October 2023 ertonline.co.uk


“It is an excellent opportunity to learn, to network with industry


professionals, decision-makers, and business leaders, to share ideas and to create new ideas.” The main topics on the agenda for 2023 include: how to ensure safety from the outset of product design, the legal responsibilities and due diligence needed to take a product to market, supply chain issues, service and repair, the need for global regulation, and the pros and cons of end-of-life versus extended life. Attendees gain insights from renowned experts and industry leaders at the forefront of product safety, learn about the latest legislation and regulations affecting the safety of electrical products, hear and see innovations in electrical safety and how they can help consumers, and engage in discussions and networking opportunities with a wide variety of key stakeholders.


Karter Kane, Policy and Public Affairs Advisor at Electrical Safety First, is one of the session moderators. She expects the “constantly changing” product safety landscape to be reflected in the conference debates. “Some of the areas I’m most interested to hear about are lithium-ion batteries for e-bikes and e-scooters, which has emerged as a safety concern over recent years,” she says. “Also, the potential safety risks associated with second-hand products and the repair of products, which relate to policies around the circular economy. This will likely become more and more prevalent as we look to reach net zero targets in the coming years.”


Fresh regulation urgently needed to protect consumers Another big topic of conversation will be the UK government’s recently released Product Safety Review. Those attending will all be affected by the review in some way, as will representatives from OPSS. Lesley Rudd calls this a “critical moment” as it is imperative the review delivers on its promise to make online shopping as safe as shopping on the high street. She says: “For too long online marketplaces have been allowed


to avoid responsibility for the sale of lethal goods on their platforms. The Product Safety Review must put an end to this scandal.” “Dangerous goods on online marketplaces are a relentless everyday


problem for UK shoppers. Our mounting evidence – which is supported by the government’s own investigations – is undeniable: online giants contribute greatly to dangerous goods entering UK homes. This must be stamped out.” Giuseppe Capanna, Product Safety Engineer at Electrical Safety First is particularly looking forward to moderating the pre-market session, which is covering proof of design and ensuring all the manufacturer’s obligations have been met on standards and legislation. He says: “We will look at the legal responsibilities of placing a product on the market. Under the spotlight are due diligence, risk assessments, testing, and controversies over normal use and foreseeable misuse. We will discuss PAS 7050, PAS 7100, and hear points of view from regulators and test houses.”


Generating innovative ideas around safety


Karter Kane highlights this event as unique because it brings together people from lots of areas relating to products – from manufacturers, to retailers, to legislators, and consumer organisations. She adds: “It’s one


of the best opportunities to discuss current issues together, which helps generate new ideas around safety issues and how we can all work to keep consumers safe.” The conference also features the announcement and presentation of Electrical Safety First’s prestigious and coveted Safety Innovation Award, sponsored by Product IP, which recognizes and rewards innovators, designers, and creators delivering forward-thinking approaches to product design and safety. Interviewed on stage by Katie Prescott, Technology Business Editor at


The Times and one of the UK’s best-known business journalists, the winner has a unique opportunity to present their idea to the conference audience. The 2023 Electrical Product Safety Conference is sponsored by Connected Innovations, creators of award-winning innovative products to help homes and businesses benefit from intelligent technology. For more information about


the conference and to register as a delegate, please visit electricalsafetyfirst.org.uk/conference 19


Page 1  |  Page 2  |  Page 3  |  Page 4  |  Page 5  |  Page 6  |  Page 7  |  Page 8  |  Page 9  |  Page 10  |  Page 11  |  Page 12  |  Page 13  |  Page 14  |  Page 15  |  Page 16  |  Page 17  |  Page 18  |  Page 19  |  Page 20  |  Page 21  |  Page 22  |  Page 23  |  Page 24  |  Page 25  |  Page 26  |  Page 27  |  Page 28  |  Page 29  |  Page 30  |  Page 31  |  Page 32  |  Page 33  |  Page 34  |  Page 35  |  Page 36  |  Page 37  |  Page 38  |  Page 39  |  Page 40