Warning over hire tool danger

Even plugs were found to be unsafe on some hire tools

Trading standards officers are warning that many of the DIY tools available from hire shops may not be safe.

In one inspection they found more than a quarter of the tools tested were dangerous and failed to meet safety standards.

Two of the tools - a hedge trimmer and a floor sander - were so dangerous that they could kill or cause serious injury to an unsuspecting consumer.

The survey of tool hire shops was conducted by trading standards officers from the London Boroughs of Brent and Harrow, Ealing, Haringey, Enfield and Hammersmith and Fulham.

Few safety tests

The hedge trimmer had a catalogue of faults, including access to live parts following a cable repair, loose blades, no cord grip and a plug that consisted of two mismatched halves.

The floor sander, besides having access to basic insulation and an ineffective cord grip, was supplied with an unearthed extension lead, even though the sander itself was an earthed appliance.

Hire shops found to breach the rules can be prosecuted under safety legislation, which can lead to fines of up to £5,000 and a term of imprisonment of up to six months.

Brent and Harrow trading standards spokesman, Steve Playle, said many appliances were not tested by shops before they were hired out.

"One of the things that I hired was a carpet cleaner from a national DIY chain," he said.

Prison

"The person filling in the hire paperwork carried out the final inspection by just ticking a series of boxes on a form whilst the cleaner itself was over at the other side of the shop.

"Things like this concern me."

Shopkeepers were warned last year about the safety standard of tools for hire after a similar survey.

But trading standards officers are concerned that some are still flouting safety rules.

"It is worrying to see that the tool hire industry has not got its act together," said Mr Playle.