A national voluntary product recall of USB chargers by Officeworks is another important reminder about electrical safety and the dangers of using faulty and non-compliant electrical parts and products.

The recall of the affected chargers, sold at Officeworks stores and on its website between 19 July and 2 August following an overheating and subsequent melting of its case, was announced yesterday by NSW Fair Trading.

Around 3,400 chargers with the model number MS10071223 have been sold across Australia. Further information about this product recall can be found here. Officeworks Ltd are recommending that customers return the model in question to any of their local stores for a full refund.

“NECA notes that this is the third electrical product recall this week and follows the tragic and unnecessary death of a NSW Central Coast woman earlier this year from an electric shock from a faulty USB charger,” National Electrical and Communications Association (NECA) chief executive officer Suresh Manickam says.

“Whilst we welcome and acknowledge the decision of Officeworks to recall this potentially dangerous product, we are again reminded about the dangers of non-compliant product use and the lack of regulator enforcement that is failing to ensure product compliance with Australian Standards.”

As the peak industry body representing the electrical and communications contracting industry, NECA has been campaigning to stamp out the sale and distribution of non-compliant parts and products. Last year we launched the Does it Comply? (with Australian standards) campaign –
www.doesitcomply.com.au

Does it Comply? aims to raise awareness and educate consumers about the dangers of using electrical products that do not comply with Australian Standards.

“NECA renews its call for one national regulator to oversee a stronger and more effective compliance regime that ensures that non-compliant products are no longer in the marketplace for sale,” Suresh says.