The Rapid Alert System for Non-Food Products (RAPEX)

- Weekly overview report of RAPEX notifications

week 30 - 2006

Level Type No.
Ref.
Notifying country Product Risk Measures adopted by notifying country Products were found and measures were taken also in:
Serious risk Consumer products

1
0459/06

Portugal

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Watercolour paints without a brush - Pritt Kids Art Paint-Ball. Type/number of model: Unknown.

Country of origin: South Africa


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Risk of choking. The quality of the paint can change, requiring extra pressure to the paint stick if the product has not been used for a certain period of time. This extra pressure may cause the product’s ‘roll-on ball’ to come apart from the stick.

Voluntary measures: Voluntary withdrawal from the market and recall from consumers.  

 

Serious risk Consumer products

10
0468/06

United Kingdom

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Electrical stained Glass Butterfly Table Lamp (240V 50Hz 25W)

Type/number of model: WT-XMNOPRS/ABCD.

Country of origin: China


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Electric shock

The product has inadequate protection against electric shock, including the following non-compliances with the relevant laws and standards:

- the luminaire is fitted with a brass lampholder and has no means for earthing the accessible metal parts. Where the sheath of the supply cord has been removed to facilitate the conductors’ connection to their terminals, this has left the exposed basic insulation on the conductors in contact with the metal lampholder. The lampholder would become live in the event of a failure of the insulation.

- the brass lampholder would become live in the event of an insulation fault within the lamp.

- there are no precautions to prevent the lampholder from becoming live due to a detached wire.

The plug and the fuse do not meet the safety requirements including:

- the cover screw had not been provided with a means for retention and it fell out when the plug was opened. A lost screw can be replaced with an inappropriate type leaving the cover inadequately fixed.

- the terminal screws have not been rounded at the ends to minimise damage to the conductors when tightening.

- the endcaps of the fuse were insecurely fixed and the length of the fuse was shorter than required.

In addition, the user instructions are inadequate and the product does not meet the marking requirements, including the maximum rated wattage and the symbol for class II construction.

Compulsory measures: Sales ban and withdrawal from the market ordered by the authority.  

 

Serious risk Consumer products

11
0469/06

United Kingdom

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Floor standing electrical lamp “Hangzhou Delta Art Light Co Ltd. - Fiorentina Lamp”

Country of origin: China


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Risk of electric shock. 1) The luminaire has inadequate protection against electric shock.

- The luminaire contains two lampholders. The wiring for these lampholders is connected to the supply cord by crimped terminals which are partially covered with some heat shrinkable sleeving. However, the test finger can touch the basic insulation covering the conductors. The Standard requires that the test finger should not be able to touch parts that were not separated by at least two levels of insulation or their equivalent.

- The basic insulation on the internal wires is touching the metal parts of the luminaire. Thus the test finger can also touch accessible conductive parts separated from live parts by only a single layer of insulation. The metal frame would become live should the insulation fail.

2) The terminals are not satisfactorily crimped onto the conductors. The metal insert within the crimp is simply flattened onto the conductors and not permanently crimped. The neutral terminal can be easily pulled from the conductors. Poor terminations can lead to overheating.

3) This sample does not meet the marking requirements of the standard. This product does not comply with the LVD standards.

Compulsory measures: Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authority.  

 

Serious risk Consumer products

12
0470/06

Greece

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Decorative jelly candle “KARMA CANDLE”

Type/number of model: Rose Jelly Candle.

Country of origin: Israel


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Fire,
Burns

During the combustion of the candle the flowers/leaves inside the candle caught fire with a very powerful flame (reached a height of approximately 10cm), resulting in the total blackening of the glass and the release of excessive soot. Judging from the flame intensity it is likely that burns may be caused to individuals that have not realised that the candle is being destroyed. Fire also can be generated in closed spaces of the candle, due to the powerful flame, especially if the candle is placed near flammable objects.

Compulsory measures: Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authority. Press release has been issued.  

 

Serious risk Consumer products

13
0473/06

Spain

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Tortoise-shaped bath thermometer “Saro” Type/number of model: 55A4405. and “Practical and fun”.

Country of origin: Thailand


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Risk of choking.

During the drop test, small pieces, which fit completely into the small parts cylinder described in the European toy standard EN 71-1, broke off. Children using this product could choke on the small pieces that are generated. By virtue of the design of the product, children under 36 months could use this product as a toy.

Compulsory measures: Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authority.  

 

Serious risk Consumer products

14
0474/06

Austria

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Tubular metal nappy changing unit on plastic casters with changing table and removable bath “Cam il mondo del bambino s.p.a”. Type/number of model: Nappy changing unit, model “Jackie”, Art. No C 603 002.

Country of origin: Italy

No pictures are available

Risk of internal injuries.

