AN SNP MSP delivered the keynote address at the inaugural Scottish Electrical Product Safety Conference – urging the UK Government to act as Brexit leaves Scotland without tightened EU standards.
The conference at the Edinburgh International Conference Centre was organised by the Electrical Safety First charity, and focused on exploring issues, potential solutions and insight around safer electrical products.
Clare Adamson, MSP for Motherwell and Wishaw, is convener of Holyrood’s Cross-party Group on Accident Prevention and Safety Awareness and attended the event.
Appearing alongside industry leaders, Adamson said: “I have had a longstanding relationship with Electrical Safety First, so it was an honour to deliver the keynote address at the first Scottish Electrical Product Safety Conference.
“Electrical Safety First has been leading on consumer protection issues with electrical products.
“Online marketplaces remain a particular concern with members of the public still unaware of the risks associated with fake or faulty goods on online platforms.
“Now, we have an ever-increasing number of gadgets in our home and a deluge of substandard products available online.
“People are understandably looking to cut costs amid the cost of living crisis but people need to be aware of the risks of compromising on electrical product safety.
“Multiple investigations by Electrical Safety First discovered dangerous electricals readily available online. One investigation discovered 93% of items sampled were unsafe.
“Research shows that consumers are unaware that the protections which apply for high-street purchases do not apply in the same way online.
“Electrical Safety First has a number of useful resources such as a database for product recalls, and a search function for registered electricians near you. I would urge my constituents to make use of these resources and stick to trusted traders, particularly when buying online.
“The EU is tightening up requirements for online platforms through its General Public Safety Regulations but this will not be in place in the UK because of Brexit. “It is therefore vital that the UK Government acts to regulate the sector and protect consumers from substandard and dangerous goods.”
Legislation in consumer safety is largely reserved to Westminster.
The Consumer Protection Act 1987, the most up to date legislation in the area, does not include third-party sellers on online platforms. This means they are heavily unregulated and product quality can very wildly.
Approximately 74% of accidental fires in the home happen due to electrical faults.
According to Electrical Safety First, 51% of people in Scotland are unaware if they have had an electrician check the safety of their appliances in the past decade.
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