IMPORTANT SAFETY NOTICE FOR CONSUMERS AND RETAILERS

“XXL”, “Giant”, “King Size” and “Jumbo” Cigarette Lighters

The Isle of Man Office of Fair Trading (OFT) is aware of a number of extra-large lighters having been sold or offered for sale in the Island. These types of lighter are often described as being “XXL”, “Giant”, “King Size”, “Jumbo” or similar. They are shaped like conventional lighters but their dimensions are considerably larger.

The OFT wishes to make the public aware of potential safety hazards with extra-large lighters and ensure that retailers are aware of their responsibilities when supplying such lighters.

Tests conducted on examples of the extra-large lighters have revealed a number of safety concerns which could render the lighters concerned dangerous in use.

Example of extra-large lighter

Consumers who have bought an extra-large lighter should stop using it immediately and contact the OFT on 686500 for further advice. Extra-large lighters should not be disposed of in the domestic waste. They should be kept away from children at all times.

Retailers who have sold any extra-large lighters or who have them in stock should contact the OFT on 686526 as a matter of urgency for advice.

A number of retailers have already volunteered to stop selling extra-large lighters having been contacted by Trading Standards and at this juncture there is no need for any enforcement action, however, the OFT will not hesitate to take appropriate enforcement action if any retailer does not heed its advice.

Sub Officer Peter Killey from the Isle of Man Fire and Rescue Service’s Community Safety Team stated, “There is clearly a large amount of fuel in these lighters which could potentially cause a serious fire if used inappropriately, we would urge anybody who own one of these Extra-large lighters to stop using it immediately and contact the OFT for further advice. Extra-large lighters should not be disposed of in the domestic waste and they should be kept away from children at all times.

Whilst there have been no reports of any incidents on the Island, we are aware that there have been a number of incidents reported to us by our colleagues in the UK, where children have received serious burns to their hands, which reinforces our safety message to stop using these lighters and ensure they are disposed of responsibly as detailed by the Office of Fair Trading”.