The focus of the 2023 Electrical Product Safety Conference was the importance of the whole product lifecycle; it was held at Church House in Westminster London on 16 November.
This year’s theme “To market and beyond” was discussed by experts and leaders from across government and industry to investigate critical issues, offer solutions, and share insights on the growing need for electrical product innovation.
Sarah Smith, OBE, Deputy Chief Executive of the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS) at the Department for Business and Trade, was among the panellists for the session on regulation and she noted: “This is the moment to set the framework for the next 30 years.”
The legal responsibilities and due diligence needed to take a product to market, supply chain issues, service and repair, the lack of global regulation, and the pros and cons of product removal versus extended life, was also debated.
The conference featured the announcement and presentation of Electrical Safety First’s prestigious and coveted Safety Innovation Award, sponsored by ProductIP, which recognises and rewards innovators, designers, and creators delivering forward-thinking approaches to product design and safety.
The 2023 winner is HobSensus, designed by Prefect Controls Limited specifically for student accommodation, communal kitchens and people living in sheltered or assisted-living property. It makes kitchens safer by ensuring that hobs are not left switched on if the person preparing food is distracted, and by alerting residents if there is potential for a pan fire.
