Introduction
1. What is your name?
Name
Kerri Crocker
3. What is your organisation or profession?
Organisation / profession
Manager
Consultation Paper Questions 1 - 7
1. The ACCC considers the status quo and proposes three options to improve the safety of button batteries. Which is your preferred option and why do you prefer it to the others?
The ACCC considers the status quo and proposes three options to improve the safety of button batteries. Which is your preferred option and why do you prefer it to the others?
Option 3 covers all possible safety measures but I would like to add another regulatory or design suggestion to the actual product itself.
I am not in the battery industry but am wondering whether some kind of butterfly type spring fitting could be attached the button battery which can be depressed when the battery is being fitted into a compartment. So unless the battery is under pressure a plastic butterfly type spring opens up making the battery larger and very difficult to swallow. I know that contact needs to made with the battery but this could be factored into new designs at least.
I am not in the battery industry but am wondering whether some kind of butterfly type spring fitting could be attached the button battery which can be depressed when the battery is being fitted into a compartment. So unless the battery is under pressure a plastic butterfly type spring opens up making the battery larger and very difficult to swallow. I know that contact needs to made with the battery but this could be factored into new designs at least.
2. What effect do you believe each of the proposed options will have in saving lives and reducing severe injuries caused by button batteries?
What effect do you believe each of the proposed options will have in saving lives and reducing severe injuries caused by button batteries?
I have noticed that safety packaging is already happening on the button batteries that I buy but the options will only help to raise awareness and educate people. Enclosing the batteries in a more secure way will certainly save lives.
3. Provide comment on the ACCC’s essential requirements for secure battery compartments, child-resistant packaging and warnings and information. Are there any additional requirements that should be included?
Provide comment on the ACCC’s essential requirements for secure battery compartments, child resistant packaging and warnings and information. Are there any additional requirements that should be included?
Nothing else I can think of other than my suggestion of changing the design of the actual button battery but so that it is still usable in the same form as it is today.
4. In relation to the requirement for secure battery compartments in which button batteries are only accessible with the use of a tool, do you consider that the use of a ‘tool’ should include the use of a coin? Why/why not?
In relation to the requirement for secure battery compartments in which button batteries are only accessible with the use of a tool, do you consider that the use of a ‘tool’ should include the use of a coin? Why/why not?
I don't think use of a coin is secure enough. Coins are easy to access whereas a Phillips head screwdriver or hex key for example would be less likely to be easy access for a child.
5. Do you supply products that currently meet the essential requirements for secure battery compartments, child-resistant packaging and warnings and information? If not, which requirements do your products not meet and why?
Do you supply products that currently meet the essential requirements for secure battery compartments, child resistant packaging and warnings and information? If not, which requirements do your products not meet and why?
I am not in the industry.