Urgent UK Safety Alert Over Dangerous Hairdryer Fire Risk
The Office for Product Safety and Standards has issued an urgent prohibition notice against a specific hairdryer model, warning that the device presents a severe fire hazard to British households. The regulatory body has confirmed that the product has been turned away at UK borders and must not be sold to consumers under any circumstances.
Identified Product and Safety Failures
The alert specifically concerns the Hairdryer LD-330, a styling device manufactured in China that features an integrated wall plug. Authorities have identified multiple product codes associated with this dangerous appliance: IC950351251009660, 921555291788, 950351-T50, and 7016801.
According to the OPSS investigation, the hairdryer fails to comply with fundamental UK safety standards. The official warning states: "The product presents a high risk of fire because the plug fuse does not meet the requirements of BS 1362. The filler is required to ensure the safe operation of the fuse under fault conditions, and its absence could lead to the plug overheating and/or exploding."
Multiple Regulatory Violations
The safety assessment revealed that the LD-330 hairdryer violates several crucial UK regulations designed to protect consumers from electrical hazards. The device fails to meet the requirements of both the Electrical Equipment (Safety) Regulations 2016 and the Plugs and Sockets (Safety) Regulations 1994.
Additionally, the product exhibits deficiencies in proper labelling and marking, which further compounds the safety concerns. These multiple failures create what authorities describe as an unacceptable risk of household fires that could endanger lives and property.
Broader Online Shopping Safety Concerns
This specific hairdryer alert comes alongside renewed warnings from Electrical Safety First about the dangers of purchasing electrical goods through online marketplaces. The organisation has revealed concerning statistics, noting that one in ten British consumers has experienced either an electrical fire or shock caused by a product bought online.
The safety charity highlights a significant regulatory gap, explaining that online platforms like eBay, Amazon Marketplace, Facebook Marketplace, and Wish currently face no legal obligation to verify product safety in the same manner as traditional high street retailers such as John Lewis and Currys.
Electrical Safety First advises consumers to exercise particular caution when encountering unusually low-priced electrical items online. The organisation recommends thorough research before purchase and warns against making buying decisions based solely on cost considerations.
Recent Product Safety Actions
This hairdryer prohibition follows closely on the heels of another significant safety action by the OPSS. Authorities recently issued a recall notice for the Pilgrim Anti-Dandruff Shampoo and Conditioner Set, which was withdrawn from Amazon after testing revealed the presence of zinc pyrithione—a substance banned from cosmetic products due to serious chemical risks.
The shampoo set also contained undeclared allergens including hydroxycitronellal, hexyl cinnamal, and limonene, potentially triggering allergic reactions in sensitive consumers. These consecutive safety actions highlight ongoing concerns about product compliance entering the UK market.
Consumers who may have purchased the LD-330 hairdryer are advised to cease using it immediately and contact the retailer for guidance on safe disposal. The OPSS continues to monitor border controls and market surveillance to identify and remove non-compliant products that threaten public safety.
