Case 242 - Store not allowed to test light bulbs for health and safety reasons

The issue considered by the HSE Myth-busters in case 242 related to a testing of light bulbs.  A respondent purchased set of light bulbs from a store but upon arriving home, discovered that one of them was not working. On returning to the store with the defective bulb, they asked if the store could test the replacement light bulb prior to taking it away.  They were informed that was not possible because, due to health and safety reasons, they were not allowed to test light bulbs in the shop.

The panel reviewed the facts, and decided that health and safety at work legislation does not prohibit shops from testing light bulbs prior to sale. It is difficult to think of any valid reason for refusing to provide this simple service. Instead of keeping the customer “in the dark”, it would help if the company provided some illumination for the real reason instead of hiding behind health and safety as an excuse.