Rice Cookers Are Not Always As Safe As They Should Be. Of 23 Models tested by the Consumer Council, Only 6 could comply with all of the 16 test items on Safety
Two rice cookers of the same model were found to burst into flame while they were operating on the "keep warm" mode. Complaints were made to the Consumer Council in May 1996.
Both rice cookers were later found to use flammable insulation material for the internal wire connector.
In both cases, the complainants apparently used the appliance beyond its intended purpose of cooking plain rice as signs of overflow and traces of oil were detected on the cooker. It is suspected the overflown material caused a short-circuit and ignited the wire connector.
To find out if rice cookers are as safe as they should be, the Consumer Council has conducted its first comparative product test to assess the safety - and performance - of this electric appliance present in nearly every home where rice is a daily staple food.
The results, published in the latest (258) issue of the Council's monthly magazine 'CHOICE', revealed that the electrical safety of some rice cookers still leaves much to be desired.
Of the 23 models tested, only 6 could fully comply with all of the 16 test items on safety. The 6models all happen to belong to the electronic warmer/cooker and the computer control types with none from the traditional type of cookers.
The remainder 17 samples failed in 1 to 3 test items with various degrees of deviation from the safety standard.
In particular, 4 models were identified to pose a potential hazard of short circuit (that could lead to fire) or electric shock (that could result in human injury).
Other highlights in the safety test include:
- All samples passed the Resistance to Fire test. None was found to contain inflammable insulation material.
- In one sample, the design of the plug on the flexible cord is such that it can be reversed breaking the earth connection while the cooker is still on power. In the event of insulation failure, the user is at risk of electric shock.
- 13 samples failed the Creepage and Clearance Distances test. In two samples, their internal live components can be moved to make contact with the earthed parts posing a potential risk of short circuit.
- Two samples also failed the Resistance to Heat test. The plugs of both samples were made of material that deformed under high temperature of 125°C. In one, the material cracked after the test.
Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation Comes Into Effect Next Month
Meanwhile, legislative protection to ensure the safety of electrical products is soon to be effective.
The Electrical Products (Safety) Regulation, which was gazetted in May 1997 with a 1-yeargrace period, will be expected to come into force next month.
Under the Regulation, all household electrical products supplied in Hong Kong must comply with the safety requirements.
When a product is determined to be unsafe, the Director of the Electrical and Mechanical Services Department has the power to require the supplier to recall sold goods. The supplier will be requested to make announcements through television channels and newspapers to notify the public of the potential hazard of the product.
When returning unsafe products to the supplier, consumers are entitled to receive total refund upon surrendering of the receipt. Anyone who supplies products in non-compliance with safety requirements or fails to follow instructions to recall the unsafe goods commits an offence and is liable to fine and imprisonment.
Spot Checks on Mobile Phone Networks Coverage
Enthusiasts of Country Parks and Trails beware!
The mobile phone that works so remarkably for you in the urban area may not operate at its usual efficiency in country parks and trails. But that is through no fault of your mobile phone.
Due to terrain factors and limitations of electrical and transmission facilities, the mobile phone networks coverage in country parks and trails falls far behind that in the urban district.
The Consumer Council has conducted a survey and spot checks on the coverage provided by various mobile phone operators in country parks and trails. The results are as informative as they are important to mobile phone hikers in remote areas.
Hikers are strongly urged to consult the report in this April of "CHOICE" to ascertain if their intended destination is adequately covered, if at all, by their mobile phone operator in case of need or emergency. Here are some useful advice to hikers:
- Check the coverage of their mobile phone networks in the area they intend to reach.
- Carry more than 1 mobile phone that connects to different networks.
- Bring a sufficient supply of battery.
- Fully extend the antenna, if applicable, when using mobile phone.
- In making a phone call, try location where it is in line of sight to the city areas, main roads or high rise buildings.
- In case of emergency, dial ' 999 ' or ' 112 ' to reach the emergency service.
Supermarket Operators Urged to Ensure Proper Usage of Trolleys So as to Reduce Chance of Accident
- The Consumer Council has put forward recommendations for safety measures in the usage of supermarket trolleys.
- This followed a Council survey on major supermarket chains on the design of their trolleys and the availability of directions or warnings in usage.
- The survey was prompted by concern from supermarket shoppers on the potential hazard that these trolleys may pose in being used to carry accompanying young children.
- According to the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, there were as many as over 20,000 supermarket trolley related accidents in the US each year involving children of an average age of under 5 years. Many fell off the trolleys on which they were put to ride while their parents shopped.
- Of the5 supermarket chains in Hong Kong surveyed, only two claimed to have weight limit for young children on trolleys, 15 kilograms and 18 kilograms respectively, but such information was found on display for the notice of customers only at some of their branches. The other 3 post no similar weight or age restriction.
- Four of the chains put up signs, in either graphic or text, to remind customers of the proper usage of supermarket trolley such as "Do not Leave Your Children Unattended”. But the practice is not consistently followed in all their branches.
- The Council has drawn the attention of supermarket operators to the gravity of the matter.
- Supermarkets are urged to display prominently or on the trolleys warning signs or statements to ensure the correct usage of trolleys.
- Where a trolley is designed with a child seat, they should find out from the trolley supplier the safety limits to the weight and age of the child.
- Supermarket staff should also be on the alert to stop any potentially hazardous usage of trolleys and to remind customers of the safe and proper usage of trolley so as to reduce the incidence of accidents.
- Parents, on the other hand, should be wary of the potential hazard of supermarket trolley and follow strict safety precaution.