Button batteries power hearing devices. At the same time, they are a very real health risk especially to children.
The consumer law will be changed later in 2020 to include new safety provisions. But could changes have a negative effect on people’s use of hearing aids? They don’t need another excuse to leave them in a drawer.
The Australian Consumer and Competition Commission, better known as the ACCC is continuing its investigation into button battery safety and considering the options of implementing a mandatory safety and information standard for button batteries and products containing button batteries.
As part of this process, the ACCC has asked Deafness Forum and others to promote its current public consultation till 30 April 2020. Responses will inform the ACCC’s development of its final recommendation to the Commonwealth Government.
Go to the page on the ACCC website called Button battery safety – Assessment of regulatory options – Consultation paper
You can read a factsheet; learn how to, and then make a submission or complete the individual questions in an online consultation (recommended for individuals).