Domestic safety (ICS code(s): 13.120); Miscellaneous domestic and commercial equipment (ICS code(s): 97.180)

Ministerial Decree No. 499 /2023 (4 pages, in Arabic) mandating The Egyptian standard ES 7311 for "Household and similar electrical appliances - Safety - Particular requirements for surface-cleaning appliances for household use employing liquids or steam"; (49 page(s), in English)

The Ministerial Decree No. 499 /2023 (4 pages, in Arabic) gives producers and importers a six-month transitional period to abide by the Egyptian standard ES 7311 which deals with the safety of electric cleaning appliances for household use that are intended for cleaning surfaces by using liquid cleansing agents or steam, their rated voltage being not more than 250 V including direct current (DC) supplied appliances and battery-operated appliances. It also covers wallpaper strippers and surface cleaning appliances incorporating heating elements or means for pressurizing the liquid container.

As far as is practicable, this standard deals with the common hazards presented by appliances that are encountered by all persons in and around the home. However, in general, it does not take into account

– Persons (including children) whose physical, sensory or mental capabilities; or lack of experience and knowledge prevents them from using the appliance safely without supervision or instruction;

– Children playing with the appliance.

Attention is drawn to the fact that

– For appliances intended to be used in vehicles or on board ships or aircraft, additional requirements can be necessary;

–In many countries additional requirements are specified by the national health authorities, the national authorities responsible for the protection of labour, and similar authorities.

Worth mentioning is that this standard adopts the technical content of IEC 60335-2-54:2022