Toy Safety

Toy Safety

Toys are involved in over 40,000 accidents each year; however, their safety is only part of the problem. Many of the accidents occur when babies play with toys intended for older children, or when people trip over them. Toys that are not used in accordance with instructions or are not maintained properly also pose a potential danger particularly for younger children.

Toys must be safe by law but how they are used and the age of the child are important factors in preventing accidents.

Tips for Safe Toy Shopping

1. Always look for the CE mark to show that the toy meets the European safety standard. Products without the CE mark may not be intended to be used as toys;

2. Also look for the “LION MARK” this will also ensure that the toys are safe;

3. Buy from outlets with a good reputation for safe and reliable toys;

4. Make sure that the toy is suitable for the child check the age range. Be particularly careful with toys for children under three;

5. If buying from a car boot sale or second-hand shop extra care needs to be taken, as instructions or warnings may be missing;

6. Check for the following:

Toys with loose hair or fur which could be a choking hazard
Toys with small parts which detach on which a child could choke
Toys with sharp points and edges or finger traps
Loose ribbon on toys and long neck ties on children’s costumes
Small toys sold with food items
Follow the instructions or warnings given with the toys

Toys & battery safety

Many toys are battery powered, normally a good safe source of portable power. Problems can occur, however, if batteries are not used correctly.

Safe battery use:

Always take care to fit the batteries the right way round
When replacing batteries, use the same type and always replace a complete set
Remove spent batteries from toys and never dispose of them so that they come into contact with fire
Store unused batteries in their packing and away from metal objects, which may cause them to short circuit
Never re-charge ordinary batteries either in a charger or by applying heat to them
Small disc batteries present a particular danger to young children who can choke on them or swallow then and be poisoned. Never leave them lying around and make sure that children know not to put them in their mouths, ears, and up their noses.

REMEMBER
Always check all toys regularly for wear or damage and dispose of them where necessary.

Please help us to reduce the number of accidents caused by problems with unsafe toys and incorrect equipment use. Please download the information leaflet on the left hand side and give a copy to anyone you know who buys toys or nursery furniture.

Ask Cedric would like to thank Oxfordshire County Council Trading Standards Service for writing this information.

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