Warnings issued for household safety in Japan's new fiscal year

As the new academic and fiscal year commences and many individuals venture into solo living in Japan, the National Institute of Technology and Evaluation (NITE) issued a comprehensive set of guidelines Tuesday to raise awareness on product safety and mitigate potential risks surrounding household appliances.

Microwave ovens, often a staple for those living alone, offer convenience in reheating meals and expediting cooking processes. However, NITE underscored the importance of caution, citing the potential hazards of ruptures or ignition when unsuitable items are heated, when the appliance is utilized in a dirty state or when overheated.

According to NITE, in November 2018 a woman in her 70s from Nara Prefecture experienced a microwave explosion when heating a dish containing a boiled egg, resulting in the appliance breaking.

Gas stoves also pose the threat of unexpected fires — improper connections may lead to gas leaks or unattended cooking oil may catch fire, for example.

In Niigata Prefecture in March 2023, an elderly man used a gas stove with a hose in direct contact with the burner, which was then heated up every time he cooked, eventually causing it to rupture, leading to a gas leak and subsequent fire.

Similarly, in a separate case from Ehime Prefecture in January 2019, a man was faced with a sudden eruption of flames from cooking oil as a consequence of leaving the cooking area unattended while preparing fried food.

For students commuting via bicycles, NITE advocates for pre-ride safety checks, emphasizing the inspection of wheels and especially the brakes to avoid potential accidents.

In May 2018, a man in his 20s in Fukuoka Prefecture suffered serious injuries when riding his bicycle, as the chain suddenly came loose and he fell off. It is assumed that the chain had not been checked and was too lax initially.

NITE also advises students to stow belongings such as bags and umbrellas in designated bicycle baskets or containers, as opposed to suspending them from handlebars, to ensure stability and prevent potential hazards while cycling.