The NSW Government is warning retailers to be on alert and urging the community to heed fire safety advice to avoid a visit from firefighters this festive season.

NSW Fair Trading has been monitoring Christmas pop-up stores across the state to ensure they are only selling approved and appropriately marked electrical items.

Since commencing on 27 November, NSW Fair Trading inspectors have made unannounced visits to chain stores and bargain outlets, inspecting 798 different product lines, including decorative Christmas lighting and electrical displays, electrical items designed for children, and other promotional Christmas items on sale.  

If non-compliant items are found, Fair Trading can seize the goods and issue fines. 

As residents start putting up their Christmas decorations, Fire and Rescue NSW (FRNSW) is reminding residents to check that all decorative lights and electrical displays are in good working order.

FRNSW recommends people only use decorative lights that have an Australian Standards label and follow the manufacturer's instructions on setting up and operating.

Overloading or failing to check power boards and power points also poses real fire safety risks.

Synthetic Christmas trees can be highly flammable so lights and decorations designed for these trees should be used. Additionally, decorative lights may become very hot so keep away from children and flammable materials such as wrapping paper, decorations or curtains and don’t leave burning candles unattended.

Ensure you switch off all electrical displays and decorative lights before going to bed.

FRNSW has also warned about the potential dangers of buying poor quality lithium-ion battery-powered products as gifts this holiday season and are being reminded to undertake safe charging, storage and disposal practices.

The latest FRNSW figures confirm smaller lithium-ion powered devices such as electric toothbrushes, shavers, vacuum cleaners, portable chargers and power tools have overtaken micromobility products as the leading cause of lithium-ion fires in NSW.

The Minns Labor Government is introducing mandatory safety standards for lithium-ion battery-powered e-micromobility products, with new testing, certification, and marking requirements.

Minister for Better Regulation and Fair Trading Anoulack Chanthivong said, “Buying and hanging Christmas decorations and Christmas lights are a special part of the Christmas season, but we need to ensure all of the decorations for sale at this time of year are safe enough to be used in any home.

“That is why Fair Trading inspectors will be out and about, doing surprise inspections, to make sure that the Christmas products shoppers are buying are safe.

“Fair Trading inspectors have the powers to enter any store selling Christmas decorations and ensure they are only selling approved and appropriately marked electrical items.

“These surprise inspections will be looking at Christmas lights and electrical Christmas decorations, as well as any other Christmas promotional items on sale. 

“NSW Fair Trading has gathered intelligence in order to target Christmas pop-up stores, as well as other bargain outlets and even large chain stores selling Christmas decorations. 

“If unsafe goods are identified, Fair Trading inspectors can immediately seize the goods and issue fines.”

Minister for Emergency Services Jihad Dib said, “We all want to enjoy the festive season, but we need to ensure that safety remains the top priority for every family over the holiday period.

“We want every family to have a safe and relaxing festive season and to ring in the new year with joy, not tragedy.

“As individuals, we can support our tireless emergency services personnel by doing everything in our power to prevent fire-related incidents in the home.”

FRNSW Commissioner Jeremy Fewtrell said, “Checking lights and other decorations is a simple but effective way to prevent a household fire this festive season.

“With the Christmas shopping upon us, make sure you are buying safe lithium-ion battery-powered products as well as charging and storing them safely.

“Additionally, please dispose of old lithium-ion batteries and embedded devices responsibly. Don’t throw them out with the household rubbish, as they can cause intense, dangerous fires when they’re crushed in garbage trucks and refuse tips.

“Don’t spoil your Christmas with a trip to the hospital because of accidents in the home that are easily preventable.”

FRNSW Lithium-ion safety messaging:

• Never sleep or leave home with your lithium-ion powered devices charging.
• Don’t leave them constantly on charge.
• If lithium-ion batteries are damaged or compromised, dispose of them properly.
• Don’t throw them out in the rubbish, they can start garbage truck or rubbish tip fires when compacted.
• Contact your local, approved recycling centre for disposal advice.
• B-Cycle drop off points accept handheld batteries and are located at many major retail outlets, including all major supermarkets.
• Batteries can also be returned to all Community Recycling Centres and Household Chemical Clean-Out events across NSW.
• Don’t leave devices charging on beds, sofas or around highly flammable materials.
• Try to charge devices outside if possible.
• Always buy reputable lithium-ion brands and never ‘mix and match’ components.
• Beware of cheap, substandard lithium-ion powered devices.
• Avoid dropping, crushing or piercing battery cells.
• Store batteries and devices in a cool, dry area, away from combustible materials.
• Install active smoke alarms in your home/garage.
• Ensure you have a home evacuation plan in the event of fire.
• Don’t store or charge lithium-ion-powered devices near exit points in your home.

For further information, visit the FRNSW website: https://www.fire.nsw.gov.au/page.php?id=9392