In South Korea, heat wave warnings have been issued, so many people are looking for ways to avoid the heat. Some people just stay at home with an air conditioner, but some other people cannot stay at home and have to work. So, many Korean people have mini electric fans, which are portable. Many people know that they are comfortable, but they do not know the danger of them.

▲ Mini electric fans are tools which Korean use to avoid heat

Ministry of the Interior and Safety warned about a mini electric fan. On Friday, a senior official at the Safety Ministry said that people often overlook safety when using portable fans that are small and convenient.

According to Korea Consumer Agency's Consumer Injury Surveillance System, there have been 40 accidents regarding of mini electric fans. There were two accidents happened in 2015, then it increased to four in 2016. Then, it suddenly increased to 33 accidents last year, but there has been only one accident regarding of fans this year so far. There were also two accidents that were about the finger being stuck or squashed.

▲ There have been significant increase of numbers of accidents regarding of handheld fans

Ministry advised not to use fans for long hours and not to charge fans with high-speed chargers, which makes the battery hot. They advised to use fans made of soft materials and assure that it has a security mark (KC mark). This ensures about the harmlessness to human body, durability, and security. Buyers also have to check the electromagnetic compatibility registration number and battery safety certification number. To prevent accidents of fingers being stuck, buyers have to buy fans with short space of guard net and fans with soft materials. Fans have to be charged with adequate charger according to the capacity of the battery.

▲ Mini electric fans are convenient, but can be dangerous

Mini electric fans are undoubtedly convenient, but users have to be careful and be aware of the danger. To use fans more effectively, users have to know about their danger and be careful in using or charging them.

by Minjun Kim

2018, July 22th