Product safety recall notice
Queensland Fire and Emergency Services (QFES) has issued a product safety recall notice for portable dynamo torches with pump-action recharging distributed to the public free-of-charge between 2014 and 2023.
Product testing instigated by QFES found the torch does not comply with the mandatory standards for products containing button/coin batteries. The battery compartment is not adequately secured, and the button batteries may be accessible.
There is a risk of choking, severe internal burn injuries or death to young children if they gain access to the button batteries and swallow or insert them. Once ingested, severe or fatal injuries can happen in two hours or less. Consumers may be unaware that the product contains button batteries.
Residents should check if they have one of these torches at home, in the car, or stored in an emergency kit. Any torches found should be safely disposed of immediately.
The torches, which feature bushfire or storm season preparedness messaging, were handed out at community events, expos, and open days by QFES, Fire and Rescue Service, Rural Fire Service and State Emergency Service staff and volunteers as an item in an emergency kit.
The torches have a small built-in hand-operated generator that charges three button batteries within the torch to illuminate the bulb.
Although the batteries are permanently installed and not designed to be replaced, tests found they can become dislodged if the torch is dropped, broken, or dismantled.
QFES stopped distributing the torches in early 2023 when testing revealed they we not compliant with new Australian Product Safety Standards introduced in July 2022.
QFES is voluntarily recalling them under section 128(2) and (7) of the Australian Consumer Law.
QFES is publishing information for the public, QFES staff and volunteers, and their emergency services stakeholders, advising that any of torches in their possession should be disposed of immediately.
As the torches were distributed free-of-charge, QFES is not required to collect or replace them, and refunds are not applicable.
No other items in the QFES community education catalogue contain button batteries.
For inquiries regarding the QFES torch recall email QFES.CommunityEd@qfes.qld.gov.au
Australian Competition and Consumer Commission
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