By Ahikam Pasion
With the hotter days now fast approaching and fire incidents increasing, the Department of Trade and Industry (DTI) in Pangasinan has warned consumers against purchasing uncertified fire extinguishers, citing safety risks posed by substandard and counterfeit products circulating in the market.
In an advisory, DTI Pangasinan said not all fire extinguishers available for sale meet safety standards, noting that defective units may fail during emergencies and endanger lives and property.
The agency urged buyers to carefully inspect products before purchasing, emphasizing the importance of certification and proper labeling.
Consumers were advised to check for the Philippine Standard (PS) Mark with a license number or the Import Commodity Clearance (ICC) Mark, which indicate compliance with national safety standards.
DTI also recommended verifying the manufacturer or refiller’sname and address, confirming that the brand or trademark is properly registered, and ensuring the type of extinguishing agent—such as dry chemical—is clearly indicated.
Other details buyers should review include the extinguisher’s capacity and weight, operating instructions, recharge reminders, pressure ratings, country of origin, production year, and serial number for product traceability.
The agency reminded the public to avoid purchasing fire extinguishers solely based on low prices, stressing that certification and product quality should take priority over cost.
DTI cited its consumer protection framework known as INARO—Inform, Navigate, Advocate, Regulate, and Optimize—as part of efforts to promote safer purchasing decisions.