Possible hazards and liabilities within the product design are listed below. Hazards and liabilities are divided into categories and are each given a proposed solution to prevent liability in the event of an accident
- Misuses
- Heat dissipation - If the device generates a large amount of heat, placing objects on top of the device or covering the device may create a fire hazard
- Instruct the user, either through instructions on the device or a user's manual, to not place objects on top of the device
- Damage to circuitry - If the circuit board is left exposed, damage to circuitry could occur could occur, which could also cause damage to connected equipment
- Place the circuit board within a metal or plastic case. Instruct the user not to remove the case
- Hearing damage - If the user amplifies the signal beyond a safe threshold, hearing damage could occur
- Include disclaimer about hearing damage in product documentation, or physically printed on the device
- Baby-proofing - If a user sticks a foreign object into the output ports of the device while the port is turned on, electric shock to the user or product could occur
- Though highly unlikely for this to occur, include instruction in documentation to not place foreign objects into the ports of the device
- Changes during product lifetime
- Changes to the product would be unexpected due to the simplicity of the circuitry. Small changes may occur, but these changes would be more oriented towards new releases rather than recall situations
- Disposal
- Because of electronic circuitry, device should be recycled at the end of product life, rather than thrown in the garbage
- Instruct the user to dispose of the device at an appropriate facility. Many locations have electronic recycling centers that would accept the device
- Device packaging will be cardboard/plastic waste
- Packaging could be constructed of recycled/recyclable materials to reduce waste