AGM 2020 Resolution – Reducing the number of accidents from the use of domestic appliances

The Association for Consumer Rights (ACR) during the AGM 2020 approved a Resolution on Reducing the number of accidents from the use of Domestic Appliances

Justification

The aim of the resolution is :

• to reduce number of accidents from use of domestic appliances & their severity
• to encourage the environmental & performance aspects of household appliances;
• to reduce the number of (fatal) accidents due to CO emissions and poisonings.

Standardisation linked to

• domestic appliances covers a broad range of products: from toasters, microwave and simple ovens, to hairdryers, water heaters and garden equipment.
• Apart from safety and performance, accessibility is also a key aspect
• Furthermore, market surveillance and enforcement is considered a vital contribution in ensuring (future) consumer confidence in domestic appliances

Comments and recommendations

Through its Executive Committee members, ACR is participating in the following initiatives and making recommendations as necessary

Description of work in terms of activities and/or tasks

• Electrical household appliances under Low Voltage Directive
• Safety of electrical appliances – participation and monitoring
• Safety & performance of electrical domestic appliances for all vulnerable consumers (with Child Safety & Accessibility WGs)

ANEC technical studies including participation in other European & international fora as needed. This activity has been dealing with standards with respect to the safety of children, older persons and persons with disabilities. The work will entail providing expertise in terms of written comments, advice to ANEC members and ANEC Secretariat on standards work in this area, as well as promoting and defending these positions in meetings, mainly in IEC.

• Child appealing (electrical) products – monitoring ‘Gas cooking appliances’
• CO emissions & preventing poisoning – monitor issues related to the prevention of CO poisoning when relevant/needed
• Safety of Machinery – monitoring of ‘Garden equipment’ and ‘Machinery intended for use with foodstuffs and feed’ and  monitor developments concerning drones, in cooperation with other ANEC Working Groups
• Domestic appliances under General Product Safety Directive – monitor relevant work under the GPSD.
• Surface temperatures – monitor implementation
• Market surveillance –participate in meetings on joint market surveillance actions in the DOMAP field.
• Management of Domestic Appliances WG – briefing and debriefing of ANEC experts, organisation of WG meetings and of teleconference meetings if relevant, validation of representatives’ reports, training of experts, coordination and drafting of comments.

 Source: ANEC Standards on Domestic Appliances WG