Consumers who bought a lamp from Melbourne retailer Panda Mart have been told to “stop using it immediately” because it could kill people.
Energy Safe Victoria issued an urgent safety warning after compliance officers found exposed wires on the lamps could cause an electric shock or death by electrocution if touched when the light was on.
Authorities found some of the lamps had wiring covers that could be easily removed, while others had exposed wires and access to live parts when they inspected the store on Wednesday.
Unsafe study desks with socket outlets that also have the potential to expose live parts were also discovered in the store.
Energy Safe chief executive officer Leanne Hughson said anyone who bought a table lamp from the Cranbourne store since it opened in February should immediately stop using it.
“I cannot emphasise how important this is. These lamps are potentially deadly,” she said.
“All household mains-operated electrical products sold in Victoria should carry the regulatory compliance mark. This mark indicates that the product meets safety standards.”
It’s the second consumer warning that has been issued about the retailer in eight days after authorities raided the store in Melbourne’s south earlier this month.
Hundreds of potentially life-threatening toys, baby rattles and cosmetics were seized from the store for failing to meet safety standards.
Consumer Affairs Victoria director Nicole Rich said businesses had an obligation to ensure the items they sold met safety standards and did not pose a danger to the public.
”We know many Victorians are looking for bargains when they’re shopping given the cost of living, but they shouldn’t have to worry about picking up dangerous products at the same time, especially ones for babies and kids,” she said.
Panda Mart originated in South Africa and sells more than 50,000 cheap household products that are mostly sourced from China.
The store aims to be cheaper than other low-cost retailers like Kmart.
Panda Mart has been contacted for comment but indicated to authorities that they would stop selling the table lamps and remove the socket outlets from the desks.