Community update
### Deadly Seed Bracelet - December 2011 ###
Bracelets made from deadly seeds recalled
A product recall is underway of thousands of beaded bracelets sold in tourist attractions after it emerged they are made from a highly toxic seed. If you have concerns please go the Eden Project website for further information
Trading Standards are urging residents who may have purchased this product to get advice immediately.
### VOLUNTEERS REQUIRED ###
Can you help stop knives, alcohol or cigarettes harming our children?
Trading Standards need young volunteers to see if shops in the borough will sell age restricted goods to children. Guidelines are in place to ensure that the children's welfare comes first, and it is a great learning experience. Ideally children in the age range of 12 to 16 are sought, but younger children can register interest, as work will be going on throughout the year.
Products we carry out test-purchasing surveys for include: alcohol, cigarettes, fireworks, knives, solvents, spray paints, and video-works.
If you have a child who would be interested in helping us, please contact the team for further information.
Enforcement policy
The Public Protection & Safety Division Enforcement Policy outlines the decision process that Trading Standards apply when taking enforcement action.
Our Service Standards
We aim to put the customer first and have set out the level of service and performance the local residents, businesses and other stakeholder can expect to receive, which are detailed below;
We Will
• Be helpful courteous and polite at all times;
• Respond to all service requests in relation to safety within one working day from date of receipt;
• Respond to all other service requests within two working days from date of receipt;
• Keep all enquirers in connection with ongoing investigation informed of progress on unresolved issues on a monthly basis where appropriate;
• Respond to ongoing correspondence within one week from date of receipt;
• Investigate all relevant criminal complaints;
• Take enforcement action in accordance with our enforcement policy;
• Undertake risk based inspection;
• Provide guidance and advice to businesses in the Borough;
• Encourage customer access to information where possible through sign posting, self service and lower cost access channels, particularly on-line;
• Keep our website updated;
• Work in partnership with other agencies to achieve our objectives.
Inspection powers
Trading Standards officers have the power to enter and inspect trading premises at all reasonable hours. They do not have to make an appointment and will usually come without advance notice during opening hours in the day, evening and at weekends.
The frequency of the visits will depend on the risk posed by the business. This is calculated using National Guidelines scoring the premises on the following criteria:
- Complaints
- Type of products supplied
- Number and category of consumers at risk
- Compliance with legislation and codes of practice
- Confidence in business management
Powers of the officers
Officers have the power to take samples, photographs and inspect records. Trading Standards prefer to help businesses comply with the law and ensure fair trading. They may seize any product that they suspect to be non-compliant with the law. As a result, they may serve statutory notices, recommend prosecution or impose prohibitions on the business or equipment. Any action will take into account the principles of the Enforcement Concordat 
.
The inspection
The Officer will introduce themselves, produce identification and explain why the inspection is being made - whether it is following a complaint or a part of an inspection regime.
The Officer would normally discuss issues with the Proprietor/Owner/Manager of the business or the person responsible on-site. During the inspection, the Officer will look at the products or services supplied and may question staff and/or the proprietor relating to the business practice and procedures. The officer may check paperwork relating to suppliers, product records, hazard analysis, or refusals records etc are up to date and being completed correctly.
After the inspection
After inspecting the premises, the Officer will discuss the findings of the inspection with a suitably responsible person on-site. The Officer will answer any relevant queries that you may have and, if necessary, agree time scales within which corrective work should be completed. A follow up visit may result to check that any matters needing attention have been done.
If work cannot be completed within the time period agreed, it is essential that traders contact the inspecting officer.
Contact details are always provided in any communication with a trader.
Trading Standards Institute Manifesto
What do Trading Standards do for you? How does your council tax money get spent by Trading Standards in protecting you, ensuring the welfare of your family and securing your business from rogue traders? For further information visit tsi manifesto (opens in new window)
