With the theme of ‘Time for Change’, the 2024 Electrical Product Safety Conference – organised and hosted by Electrical Safety First – brought together experts and industry leaders to examine all the latest crucial issues impacting the safety of electrical products.
A major focus of the day was the new UK government’s approach to ambitious product safety targets highlighted in the 2024 King’s Speech, and how it will advance the Product Regulation and Metrology Bill.
In her address to the conference, Lesley Rudd, Chief Executive of ESF, highlighted that the Bill has “the potential to be revolutionary in many ways”.
She said: “It could start to finally address the twin threats of unsafe e-bikes and third-party sellers selling dangerous goods online. The Bill will have implications for manufacturers, retailers, retail platforms, regulators, and consumers but the devil will be in the detail.
Justin Madders MP
“Our goal is to ensure this legislation is robust enough, leaving no gaps for future bad operators or dangerous products when it comes to consumer safety and protections.”
The potential impact of the Bill was also addressed in the opening keynote speech from Justin Madders, Minister for Employment Rights, Competition and Markets at the Department for Business and Trade, who told delegates it would “give us the power we need to keep pace with the technology revolution”.
He said: “Over the last decade and a half, regulation has been a dirty word. But regulation supports growth and supports businesses to bring new products to market.”
The conference saw a panel discussion about what is needed by the regulator and market surveillance authorities to support businesses while also protecting consumers within a new regulatory regime. Another session examined the challenges in making e-micromobility safer from cradle-to-grave and the need for a collaborative approach.
The changing nature of global markets was also under the spotlight with a look at the potential impacts of significant changes to online marketplace regulations. And the day was rounded off with a glimpse into a changing world – including the rise of connected products, digital product data, the race to net zero and how to empower consumers.
ERT Editor, Jack Cheeseman, and Graeme Milne, Chief Exec of REPIC
This last session of the day was moderated by ERT Editor, Jack Cheeseman. He introduced some fascinating presentations from Graeme Milne, Chief Executive of REPIC, Claire Temple, Partner at Cooley UK LLP part of the product compliance and liability team, Alan Sellers, Principal Product Compliance Consultant at RINA, and David W. McKnight, Head of Partnerships at UL Standards & Engagement – all discussing the importance of repair cafes, product and parts reuse, consumer safety in the circular economy, and the role of industry standards. Questions were then put to the panel from the audience.
