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Safetyzone Summer 2021

Safetyzone

Welcome to the Summer 2021 edition of Safetyzone, the Office of Fair Trading’s (OFT) product safety newsletter.

Features

Your safety essentials this holiday period

To help keep Queensland families safe this Christmas, we have put together some safety tips for children’s gifts.

Follow the five S’s


Size - The smaller the child, the bigger the toy should be. Avoid any toy containing small parts or parts that could easily break off. Parts smaller than a ping pong ball can choke children under three years of age.

Shape - Be wary of products that could be easily swallowed and have sharp edges and points.

Surface - Small children will place objects in their mouths so always check materials and finishes are non-toxic (the toy’s packaging should state this).

Strings - Anything over 30 cm may pose a strangulation risk to small children and should be removed.

Supervision - Nothing replaces close supervision by parents and caregivers.

Don’t give half a gift

If you have bought a bike, skateboard, scooter or any other wheeled toy, you’re halfway there. To complete your gift and ensure you include safety gear as well. This could be an Australian Standard compliant helmet, or knee and elbow pads. You can find more information on bike helmet safety on the Product Safety Australia website.

Check out the choke check tool

Product Safety Australia has a handy printable Choke Check tool available on their website to help you check if toys are big enough for small children, particularly those under three years of age.

Beware button batteries

As always, it’s very important to check any products containing button batteries have a battery compartment that is child resistant and secure. Button batteries can cause severe and potentially fatal injury if swallowed.

If you spot any unsafe toys, please advise the OFT’s Product Safety Unit at www.qld.gov.au/fairtrading or by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68).

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Yo-yo, here’s what you need to know

Parents and caregivers may have fond memories of playing with yo-yos in their childhood,  and wonder, “How can yo-yos be dangerous?”

Like many classic toys that evolve over time, the traditional yo-yo has evolved into yo-yo water balls, but not all evolution is safe.

Yo-yo water balls are characterised by an elasticised cord with a loop at one end and a soft synthetic object at the other that is filled with air or liquid (usually water or a toxic oily solvent called toluene). They are designed to be thrown and returned to the hand, hence the comparison to more traditional yo-yos. They may also contain a novelty feature such as flashing lights, or resemble a cartoon animal or character.

There are some safety risks associated with these products:

  • Yo-yo water balls with an elasticised cord that can stretch to at least 50cm in length have been banned in Australia for more than 10 years due to the risk of serious injury. The elasticised can wind around a child’s neck causing strangulation, especially if swung around the head.
  • The highly elastic and ‘sticky’ nature of the cords can cause a cord that is wound around a child’s neck to stick to itself, making it difficult for the child to free themselves.
  • If the outer casing of a yo‑yo ball is pierced, the liquid can leak out, causing an adverse skin reaction or, if swallowed, illness.

The ban does not apply to the following goods:

  • outdoor and sporting toys, such as a ball which is used to practice tennis with an elastic tension cord that is intended to be anchored
  • a bat with a ball attached by an elastic cord
  • products  known as the 'Yo-Be Sling Disc'.

For more information on yo-yo water balls or the specifics of the ban, visit the Product Safety Australia website.

If you see yo-yo water balls for sale that you feel are not safe, please advise the Office of Fair Trading’s Product Safety Unit at OFT.safety@justice.qld.gov.au.

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Water toy safety

With summer and swimming season here, it’s important to make sure your pool or water toys are safe and meet the aquatic toy mandatory standard. The mandatory standard sets out requirements for the design, construction and labelling of aquatic toys.

Aquatic toys can be inflatable novelty shapes, inflatable toy boats for use in shallow water, and unattached rings. They are designed to bear the mass of a child under the age of 14 for use in shallow water play. However, they are not safety devices, so children must be always be supervised when playing with these toys in the water.

