K2H19 Safety factors and recognised standards of equipment and materials for children

K2H19 – Safety factors and recognised standards of equipment and materials for children.  Importance of using equipment that is appropriate for the age, needs and abilities of the child.  The importance of following manufacturers’ guidelines.

The recognised standards for materials and equipment are:

• The CE mark is the manufacturer’s declaration that their product meets all the relevant legal requirements.  You find this mark on electrical goods, toys and cycle helmets.
• The Lion Mark is used by British toy manufacturers; it shows that the toys meet British Standards.

The manufacturer or distributor must indicate clearly on the packaging or the instructions certain risks and minimum age of child.  The British Standard BS EN 71 is a recognised standard for the safety of toys which are sold in the UK or Europe.  This standard includes that toys must be flame resistant, must not present a risk of poisoning; they should not have any sharp edges or spikes and no possibility of young children choking or being harmed by small parts.  Toys that comply with this standard can be considered safe for children to use.

Kite mark shows that BSI has checked the manufacturer’s claim that his product meets the standard.
The ‘Safety Mark’ shows that the product has been checked to British Standard specifications for safety.
Trade Mark of the British Electro-Approvals Board (BEAB). It is found on electrical goods and shows that BEAB has tested a sample of the product and it meets British safety standards and laws.
Similar to the previous one but in this case the sample has been tested by another approvals authority, possibly in another country.
The appliance is doubly insulated and will not have an earth wire.
Used by British Gas, it shows that the gas appliance meets its standards for performance, reliability and quality.
Found on furniture, it shows that the item will not easily catch light from cigarettes or matches. It does not mean that the furniture is fire-proof.
Harmful. It shows that the substance may be harmful if inhaled or swallowed. It may be found on weed killers, bleach or lavatory cleaners and could cause skin irritation or swelling.
Highly flammable. Warns that the substance can become very hot and catch fire if it comes into contact with air.
Corrosive. Found on containers of acid or caustic soda and it warns that the contents could destroy living tissue (e.g. skin).
Toxic/Very Toxic. Substances which if inhaled or swallowed or in contact with your skin could seriously harm or even kill.
Oxidising. Warns of a substance that gives rise to heat when it comes into contact with flammable substances.
Warning label found on products containing asbestos.
The Lion Mark – used by British toy manufacturers, it shows that the toys meets British Standards.
The CE mark is a manufacturer’s declaration that his product meets all the relevant legal requirements. You will find the CE mark on electrical goods, toys and cycle helmets.

The importance of checking and following the manufacturer’s guidelines:-

• Check the state of the toy before use.
• Look for the manufacturer’s recommendation such as ‘To be used only under adult supervision’.
• Read all instructions for use and details of the toy.
• Keep all relevant information concerning the manufacturer of the toy in event of any complaints.
• Follow manufacturer’s guidelines on minimum age such as ‘not suitable for 0-3 year olds’.

This post is part of the 202 Keep Children Safe • NVQ Level 2 section, which forms the Childcare Learning And Development website.