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Isle of Wight Council's Trading Standards Service is warning about the use of novelty oversized-lighters.
It follows news of a 17 year old man from Gosport receiving serious burn injuries to his hands. He was trying to light a candle at his home using a 'BIG' brand giant lighter, which was inverted at the time of the accident.
After several attempts, the flame erupted and spread across his hands leaving his fingers severely blistered and requiring emergency hospital treatment. This is the first known such injury from the use of these products reported in the Hampshire and Isle of Wight region.
Isle of Wight Council Regulatory Services Manager Amanda Gregory said “They may appear to be novelty items but these lighters are hazardous and under UK law cannot be transported into or across Europe as they contain more than the legally permitted amounts of fuel.
"The council's Trading Standards officers are keen to hear from members of the public and local retailers who may know if these lighters are on sale on the Island.”
Julian Trout, Technical Fire Safety and Enforcement Manager for the Isle of Wight Fire & Rescue Service said: "We are very concerned about this recent incident. With summer upon us, Trading Standards and the Isle of Wight Fire and Rescue Service are particularly worried that these lighters could be used by people lighting barbeques or whilst camping and at other events.
"There is clearly a large amount of fuel in these lighters which could potentially cause serious burns and if used indoors could cause a serious fire. The advice is if you have one of these lighters, stop using it and return it to the seller or contact Isle of Wight Council's Trading Standards Service”.
If you are aware of where these lighters are being sold on the Island, contact the Isle of Wight Council Trading Standards Service on 823370 or email
[email protected].
