Description:

Giant oversized lighters which are up to 16 cm long have been found on sale in the borough and have the potential to cause serious harm or injury. This is due to the large volume of gas and the size of the resulting flame. 

Trading Standards are asking residents to be vigilant as there have been horrific accidents reported in other parts of the country as a direct result of the lighters. Some of these lighters have been found to be unsafe as they emit giant flames which increase in size even when turned down.

Liquid petroleum products with a source of ignition, such as lighters, cannot legally be transported by land, sea or air unless they contain less than 10 grams of gas. Many of the lighters found on sale contain at least 20 grams of gas or above.

Trading Standards are acting swiftly to remove as many lighters from sale as possible and are commending retailers who are acting responsibly by surrendering suspect lighters.

Cllr Tim Stevens, Portfolio Holder for Public Protection and Safety said: “I would urge members of the public who see these lighters in shops or on market stalls to contact Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 who will notify our Trading Standards.