Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC) has conducted field visits to collect random samples of hoverboards that are sold in Abu Dhabi’s markets to ensure their safety and conformity.

The step articulates QCC’s priority to ensure the compliance of products sold in Abu Dhabi market with relevant safety standards and to protect consumers from any potential dangers while using consumer electronics.

During the visits, many hoverboard samples were collected following recent reports in international and national media about the growing incidents associated with riding hoverboards. The samples were taken to accredited laboratories to test them and ensure they meet the standards. As a precautionary measure, selling some types of hoverboards were temporarily suspended pending submission of compliance testing report by the suppliers.

QCC has also granted approvals for a number of suppliers while also approving many types of hoverboards to be sold in Abu Dhabi’s markets after ensuring their safe usage.

Mohammed Helal Al Balooshi, Marketing & Communications acting director at Abu Dhabi QCC said: “QCC is keen on protecting consumers in Abu Dhabi from any injuries that may be caused by using devices that do not fit the specifications and standards, including hoverboards which have proved to be very popular lately among children and youngsters but were a main reason for many accidents. This is why QCC is taking strict measures to preserve the safety of consumers in the emirate.”

“The number of accidents and injuries has increased recently because of using hoverboards that do not conform to safety requirements. As part of our priority to safeguard consumer safety, we collaborated with relevant entities to enhance consumer awareness about the improper and unsafe use of these devices.

“We thank traders for their full cooperation and support for QCC’s drive to ensure that all hoverboards sold in Abu Dhabi market fulfil our safety standards and requirements. We also urge consumers to report any incidents and injuries resulting from the use of unsafe products and devices through Manaa consumer safety system,” he added.

“QCC conducts regular and random field visits to stores in Abu Dhabi to collect samples and test them in accredited laboratories according to sound scientific methods. We also implement full inspection measures and make sure that products traded in the markets are safe. Such efforts help create a secure environment and enhance consumer confidence,” Al Balooshi concluded.

QCC also provided some useful tips that will help riders avoid potential accidents and body injuries involving hoverboards.

This includes wearing a properly fitted helmet, elbow pads, knee pads and wrist guards, keeping away from areas where there is vehicular traffic, buying the hoverboard from a reliable seller and charging and storing the device in an open dry area away from items that can catch fire. Riders are also advised to avoid overnight charging, charging the hoverboard directly after riding or when they are not able to observe the device.

Other measures that will help avoid potential accidents and body injuries include stepping right in the middle of the device, looking straight ahead when riding, stepping back to get off and requesting help of someone to catch you if you are new to riding one. – TradeArabia News Service