Public warned against untested heating devices

A man surnamed Lee yesterday displays the faulty warmer he bought for NT$150 at a night market last year during a press conference held by the Consumer Protection Commission. PHOTO: CHANG CHIA-MING, TAIPEI TIMES

The Cabinet-level Consumer Protection Commission issued a warning yesterday for people to be wary of products sold without safety inspection stickers after a Taipei City resident was recently injured while using a heating device he purchased at a night market.

The victim, surnamed Lee, told a press briefing yesterday that he bought the warmer for NT$150 at a night market last year. The unit plugs in and warms a small packet of water.

As there was no safety sticker on the warmer and he was not given a receipt, Lee said he could not seek compensation from the manufacturer. Even so, he still felt that the case should serve as a warning to others.

The commission said it had earlier notified the Ministry of Economic Affairs about the safety issue of these consumer electronic items, especially illegal warmers, electric heaters and blankets.

In response, the ministry's Bureau of Standards, Metrology and Inspection said it had already publicly announced on Aug. 15 that all types of electric heating devices, including electric blankets and personal warmers, have to undergo mandatory inspection by the bureau before being placed on the market.

The new measure took effect on Nov. 1. Violators will be punished with a fine of NT$200,000 to NT$2 million, the commission said.