Topic 10: Current legislation

What is meant by current legislation in design and technology?

Laws and regulations that govern the design manufacture and sale of products to ensure safety quality and legality

What is the Consumer Rights Act 2015?

A law that ensures products are of satisfactory quality fit for purpose and as described

What does satisfactory quality include?

Durability safety appearance and freedom from defects

What does fit for purpose mean?

The product must perform its intended function effectively

What does as described mean?

The product must match its description advertisement or sample

What rights do consumers have under the Consumer Rights Act?

Right to repair replacement or refund if the product is faulty

How does the Consumer Rights Act affect manufacturers?

They must ensure high quality products or risk legal action refunds and loss of reputation

What is the Sale of Goods Act 1979?

An earlier law covering similar consumer protections including quality and fitness for purpose

Why is the Sale of Goods Act still relevant?

It forms the basis of modern consumer protection laws

What are the consequences of not following consumer legislation?

Legal action fines product recalls and reputational damage

What is the Health and Safety Executive (HSE)?

The UK body responsible for enforcing workplace health and safety laws

What is the role of the HSE?

To inspect workplaces enforce regulations and reduce risk of injury

What is the Health and Safety at Work Act 1974?

A law requiring employers to ensure the health safety and welfare of employees

What must employers provide under this act?

Safe equipment proper training and a safe working environment

What responsibilities do employees have under this act?

To follow safety procedures and use equipment correctly

What is PPE?

Personal protective equipment such as gloves goggles masks and helmets

Why is PPE important?

It reduces the risk of injury in hazardous environments

What are safety signs and symbols?

Visual indicators used to warn of hazards and instruct safe behaviour

Why are safety signs important?

They communicate risks quickly and help prevent accidents

What are COSHH regulations?

Laws controlling the safe use storage and disposal of hazardous substances

What are VOCs?

Volatile organic compounds that can be harmful when inhaled

Why must VOCs be controlled?

To protect workers health and reduce environmental impact

How do COSHH regulations affect design decisions?

Designers may choose safer materials or alternative processes

What is a risk assessment?

A systematic process of identifying hazards evaluating risks and implementing control measures

What are the five stages of a risk assessment?

Identify hazards identify who is at risk evaluate risks implement controls record findings

Why are risk assessments legally important?

They are required to ensure safety and reduce liability

Give one example of a hazard

Exposure to toxic chemicals or moving machinery

Give one example of a control measure

Machine guards ventilation systems or PPE

How does legislation influence design?

Designers must consider safety materials and manufacturing methods to meet legal requirements

How does legislation influence manufacturing?

Processes must be safe compliant and minimise risks to workers

How does legislation affect consumers?

It ensures products are safe reliable and fit for purpose

Give one advantage of strict legislation

Improves safety protects consumers and reduces accidents

Give one disadvantage of strict legislation

Increases costs and may limit design innovation

Why is compliance with legislation important?

To avoid fines legal action and protect brand reputation