The annual gift-giving dilemma is upon us but before a child's present becomes an injury-inflicting or fatal choice, parents, grandparents and other relations and friends should take a few moments to consider the safety aspects of a toy.
Toy safety has improved considerably in recent years and in 1990 new safety measures came into law in all EC countries, including the Republic to ensure the free movement of safe toys within the community.
The Commission also recently adopted measures to prohibit the placing on the market of toys and childcare articles intended to be placed in the mouth of children under age three. The articles in question are made of soft PVC containing certain phthaltes that may be toxic to children.
Consumers interested in making safe toy purchases this holiday season should consult the Director of Consumer Affairs' colourful and useful Guide to Toy Safety. It outlines the various things to look for when shopping for a toy.
For example, the EC developed a "CE" safety marking on toys which is "an assurance that the toy is safe, bearing in mind the normal behaviour of children and, of course, that the toy is used as intended. This means, for instance that a chemistry set suitable for a 10 year old should not be put into the hands of a three year old!" says the brochure.
When examining a toy, look for the following labelling information:
Name, trademark and address of the manufacturer, its agent or importer within the EC;
The "CE" trademark for safety and/or the IS:EN71 Irish technical standard of safety mark;
Instructions for use, if any;
Advice on the safe use of the toy.
Where toys are not suitable for use by children under the age of three, this may be stated on the toy or on the container in which it is sold. Where a minimum age warning is given, it should be heeded.
The guide warns that a toy is defined as a product or material designed or clearly intended for use in play by children aged under 14 years. "Toys therefore include dolls, teddy bears, sit on/ ride toys, building blocks, toy guns and imitation adult equipment such as toy cookers."
On the other hand, playthings - which are not covered by the "CE" safety regulations - include sports equipment, metal pointed darts, "toy" steam engines, fashion jewellery for children, slings and catapults and other specialised equipment. These playthings should be used by children old enough to understand their danger, or only when supervised by an adult.
Toys with electrical parts or transformers should be used with care. They should be properly insulated and protected to prevent a risk of contact with live wires. Safety instructions on electrical toys should be clear and precise.
Before purchasing a toy for a child under 36 months, ensure it has a smooth finish, is non-toxic, flame-resistant and safe for the child's age group.
For older children, toys should also be flame-resistant, stable and non-toxic.
Even after a toy is given to a child, parents should play their part by carefully examining it while bearing in mind that gifts given to older children can sometimes prove lethal in the hands, or mouth, of a small child. In particular, all detachable parts should be large enough to prevent being put in the child's mouth.
A Guide to Toy Safety is available free of charge from the Office of the Director of Consumer Affairs, 4-5 Harcourt Road, Dublin 2, tel: (01) 402 5555, fax (01) 402 5501 or 89-90 South Mall, Cork tel: (021) 274099, fax: (021) 274109.
