A Consumer Council test has raised safety concerns over some glass-top dining tables and coffee tables on the market.
Glass-top tables are generally well received in Hong Kong's household, bringing light and modernity to the room.
However there are some very important safety considerations that should be taken into account in particular the hazard of glass breakage in case of an accident.
Tempered (or toughened) glass which is generally stronger than ordinary glass of the same thickness, is used often in glass furniture.
It is more resistant to breakage caused by impact and rapid temperature change. Even if it does break, it breaks into relatively small regular shaped glass fragments which are less likely to cause serious injury.
The samples, covering a total of 13 glass-top dining table and 7 coffee table models, were subjected to a glass fragmentation test (with reference to the European standards EN 12521 and EN 12150-1) to inspect the glass fragments when they break.
The test results showed that 3 of the samples - the top glasses of 2 dining tables and the shelf glass of 1 coffee table - splintered into pieces of long, uneven shards posing serious danger of body injury.
All 3 samples were among the 7 samples that made no claim of a tempered glass manufacture.
In addition, two of the samples - the top glasses of 1 dining table and 1 coffee table - which made claim to be of tempered glass, turned out to be of a quality falling short of the requirement in the European standards.
Although the glass broke in the manner like tempered glass, some glass fragments of these 2 samples were found to be slightly larger than the size stipulated in the European standards (which require that the length of the longest fragment should not exceed 10 cm, and the number of fragments in an area of 25 cm2 should not be less than a specified standard limit).
Consumers are cautioned to use these glass-top tables with the utmost of care to avoid accidental breakage of the glass.
Another important safety consideration concerns the stability, strength and durability of the tables. Tests were conducted (with reference to European standard EN 12521) in the prescribed sequence on the same sample of each model to evaluate their performance in these areas.
The results showed that 4 dining tables and 2 coffee tables stood out among the samples, with no overturning nor damage during the test. The remainders (14 samples) were found to exhibit varying extent of damage during different test items.
Among them, 1 dining table and 2 coffee tables with casters overturned during the stability test - when a vertical force was applied on the table top near the edge.
In terms of design and workmanship, no samples were found with sharp edges at positions accessible during use. Only 1 dining table sample was found that the gap between the table top glass and the movable wooden board could pose risk of pinching finger if used carelessly.
On the basis of their performance in respect of stability / strength / durability (75%), design and workmanship (20%) and labeling instructions (5%), the models were rated on a 5-point scale: The more points the better the overall performance. The overall rating revealed significant variations in their performance ranging from a high 5 points to a low 2 points.
The top performers rated with 5 points were awarded to 3 dining tables and 2 coffee tables. But, at the end of the scale, were 7 samples which scored only half or below of the full marks - 6 samples with 2.5 points and 1 sample with 2 points.
Consumers are strongly advised to pay heed and exercise great caution in the use of glass top tables rated with low scores.
The Council has referred the results of the test to the Customs and Excise Department for consideration of any follow-up action under the Consumer Goods Safety Ordinance.
The test report also contains some useful tips for consumers when shopping for glass-top tables:
- Check if the glass is claimed to be tempered glass.
- Try to press the edge of the table top slightly to see if the table tilts or the glass table top detaches from the understructure easily.
- Beware of sharp corners of the table top, especially if you have children at home.
- If the table top is extendable or the height adjustable, try out to ensure it is easy and safe to operate.
More tips in the use and maintenance of glass-top tables.
- If there are children at home, use corner guards or protectors at the table corners. Teach children not to press the edge of the table top or climb the table.
- Do not sit or stand on the table; avoid hitting the table especially the glass and use table mat before putting hot or cold item on the glass table top.
- Check the screws (if any) of the table regularly, and tighten in case they become loose.
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