WA watchdog's Xmas toy battery warning

After making a list of Christmas gifts, ensure you check the batteries twice before giving toys to children, Western Australia's Consumer Protection warns.

Flashing decorations, jewellery, musical stockings and greeting cards are among items that failed a pre-Christmas safety inspection.

Of the 105 button battery-operated items inspected at 44 retailers, 20 were found not to be secured properly and failed a "drop test", leaving potentially deadly lithium batteries exposed after the item hit the floor.

If swallowed, button batteries could become stuck in a child's throat and burn through the oesophagus in less than two hours, Commerce Minister Michael Mischin said.

"Tragically, there have been deaths including that of a four-year-old in Queensland in 2013," he said.

"Children who survive button battery ingestion can require feeding and breathing tubes and repeated surgery."

Mr Mischin said store managers had acted quickly to voluntarily remove items identified as unsafe from sale, including LED Lava Drops from 57 retailers.

Refunds have been offered to anyone who purchased one.

BATTERY SAFETY TIPS:

* Keep loose coin-sized button batteries and devices that contain them, such as electronic and garage door remote controls, out of reach of children

* Check that battery compartments are secure and supervise children playing with battery-operated toys

* Dispose of used batteries immediately and safely

* Ensure that if a child swallows a button battery, they do not eat or drink or are made to vomit, but seek immediate medical attention