Warning over danger cigarette lighters
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HIGHLAND Council is warning the public in Badenoch and Strathspey about the danger posed by a cigarette lighter which could leave people with a nasty burn.
The authority's Trading Standards have gone public with their concern about the items branded as Big Lighters.
The extra large cigarette lighters failed their safety tests but have been found on sale in the region.
Officers were alerted by colleagues in other parts of the country to the potential safety risks.
The lighters are similar in style to normal size plastic disposable lighters but about four to five times larger - around the size of an adult hand.
Mr Gordon Robb, Highland Council's Head of Trading Standards, said: “The particular lighters that failed the safety standards have been removed from sale by our officers.
"Our officers are currently investigating other types of extra large lighters being offered for sale in the Highlands to ensure they too comply with the relevant standards.
"In these circumstances the actions of those local and national retailers that have voluntarily withdrawn suspect lighters from sale is commendable.
“The lighters in question failed because they exhibited flaring during tests.
"This means the flame is not normal and is unpredictable, it can cause injury.
"Our concern is that, given this time of year, as well as being held close to the face, these types of lighters may also be used to light barbecues and the risks to personal safety are obvious.”
“While there have been no cases of reported incidents connected with this product in the Highlands, there have been elsewhere in the country and we are concerned that members of the public who have bought these may not be aware of the potential dangers.
"There are many varieties of this type of product available and we ask that both consumers and retailers follow our advice.”
Concerned members of the public are advised to contact their retailer for assurance that the product is safe.
Retailers with any concerns should contact their suppliers immediately for certified evidence that the product meets the required safety standard.
Anyone with greater concerns can contact Highland Council Trading Standards Service on 0845 600 4222 for further advice.
“Big Lighters” are approximately 16cm long and 4cm wide. They come in various colours. The particular make carry a label with reference codes WD393 and MGL and have the barcode number 5034913074976
