Button batteries—those small, unassuming discs that power everyday devices—are more critical than they appear. From watches and car key fobs to remotes and children’s toys, these tiny powerhouses keep our lives ticking. But there’s a dark side to their convenience: their potential to cause harm, especially among young children. Join eBay’s Safety & Awareness webinar on the 20th of March to learn more about your responsibilities as a seller.
The Swallowing Hazard
Size Matters
Button batteries are compact, measuring less than 25 millimeters in diameter and less than 5 millimeters in height. Their resemblance to buttons or coins earns them the name “button batteries.” Unfortunately, this small size makes them easily swallowed, especially by curious toddlers.
Health Risks
When ingested, button batteries can lead to serious health issues or even death. Their chemical composition—often lithium, silver oxide, zinc-air, or alkaline—can cause tissue damage, burns, and internal bleeding. The electrical charge they carry interacts with bodily fluids, releasing harmful substances.
Safety Measures and Awareness – Webinar Alert!
To address this issue, eBay are partnering with the British Retail Consortium (BRC) to host a webinar on Wednesday, the 20th of March at 9 am. The goal? To raise awareness about the dangers of button batteries and provide essential safety advice for sellers.
What Sellers Need to Know
- Educate Customers: Sellers play a crucial role in educating consumers. Highlight the risks associated with button batteries and encourage safe handling.
- Safe Packaging: Ensure secure packaging for products containing button batteries. Prevent accidental access by curious children.
- Disposal Guidance: Educate buyers on proper disposal methods. Button batteries should never end up in household waste bins.
The PAS 7055:2021 Standard
The Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS), in collaboration with experts from the battery, retail, and safety industries, created the PAS 7055:2021 safety standard. This standard addresses the inherent danger to children from small batteries, minimizing risks throughout a battery’s lifecycle.
The webinar will delve into real-world examples from retailers who have embraced the PAS 7055:2021. By integrating safety practices, they protect consumers and enhance their business operations.
Who Should Attend?
This webinar is especially useful for sellers listing in categories such as:
- Watches
- Toys
- Car key fobs
- Kitchen scales
- Remote controls
- Calculators
- Light-up ornaments
- Light-up children’s products
- Glow sticks and glow jewelry
