Article: Trading Standards - product safety Online interactions for this service Report against this service Article Body The Trading Standards service has the responsibility for ensuring that consumer goods are safe in Barnsley. Activities in this area include premise inspections, regular sampling and testing, and complaint investigation. Areas covered include: sales of age-restricted products toy safety electrical product safety vehicle safety Eligibility This service is available to everyone in Barnsley Procedure If you have information about unsafe products, or wish to make a complaint or enquiry, please contact Citizens Advice Consumer Service Helplines Consumer Direct 08454 04 05 06 Regulatory Services: 01226 772468 Email: regulatoryservices@barnsley.gov.uk How the customer can help If you are complaining about goods you have bought it is important that you keep them secure and do not use them further. Please also retain any documents associated with the goods and records of any injuries that may have been caused. Legislation Consumer Protection Act 1987 General Product Safety Regulations 2005 Response times/next steps We will endeavour to provide an initial response to queries within three working days. Owner officer contact details Principal Officer, Trading Standards, Regulatory Services, PO Box 602 Barnsley Council, Barnsley, S70 9FB Our office hours are 8.30am to 5pm, Monday to Thursday and 8.30am to 4.30pm on Friday. Phone: 01226 772468 Fax: 01226 775699 Email: regulatoryservices@barnsley.gov.uk Frequently Asked Questions What is the purpose of the Consumer Protection Act 1987? Part 1 of the Consumer Protection Act 1987 imposes strict liability on product producers for harm caused by defective products. This means that where someone is killed or injured, or their property is damaged by a defective product, compensation can be claimed without having to prove the producer negligent, provided it can be proved that the product was defective and the defect caused the injury. Unless you are able to negotiate a settlement with the producer of the product, you will need to bring a civil action in a court of law. What products are covered? All products, including food, and goods used in the workplace. Buildings are not covered, but building materials such as bricks are covered. Who is liable? The producer. A person who holds themself out as being the producer, for example by putting their name or trademark on the product. A person who imports the product into a member state of the European Union from outside the European Union in the course of a business. The act also states that if any person who supplied a product cannot identify the source, he or she will be liable for the damage. If two or more parties are liable for the same damage, their liability will be joint. Who can sue? Any person who suffered as a result of the defective goods can sue, whether they were the initial purchaser or not (that is anyone injured by the goods or anyone whose property was damaged as a result of the defect). When can a person sue? Generally speaking, court action must begin within three years of the date of the alleged injury, property loss or damage. The period is extended if the injured person dies. What sort of damage is covered? Death, personal injury and damage to private property (provided the amount of loss is over £275). Related links: Department of Business,Innovation and Skills (BIS)