Western Tool Distributors Pty Ltd has provided a court-enforceable undertaking to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission after acknowledging that trolley jacks it supplied in August 2002 did not comply with the mandatory consumer product safety standard for hydraulic trolley jacks.
"The labelling on the packaging did not meet a number of the packaging labelling requirements of the standard", Ms Jennifer McNeill, ACCC Commissioner, said today.
"The packaging and the jack itself indicated that it had a nominated capacity of 1.4 tonnes and 1400kgs respectively. But instructions supplied with the jack indicated that its capacity was two tonnes.
"Additionally, the jacks did not meet the requirements that safe usage instructions be supplied and that seven specific warnings be given.
"Western Tool Distributors agreed that the instructions failed to meet this requirement.
"Section 65C of the Trade Practices Act 1974 places a responsibility on suppliers of goods to ensure that goods comply with mandatory product safety and information standards. The ACCC conducts random product safety surveys on a regular basis.
"Western Tool Distributors Pty Ltd has offered consumers with the non-compliant jack either:
- amended instructions that comply with the standard, or
- a replacement of the jack with a new jack that complies with the standard, or
- a refund of the purchase price of the jack.
"Consumers seeking a remedy may do so by returning the jack to the place of purchase or by telephoning Western Tool Distributors on 1800 833 800. The company has also advertised a voluntary recall in Western Australia and New South Wales".