e-bikes and dangerous goods sold online. But the devil will be in the detail.”
ESF is collaborating with key stakeholders like the British Toy and Hobby Association and the Chartered Trading Standards Institute to propose amendments to the Bill… “We’re also advocating for a faster classification of high-risk products and additional safety measures for them,” Ms Rudd added. She closed her introduction on a powerful note: “The PRM Bill is a matter of life and death. I’m encouraged by the progress we’ve seen and look forward to working with all stakeholders to ensure it delivers.”
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