What consumers need to know

We’ve put together some helpful tips for what you need to do when using aquatic toys:

  • Check age suitability: Make sure the toys or swimming aids are suitable for your child’s age and weight.
  • Use correctly: Do not use pool toys for purposes other than those recommended on the packaging or instructions.
  • Check before use: Make sure the inflatable toy has non-return valves with attached stoppers. Make sure there are no leaks or damaged valves.
  • Remove items when not in use: Pool toys should always be removed from the pool area when not in use and stored securely off-site. Inflatable pool toys should be deflated when not in use.
  • Always supervise: Remember, swimming aids and pool toys can provide a false sense of your child’s swimming ability or safety. Children should always be actively supervised by a responsible adult when in the pool area.

For more information on the standard, visit the Product Safety Australia website.

What traders need to know

Aquatic toys must be clearly labelled with a statement that they are not life-saving devices, followed by a warning that they should only be used in shallow water and under supervision.

The warning must be in English, clearly legible, clearly visible and permanent.

Advertising or graphics on the packaging must never state or imply that a child will be safe if left unsupervised with an aquatic toy.

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Toppling furniture an ongoing concern

Toppling furniture and TVs have caused 27 preventable deaths in Australia since 2000. Most of these deaths involved children under five years of age, and while this age group continues to be most at risk of injury or death, statistics show that adults over the age of 60 are also at risk.

Injuries and deaths from toppling furniture and televisions are preventable. There are some steps that can be taken to make furniture and televisions safer.

What consumers can do

To prevent injuries to your loved ones:

  • secure televisions and furniture to walls with anchoring devices
  • purchase low-set furniture or furniture with sturdy, stable and deep bases
  • test furniture in the shop to make sure it is stable and won’t easily tip-over if climbed on
  • install child-resistant drawer locks to prevent drawers from being opened and climbed on
  • avoid placing items that may be interesting to young children, such as lollies and toys, high on furniture where kids might try to climb or reach for them

If you’re renting a home, talk to your landlord or agent about installing anchor devices to the wall. Explain why you want to secure your furniture and make sure they know that you will remove them at the end of your tenancy. For more information, visit the Residential Tenancies Authority website.

What traders can do

To help prevent your products being involved in tip-over injuries:

  • ensure your products are stable and resistant to tipping over
  • ensure your products comply with the voluntary Best Practice Guide for Furniture and Television Tip-Over Prevention
  • sell appropriate anchoring devices with freestanding bookcases, drawers, wardrobes, sideboards and televisions
  • display safety information about the dangers of toppling furniture at the point of sale.

For more information on toppling furniture safety, visit the Product Safety Australia website.

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Do you sell baby dummies?

Dummies, pacifiers, soothers, binkies… regardless of what you call them, if you sell them, you need to ensure your products comply with the mandatory Australian safety requirements.

The mandatory standard requirements for babies’ dummies are based on  the voluntary Australian Standard (AS 2432:2015 Standard for Babies’ Dummies) and the voluntary European Standard (EN 1400:2013+A1:2014 Child use and care article – Soothers for babies and young children – Safety requirements and test method).

Some of the key mandatory requirements:

  • All components must be free from any sharp edges that could cause injury.
  • Test reports must demonstrate the requirements for strength, durability and size are met.
  • The information supplied with the dummies must contain the required warning notices.
  • They must be sold in clean condition in a sealed pack and include instructions for use and hygienic care.
  • The dummies must not have any printing on the sucking side of the shield, or any adhesive decals attached to any part.

For more information on the requirements, including for dummy chains, visit the Product Safety Australia website.

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A guide to buying child car seats

There is a myriad of child car seats on the market, so how do you know which one to choose to keep your little one safe?

To help keep Australian kids safe in an accident, an Australian standard is in place that covers the design, construction, performance, user instructions, marking and packaging of child car restraints. Only restraints or seats that meet Australian Standard AS/NZS1754 and are clearly marked with a compliance sticker can be used in Australia.

