Some 862 exercise cycles have been voluntarily recalled after the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission raised concerns they did not comply with the mandatory consumer product safety standard.
Melbourne-based Regency Importing Company Australia Pty Ltd who imported them from the United States has recalled the 'DT900 Lifestyler' exercise cycles. They were sold exclusively over the past year through Rebel Sport stores around Australia.
The ACCC raised concerns about the exercise cycle following a random safety standards audit conducted in Adelaide. In response the importer had the exercise cycle tested by an accredited testing authority. The result indicated that there was an entrapment hazard at the point where the chain joined the flywheel. In addition, the adjustable seat did not have the required mark to indicate the maximum and minimum safe level of adjustment.
The safety standard for exercise cycles requires that guards be provided for any dangerous moving part accessible to a child's finger, in particular the flywheel, drive chain and flywheel loading mechanism. This is intended to reduce injuries to children, such as crushing or amputation of fingers.
Regency Importing have provided the ACCC with an enforceable undertaking which agrees to recall the exercise cycle, provide full refunds to consumers and to implement a compliance program to ensure that it understands its obligations in regard to consumer safety and the Trade Practices Act 1974.
The exercise cycles are clearly marked with the brand DT900 Lifestyler by decals on both sides of the chain guard. Consumers wishing to arrange return or seek further information should contact their Rebel Sport retailer.
"Suppliers need to be aware that there is an obligation to comply with mandatory consumer product standards", ACCC Chairman, Professor Allan Fels, said today. "Companies face a maximum $200,000 fine and in 1996 the ACCC prosecuted and convicted one Adelaide retailer for selling an exercise cycle in breach of the standard despite having previously been warned".
Consumer safety should be a priority by manufacturers, importers and retailers and to assist them the ACCC recently issued a publication, Product Information - A mandatory standard guide - Exercise Cycles, which is available free from any ACCC office.