A warning to the public to be especially careful and safety conscious when purchasing and using electrical appliances over the Christmas period has been issued by the Director of Consumer Affairs.
Christmas tree lights designed for indoor use should under no circumstances be used out of doors, the director, Ms Carmel Foley, said. In addition, instructions for use should be carefully noted and be available in English. "Boxes must bear the CE mark and should be marked EN 60598-2-20."
Ms Foley said traders in consumer electrical goods had a legal responsibility to ensure goods placed on the market "do not constitute a hazard to persons, domestic animals or property".