What to look for when buying a child car seat

There are several key things that you need to be aware of when selecting your car seat such as:

  • There must be an upper tether strap to greatly reduce a child’s head jolting forward in a car accident.
  • The general categories of seats are:
    • Birth to six months old: rearward facing in the car
    • Six months to four years: changing to forward-facing in the car
    • Four to seven  years: booster seats
  • While car seats are generally categorised by age, the right seat for your child relies more on their size. Each seat will have relevant height markers to help you judge if it’s right for your child. Only use the restraint in accordance with the manufacturer’s instructions.

What to look for when buying a second-hand child car seat

Second-hand child car seats can be a viable option, however, there are several important safety tips to keep in mind.

  • Never buy a seat if it has been in a car accident or gone through flood waters.
  • Only buy a child car seat if it less than 10 years old.
  • Check that the Australian Standards compliance sticker is visible.
  • Ensure the seat has an instruction booklet and visible instruction labels.
  • Straps and buckles should be free from wear and tear such as nicks and mould.
  • Check that the adjusters still work correctly.
  • Check that all the seat’s padding is in place and not mouldy.

Installing car seats or capsules

Installing a car seat properly can be a tricky matter, particularly capsules and seats for children up to four years.

We highly recommend you have your car seat or capsule fitted by an authorised installer to ensure it works as it should in the event of an accident and that small babies in particular will not be in a position that can restrict their breathing.

Organisations such as KidSafe Qld, some motoring or roadside support companies, and a number of retailers provide a professional installation service.

For more information on the standard, visit the Product Safety Australia website.

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Holiday accommodation safety tips

Safe accommodation can make or break a holiday, so we’ve put together some safety tips to ensure your next family adventure is a fun one.

Pools and spas

  • Always follow any safety rules.
  • Ensure your children’s pool toys or floating aids are appropriate for your child’s age and free from damage.
  • Always supervise your children around pool and spa areas and make sure they stay away from filter inlets and outlets.

Blind and curtain cords

Tragically, a number of Australian children have been strangled after becoming tangled in cords. To help keep your little ones safe:

  • Ensure all blind and curtain cords are out of reach of young children.
  • Check that beds, cots and other furniture are not close enough for your child to stand up or climb on them to reach the blind or curtain cords.

Bunk beds

Check with the accommodation provider when booking that  any bunk beds meet the required safety standards.

The top bunk should have guardrails on all sides, with no gaps big enough to trap your child’s head, and the ladder should be secure.

Children under 10 years of age should only sleep on the bottom bunk.

Children should never play on bunk beds.

Portable cots

Portable cots should comply with Australian Standard (AS/NZS 2195).

Each time you use a portable cot, check:

  • The sides and ends are locked into place and the mesh is not torn or broken.
  • Any change table or bassinet should be securely in place with no straps hanging inside the cot.
  • The mat fits securely in the cot, with no gaps between it and the sides or ends.
  • No additional bedding or mattress has been placed into the cot.

Furniture

Don’t let children climb on the furniture as it may topple over. Don’t put tempting items such as feeding bottles, favourite toys or remote controls on tables or shelves.

Hot water systems

Make sure there is an operational hot water tempering device in the bathroom to stop the hot water temperature exceeding approximately 50 degrees.

For more holiday accommodation safety tips, visit our website.

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Portable pool safety

Tragically, on average one child dies from a portable pool-related incident each year in Australia and other kids need hospital treatment and may be left with severe brain injuries.

That’s why the Office of Fair Trading is again joining forces with Royal Life Saving Society to on the ‘Don’t Duck Out, Make It SAFE’ campaign to educate people about the responsibilities that come with buying a portable pool, which may include putting up a safety fence.

What consumers need to know

Supervise - Actively watch children at all times and keep them within arm’s reach. Don’t leave older children in charge.

Act - Learn emergency response including CPR. It’s important to start compressions and breaths as soon as possible when a child is pulled from the water and to call triple zero (000) for help. If there are two people, one should make the phone call while the other does CPR.

Fence - In Queensland, if a pool has more than 30cm or 2,000L of water in it, there’s a legal requirement to have a compliant safety barrier.