According to the test results the nappy changing unit used without the bath does not satisfy the safety requirements of the European Standard 12221-1 with respect to stability and strength.

Although the instructions for use state that the nappy changing unit is to be used only with the bath fitted, it is reasonably foreseeable that it will be used without the bath, e.g. when the bath has been removed for cleaning and the nappy changer unexpectedly has to be used at short notice.

Nappy changers are subject to very stringent safety requirements since the group of users at risk comprises infants who may suffer disproportionate injury in the event of an accident. A further danger arising with older infants is that they can already move very vigorously. There is thus a high risk of the unit's collapsing.

One accident – the nappy changer collapsed (when used without the bath) and the baby lying on it suffered severe injury (fracture of the skull).

Compulsory measures: Sales ban ordered by the authority.  

 

Serious risk Consumer products

15
0475/06

Spain

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Changing unit “Cam il mondo del bambino s.p.a.” Type/number of model: Art. C 204

Country of origin: Italy


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Risk of injuries (to arms or legs) .

This product does not comply with the safety requirements of the European Standard EN 12221:

- clause 5.1.2: the accessible area contains openings which permit insert of the cone having 25 mm and do not permit insert of the cone having 45 mm.

- clause 5.1.3.1: the accessible area contains openings which permit insert of the cone having 65 mm.

Compulsory measures: Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authority.  

 

Serious risk Consumer products

16
0476/06

Hungary

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Gun set with projectiles “High good new to - Super Gun Set with projectiles” Type/number of model: NO. 3339-A (no bar code).

Country of origin: China


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Risk of choking.

This product poses a risk of choking because:

- the length of the green-yellow and red-short projectiles is less than required (min. 57 mm),

- the suction cup of the green-yellow projectile becomes detached when a force of 25,73-33,60 N is applied (60 N required by the standard),

- the suction cups of the dartboard stand can be easily removed,

- no instructions for use in Hungarian are attached to the product.

The product does not comply with the Toys Standard.

Compulsory measures: Sales ban and recall from consumers ordered by the authority.  

 

Serious risk Consumer products

17
0477/06

Hungary

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Hand mixer “SAYONA”

Type/number of model: MX-503.

Description: The hand mixer has a thermoplastic cover. The appliance has a toggle switch by which it can be switched on and revolution can be adjusted in 5 stages, in addition there is a sixth speed: TURBO press button (lockable against unintentional press).

Main parts of the appliance: plug, mains cable, switch, micro switch, motor.

Accessories: a pair of beaters, a pair of kneading beater.

Technical parameters: 220-240V; 50-60 Hz; Class II.

Country of origin: China


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Electric shock,
Fire

This product poses a risk of electric shock because:

- the internal wires can be pressed against sharp burring metal edges, and can get pinched into the cover parts or get into contact with rotating parts of the motor,

- the insulation of the internal wires is not satisfactory, since breakdown occurred during the tests,

- due to the construction of the appliance the beaters can be interchanged, thus the mixture can get into the appliance, where it may cause mechanical or electric defect. The mixer also can cause a risk of fire because during the abnormal use test the temperature of the coil reached 232,1oC.

The manual in Hungarian is not attached to the product which is required for the safe use and maintenance.

This product does not comply with the LVD Standard and the Low Voltage Directive.

Compulsory measures: Sales ban and recall from consumers ordered by the authority.  

 

Serious risk Consumer products

18
0478/06

Lithuania

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Electrical switch “DONGLIN” with two keys and light indicator. Type/number of model: art. DL412L; Bar code: 2000004320416.

Country of origin: China


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Risk of fire.

The product poses a risk of fire because is does not pass the normal operation test and it is non–resistant to heat.

This product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and the European Standard EN 60669.

Compulsory measures: Sales ban and withdrawal from the market ordered by the authority.  

 

Serious risk Consumer products

2
0460/06

Spain

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Children’s water shoes “H & M” Type/number of model: Models: 364430 + 31 + 32 – 6569. Sizes 22-33.

Country of origin: China


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Risk of injuries. This product poses a risk of injuries due to the fact that the soles of these shoes may become slippery on wet surfaces.

Voluntary measures: Voluntary withdrawal from the market and information to consumers.  

 

Serious risk Consumer products

3
0461/06

Austria

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Angular amber-coloured glass nuggets “Kristallgranulat DEKO“ (cca 2 cm in diameter). Labelling: "DEKO - made in Germany, Kristallgranulat, Nicht zum Verzehr - not for consumption! Don't store with food! Nicht mit Lebensmitteln aufbewahren - Verwechslungsgefahr [risk of confusion]!" Type/number of model: EAN 4260050590418 or EAN 7108000512 LA, Glasnuggets 1DE307A, 500 ml, Amber.

