Chichester: Trading Standards Warn Of Exploding Power Bank Charger

People in West Sussex have been warned to be on high alert after a power bank charger – which exploded when it was used – was sold in Chichester.

The warning follows complaints from a person involving an incident with a MENG NASI WP-025 power bank, purchased from Repair Hub, of 1 North Street.

Peter Aston, West Sussex Trading Standards Team Manager said:

“When the customer left the device to charge, they returned to find it had exploded into pieces and the whole room was filled with smoke.

“This charger is dangerous and potentially lethal and we’re urging any residents who believe they could be in possession of one to stop using it immediately.

“Officers sent the item for examination where it was found to be of unsafe construction and exploded during safety testing.

“This particular power bank is a USB type and has the product number WP-025 2500mAh. If this model is found, return it to the retailer for a refund as soon as possible."

Power banks are batteries that charge from the mains and can then be used to recharge or run mobile devices on the move.

The product was not marked with any details of the UK importer and investigations are continuing to try and establish the chain of supply to the shop.

Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire & Rescue said:

“This power bank can potentially cause burns, electrocution and even house fires – so any short term savings in price could cost so much more in the long run.

“Lives are at risk, so our message is simple – always buy a genuine charger or powerbank, designed by a well-known electrical brand in order to help protect you and your loved ones”.

Anyone with further information to report or who has a charger with these specific markings should stop using it and contact the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133.

The warning comes just days after West Sussex Trading Standards found dangerous toys, which failed to meet correct safety standards, on sale online and in high street shops near Chichester.

These included: Toddler teething rings with removable parts that could be swallowed; a plastic toy snake, a set of coloured balls and a baby gym, all with small parts that posed a choking hazard.

These baby rings were deemed unsafe.

Peter Aston, West Sussex Trading Standards Team Manager said:

"It's completely unacceptable that unsafe and dangerous toys are available on the UK market, putting children at serious risk of injury.

"Don’t toy with children’s safety this Christmas. Only buy gifts from well-known, reputable sellers.

“In particular, I advise people to exercise caution when shopping online - always do your research as some third-party sellers are often not held accountable for the safety of their products."

Duncan Crow, West Sussex County Council Cabinet Member for Community Support, Fire & Rescue said:

"The consequences of buying one of these toys as a gift for a young child this Christmas could be very serious indeed.

“I would strongly urge all people to only buy from well-known, reputable sellers and to do their homework to check they’re legitimate.

“People should look for warning signs. If the price of a Christmas present seems too good to be true – it probably is.”

Anyone who thinks they have been a victim of an unfair trading practice, should contact Trading Standards via Citizens Advice on 08082231133 or online via www.westsussex.gov.uk/tsreport

The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) is partnering with Chartered Trading Standards Institute, The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents, Child Accident Prevention Trust and Netmums to raise awareness of how to buy safe toys:

Know who you are buying from

Wherever you are shopping, remember reputation matters. Is the seller widely recognised for safe and reliable toys? Get as much information on the seller as you can, especially if you’re buying from an online marketplace. Not everything sold on an online platform is supplied by them. If the actual supplier is not based in the UK, you may face heightened risks.

Always read the warnings and instructions

Toys must be clearly marked with age restrictions, which are based on risks such as choking hazards. Always follow the age recommendations.

Consider special needs

Children with special needs might be more vulnerable, so keep this in mind when shopping.

Avoid toys with small parts

They can be a choking hazard.

Look out for strangulation hazards

Loose ribbons on toys and costumes can pose risks to young children.

Check the toys are for kids

Magnets can look like toys. Keep them away from children.

Compare the sellers

Bargains may be too good to be true. Compare the toy’s price with other sellers. If it’s a fraction of the cost, it’s likely to be counterfeit.

Check for button batteries

Ensure that any button batteries in a toy are safely behind a screwed down flap.

Check for product recalls

See if the toy you’re buying has been recalled at productrecallcampaign.gov.uk

Check before you wrap

Toys must be clearly marked with age restrictions, which are based on risks such as choking hazards. Always follow the age recommendations.