Check your ‘Get Ready’ bag for this wind-up torch, as the Queensland Fire and Emergency Services have last week issued a safety recall for it.
QFES and the State Emergency Services have been distributing a portable dynamo-style torch to the public free-of-charge between 2014 and 2023 as a community engagement tool, including as part of the Get Ready Queensland campaign.
The torch can be found in orange or white colourways.
On 5 October, the Services launched a safety recall notice, saying the torch no longer complies with mandatory standards for products containing button- or coin batteries; according to Product Safety Australia, the battery compartment is not adequately secured and the button batteries may be accessible.
With unsecured batteries, there is a risk of choking, severe internal burn injuries or death to young children if they gain access to the button cells and swallow or insert them.
Once ingested, severe or fatal injuries can happen in two hours or less.
Product Safety Australia advises people to check their emergency kits for the item, stop using it immediately and dispose of the torch and batteries safely, storing it out of reach of children in the meantime.
Email QFES.CommunityEd@qfes.qld.gov.au to find out more about the recall, or call 07 3635 1674 between 9am and 3pm, Monday to Friday.