Country of origin: Germany


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Risk of choking. Risk of confusion (especially for children) due to the fact that the amber nuggets look identically to commercially available candy sugar. The warnings on the label are in such small print as to be barely legible and in any event do not provide consumers and/or children with adequate warning.

Voluntary measures: Voluntary withdrawal from the market by the distributor. Although the product is available in a range of colours THIS MEASURE CONCERNS ONLY THE "AMBER" VERSION. Even though confusion cannot be entirely ruled out in the case of versions in other colours, the risk is substantially smaller.  

 

Serious risk Consumer products

4
0462/06

Spain

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Motorcycle “KAWASAKI” (650 cc) Type/number of model: Model: ER-6N

Country of origin: Japan


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Risk of injuries.

On certain motorcycles, the cables running to the ignition connector located beneath the fuel tank can come into contact with the frame support. In continued use, the ignition cable can become damaged or can be cut through, resulting in a short circuit in the system that may cause the ignition to fail suddenly and cause the engine to cut out. This fault in the motorcycle’s electrical installations may place the rider at risk and cause road traffic accidents.

Voluntary measures: Voluntary corrective actions taken by the importer.  

 

Serious risk Consumer products

5
0463/06

Spain

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Espresso makers “OROLEY”

Type/number of model: ERGO, 6- and 10-cup.

Description: Espresso makers of various sizes with 6 or 10-cup capacity.

Country of origin: China


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Burns,
Injuries

This product poses a risk of burns from the coffee and a risk of injury to anyone who is struck by the upper part of the coffee maker when it flies off. Some of the coffee makers (6- and 10-cup sizes) fail to close securely. When pressure builds up during the preparation of coffee, the upper part becomes detached from the base. This causes the coffee to spill and could potentially injure anyone near the coffee maker since in some cases the upper part can be projected upwards.

There has been some reports of property damage but not of personal injury.

Voluntary measures: Voluntary recall from consumers by the distributor.  

 

Serious risk Consumer products

6
0464/06

Spain

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Passenger car “MERCEDES BENZ” Type/number of model: SLR MACLAREN. Description: Unknown.

Country of origin: Germany


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Risk of fire.

In some model SLR MACLAREN vehicles, the design and construction of the alternator and its insufficient cooling, can cause it to reach temperatures outside the specified range. As a consequence the alternator may overheat and, in individual cases, produce smoke and flames.

Voluntary measures: Voluntary corrective actions taken by the distributor.  

 

Serious risk Consumer products

7
0465/06

United Kingdom

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Electrical “Tiffany” Turtle Lamp. Type/number of model: Unknown.

Country of origin: China


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Risk of electric shock. The product poses a risk of electric shock because:

- it has inadequate protection against electric shock. The switch could be opened without the use of a tool and when opened there is direct access to live parts.

- it has not been supplied with any user instructions, in particular details for lamp replacement.

- it does not meet the marking requirements, including the maximum rated wattage and the symbol for class II construction.

This product does not comply with the relevant European Standard EN 60598.

Compulsory measures: Sales ban and withdrawal from the market ordered by the authority.  

 

Serious risk Consumer products

8
0466/06

The Netherlands

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Electric Insect Killer Type/number of model: EAN Code 8711295 422300. Description: Unknown.

Country of origin: China


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Risk of electric shock.

This product poses a risk of electric shock because:

- live parts with a dangerous charge (68,0VACpeak) are accessible with the test finger, - charge of accessible live parts (52,9μC) exceeds limit indicated in the standard (45μC),

- leakage current of 126 mApeak is too high (0,25mApeak is required by the standard) and is accessible.

This product does not comply with the Low Voltage Directive and LVD Standard.

Voluntary measures: Placing of the product on the market voluntarily suspended. Voluntary recall from consumers.  

 

Serious risk Consumer products

9
0467/06

Spain

Category:

Product:

Brand:

Name:

Type/number of model:

Batch number/Barcode:

OECD Portal Category:

Description: Child’s chair “PALLAVI” with plastic back and seat and metal frame Type/number of model: Model 97454. CE Labelling: CE ITEM No 97454, BARCODE 8430721097454.

Country of origin: China


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Risk of external injuries.

Laboratory tests determined that the chair has dangerously sharp edges which are accessible. The metallic parts and rigid polymeric parts of the seat have accessible burrs that could cause cuts or scratches. Unfolding of the chair presents pinching and shearing points. Further pinching and shearing points are generated when body weight is applied.

This product does not comply with the Toys Standard and the Standard on outdoor furniture.

One incident reported: a three-year old boy needed several stitches in a finger, which he cut when it got caught in the folding mechanism of the chair.

Compulsory measures: Withdrawal from the market ordered by the authority.