|
| |
Friday, October 26, 2007 - With Christmas only a couple of months
away, the Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards (SLBS) would like everyone to have a
safe and happy festive season. Shoppers are being warned to be particularly
vigilant when buying Christmas lights. They must ensure that they are buying
authentic products. The warning applies to all lighting, but particularly to
Christmas Tree lights and other decorative lighting purchased.
The SLBS has begun to step up its surveillance programme and warns that it will
confiscate any Christmas lights which are substandard. It is very dangerous to
buy substandard lights no matter how cheap they are because they may endanger
not only people’s lives but their property as well.
There is a Compulsory Standard, SLNS 51:2002 – Christmas Tree and Other
Decorative Lighting Outfits which came into effect on October 1, 2004 and the
SLBS encourages importers and consumers to take heed. The following guidelines
should be followed when purchasing Christmas Tree lights:
-
Look for
safety marks – for example UL, BS Kitemark.
-
Buy from a
reputable store. If you have old lights, seriously consider buying new ones
which will meet much higher safety standards.
-
Avoid buying
second-hand unless you have them checked professionally first.
-
New lights are
transformed down to 24 volts for added safety, or they may be double
insulated.
-
NEVER insert
or remove bulbs when switched on.
-
Inspect cables
and bulbs for damage.
-
Do not use
lights which are damaged, dispose of them safely.
-
Read and
follow the manufacturer's instructions.
-
Use an RCD -
Residual Current Device, for added protection against shock.
-
Do not run the
cable under carpets or where it can be damaged.
-
Keep lights
clear of decorations and other flammable materials.
-
Avoid cables
becoming a tripping hazard.
-
Use a stable
support when hanging the lights.
-
Do not leave
the lights on when the room is empty. Remember to switch them off when you
go to bed and when you go out of the house.
-
Do not allow
children to play with the lights.
-
If bulbs blow,
replace them. Turn off and unplug the lights first.
-
Check for
overloaded plugs - you should fit one plug per socket unless you use a bar
adapter on a lead. But do not plug appliances into the adapter that
collectively use more than 13 amps of current.
-
Do not use the
lights outdoors unless specially made for such use.
-
Do not extend
cables on outdoor lights.
-
Never use
extension leads or plugs and sockets outdoors unless specifically designed
for outdoor use.
Saint Lucia Bureau of Standards
Bisee Industrial Estate
Castries, St. Lucia
Tel: 758 453 0049/4560545
Fax: 758 452 3561
|