Empty and store safely - After keeping watch all day, pour out the water and store the pool where children can’t reach it. Never leave it where it can be refilled with rain or sprinkler water.

If you own a portable pool, or are thinking of buying one, visit www.productsafety.gov.au/makeitsafe.

What traders need to know

If you sell portable pools, you are legally required to ensure the products you sell meet the Consumer Goods (Portable Swimming Pools) Safety Standard 2013. This includes ensuring your products have a permanent warning label on the pools themselves and the packaging they come in.

The wording on the warning label you must use is specified in the mandatory standard and is designed to drawing the buyer’s attention to the drowning risk and, depending on the depth of the pool, local fencing laws.

You can find a portable swimming pools supplier guide on the Product Safety Australia website.

Make a splash not a splat when hanging your Christmas decorations

If you aren’t a trained stunt professional, think before you going up a ladder to hang your festive décor this Christmas season.

On average more than four Australians per year, mainly men, die as a result of falling from a ladder. Even a fall from one to two meters can be enough to give you an injury that will significantly change your life, and the lives of those closest to you.

Non-fatal injuries can (and do) include fractured limbs, spinal cord damage, and severe brain injury.

So, if preparing to hang Christmas decorations in places that only a ladder can reach, follow these basic safety steps .

Step 1: Choose a safe ladder

Only buy a ladder if it meets the Australian Standard (AS/NZS 1892). The ladder should be labelled, but if you’re not sure, ask the retailer.

Step 2: Follow all safety instructions

Always follow the instructions on the packaging or manual and note any safety warnings on the ladder.

Before using a ladder, make sure it is the right height for the job, has non-slip feet, hasn’t warped, rusted or corroded, isn’t missing any parts, sits on flat, firm ground and locks securely into place.

Step 3: Check for unsafe conditions

Make sure there are no power lines or exposed wires near the ladder. Never use ladders in thunderstorms, rain or wind.

Step 4: Set it up safely

Lean the ladder against a wall at a vertical to horizontal ratio of 4:1. Secure the top of an extension ladder into position before starting work.

Step 5: Climb it safely

When climbing on a ladder, always wear enclosed, non-slip shoes, have someone hold the ladder at the base, climb up the middle of the ladder, hold it with both hands, carry any tools in a tool belt and ensure you never stand on the tread immediately below the top cap.

Step 6—work safely

When working on a ladder, always keep hold of the ladder with one hand, work within arm’s reach of the ladder (don’t lean over) and climb down and safely reposition the ladder if you need to reach something.

Step 7—work to your ability

Know your own capabilities. Be careful about climbing a ladder if you are alone and can’t get help, have a disability or medical condition or are taking medication.

For more information on ladder safety see here or visit the Product Safety Australia website.

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Recall roundup

A product safety recall is the most common way for a supplier to remove unsafe goods from the supply chain. If you own one of the below items, follow the relevant link to find out what you need to do to make your item safe, or if you are entitled to a refund or replacement.

For more information on product recalls, visit the ACCC recalls website.

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Need help?

If you need help to identify product hazards, work with standards or develop a compliance plan, please contact the OFT's Consumer Product Safety Unit at OFT.Safety@justice.qld.gov.au. Fines for non-compliance with standards can be substantial so it’s better to be safe than sorry.

For more information on regulated products subject to mandatory standards and bans or to check for information about consumer products and services, visit the Product Safety Australia website.

Want to report a product safety problem or seek advice?

Do you have some information you’d like to verify or are unsure about a product? The first step should be to visit the Product Safety Australia and OFT website. If you can’t find what you’re looking for, you can email the OFT Product Safety Unit at OFT.Safety@justice.qld.gov.au. We will try to answer any queries you may have concerning Product Safety within Queensland with a safety first approach, because your safety matters.

Feedback

If you find this Safetyzone newsletter useful, please tell us what you think by emailing OFT.Safety@justice.qld.gov.au.

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Last updated:
13 December 2021
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