Faults highlighted in second hand electrical goods

Hundreds of second-hand electrical goods have been checked by Liverpool trading standards officers in a drive to ensure safety for bargain-hunters. A three-month project has seen them inspect premises throughout the city which sell second hand goods to ensure that unsafe items are not being sold. A total of 106 shops were inspected including charity stores, house clearance businesses, antique shops and ‘cash for goods’ national chains. About 1000 items were checked, including nearly 700 electrical goods, and 68 were seized for not complying with safety requirements. Among the goods seized were two electric fires, a fridge, coffee-maker, a foot spa and lamps. Councillor Tim Moore, Liverpool City Council cabinet member for the environment and climate change, said: “This exercise was not just for the benefit of the customers, it was also to help the traders. It was not about trying to catch them out but to help them be more aware of what they need to do to make sure the goods they sell are safe and that their businesses comply with all the relevant legislation.” The project was partly funded through a grant from the Fire Safety Fund which is part of the Electrical Safety Council.