Following on from last week’s Health and Beauty under the Spotlight Part 1, Part 2 focuses on the specific results gathered from the tested devices.
The products in the test sample ranged from basic to high end. All samples were tested under the following regulations;
- EN60335 series of standards
- Plugs were assessed under UK standard BS1363-1
Hair Clippers
The two samples tested had no departures but the lower cost model had an observation that instructions did not contain the standard wording for vulnerable users.
Curling Tongs
One of the samples stopped working after only a few minutes and lacked instructions for vulnerable users. Product markings were difficult to see and the on/off switch was missing the approval markings. Also, the barrel of one sample was above 200 degrees Celsius when in use.
Hair Dryers
Two samples did not have warnings to replace the supply cord when it shows signs of damage. One sample also had a loose live pin and another had markings that were difficult to read.
One sample had a stated power rating of 1800W but the test measured 1523W exceeding the allowed standard tolerance of 10%. This appliance also failed the drop test.
Massage Devices
All samples passed the main safety requirements but each had missing safety information instructions. Markings on the items were not clearly readable and the foot spa did not have a mark to show the maximum water level and temperature recommendation.
Hair Straighteners
There were a number of failures in this sample selection including a missing vendor’s trademark. Four of the five samples were missing some, or all of the safety information and there was no warning in two samples to replace the cord when it becomes damaged.
All of these samples show significant issues with either the following of, or understanding of the regulations written to support the UK Electrical Equipment Safety Regulations.
Join us next week for our conclusions of this test sample and what it means for the PAT testing industry.
