Joint DTI-DOH Health Advisory on Hoverboard Safety Concerns

December 29, 2015

DEPARTMENT OF TRADE AND INDUSTRY

JOINT DTI-DOH HEALTH ADVISORY ON HOVERBOARD SAFETY CONCERNS

The Department of Health (DOH) together with the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI)-Consumer Protection Group calls on the general public to be vigilant in buying toys for children, particularly hoverboards (two-wheeled, gliding motorized scooters) in the light of reports from the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) in the United States and a product recall in Australia.

Since August, 2015, CPSC reported an increase in hoverboard-related-injuries treated in emergency rooms which included fractures, strains, sprains, contusions, lacerations, and head injuries. Likewise, sudden explosion and fires emanating from the batteries may result to injuries needing emergency management and hospitalization. There were also reports of potential electric shock while charging. Initial investigation of the CPSC points to poorly-designed lithium-ion batteries installed inside these devices which causes over-charging and may lead to overheating, fires and explosion. Fire Safety advocates recommend that consumers avoid leaving the devices unattended while they charge, and that they let the devices cool off before recharging them. EHaASD

Riders balance on the platform (propelled by 36 volts or higher capacity batteries) which may be difficult to properly control, prone to unsteady driving position and may result in higher risk of falls and injuries. Currently, the Food and Drug Administration-DOH regulations under ISO 8124 standard for toys only allows the use of 24 volts and below for electronically-activated toys for children under 14 years old of age. In other countries however, there are no specific regulations for hoverboards, further raising safety concerns on the use of these devices. Thus, in the light of reported health and safety issues/concerns (including fires and explosions) and as a precautionary measure, the DOH and DTI-Consumer Protection Group, therefore advises parents against buying hoverboards for children under 14 years of age.

Consumers (mainly adults) intending to buy hoverboards are therefore advised to use extreme caution in riding hoverboards as the risk of falls are highly likely as it relies heavily on balance, to read and understand all of the safety, learning and riding tips in the manual, follow the manufacturer's instructions exactly when using or charging the batteries, take precautions and use appropriate safety equipment such as helmets, wrist guards, knee and elbow pads to minimize the risk of an accident.

Earlier, several international and local airline companies have announced that passengers will no longer be permitted to bring lithium battery-powered personal transportation devices, commonly referred to as 'hoverboards',on their flights due to safety reasons, and applied to both checked and carry-on baggage. This is in compliance with the International Air Transport Association (IATA) regulations on the transport of dangerous goods, which includes lithium batteries. Passengers are advised to consult with their airlines on allowable materials including toys that can be brought on board or checked-in, to avoid any inconvenience.

To date, while there have been no reported local cases of fires, explosions or injuries, the DOH, DTI-Consumer Protection Group shall continue to address and investigate safety issues and concerns and exercise its authority to protect our consumers to the full extent of the law under the Consumer Act and Toy Safety regulations. We will keep the public updated as new studies and information becomes available.

Furthermore, the DOH, DTI-Consumer Protection Group urges the consumers and the general public to be very vigilant in buying toys this Christmas season and follow the age-specific guidelines earlier issued by these agencies on toy safety, especially for children 14 years and below to ensure a safe and healthy Christmas season. You may visit the FDA website at www.fda.doh.gov.ph for additional information on toy safety advisories. For inquiries on toy safety during this Christmas season, you may contact the DOH hotline at 7311001 or 7311002 and the DTI at 7513330 and 09178343330. DaIAcC

For information and guidance to all concerned.

Approved By:

(SGD.) ATTY. VICTORIO MARIO A. DIMAGIBAOfficer-in-Charge and concurrent

(SGD.) JANETTE L. GARIN, MD, MBA-HSecretary