UK regulator addresses fire safety risks in construction and consumer products


Iain Hoey
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OPSS highlights fire safety risks in construction materials and appliances
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has detailed its actions addressing fire safety risks across the UK in its 2023-2024 delivery report.
The document outlines efforts to mitigate risks in consumer products and construction materials, reflecting the regulator’s focus on public safety.
Key actions include intervention in a national incident concerning faulty gas hob elbow joints linked to fires.
Approximately 100,000 units were found to pose safety risks.
OPSS issued Suspension and Compliance Notices to prevent further supply and enforced corrective measures on manufacturers.
The regulator also worked on enhancing safety standards in construction products, including fire doors and insulation materials, following updated agreements with the Ministry of Housing, Communities and Local Government (MHCLG).
E-bike and e-scooter battery safety prioritised
OPSS has addressed the growing fire risks associated with lithium-ion batteries in e-bikes and e-scooters.
According to its report, these batteries have been linked to several hundred fires in recent years, causing fatalities and injuries.
The regulator removed dangerous e-bike batteries from the market and issued guidance for safer usage.
It collaborated with stakeholders, including fire services and local authorities, to increase awareness of battery safety.
The actions were part of a broader study on the hazards associated with these transport modes.
Online marketplaces targeted for unsafe products
Unsafe products sold online were a significant focus for OPSS during the year.
Test purchases identified fire hazards in items such as baby products, fancy dress costumes, and electrical goods.
Non-compliant products were removed from online marketplaces, and enforcement actions were taken where necessary.
OPSS also engaged with online marketplace operators to strengthen their compliance with UK safety regulations.
The regulator emphasised its expectation that marketplaces ensure products sold on their platforms meet safety standards.
Construction products under scrutiny
The regulator continued its focus on fire safety in construction materials, aligning with reforms following the Grenfell Tower fire.
Investigations targeted products such as insulation, fire-retardant acoustic tiles, and fire doors.
Several cases led to Prohibition Notices and product recalls, with manufacturers required to improve their quality assurance processes.
The regulator also conducted market surveillance on plywood with enhanced fire performance claims, resulting in a voluntary product recall by a manufacturer after testing revealed non-compliance.
UK regulator addresses fire safety risks in construction and consumer products: Summary
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) has focused on mitigating fire risks in its 2023-2024 delivery report.
It addressed safety concerns in gas hobs, e-bike batteries, online products, and construction materials.
Actions included issuing compliance notices, product recalls, and market engagement to enhance fire safety standards.
Collaboration with stakeholders and targeted enforcement contributed to improving product safety across various sectors in the UK.