BACKGROUND MATERIAL

TOY SAFETY

! Information for Students on the British Toy Industry & Trade

! Toy Safety Information

! The Lion Mark

! National Toy Council Leaflet : Toy Safety

INFORMATION FOR STUDENTS ON THE BRITISH TOY INDUSTRY

& TRADE

! The Work of Trading Standards

! The British Toy & Hobby Association

! The Toy Retailers Association

! A Look at Toy Safety

! Useful Tips For Making Sure Old Toys Are Still Safe

! The Choke Hazard Test

THE WORK OF TRADING STANDARDS ‘IT’S A CONSUMER JUNGLE OUT THERE’ In a simpler, less technological age, people could trust their own judgment and experience when buying goods or services. These days, we live in a world marketplace, with standards of safety and quality that are well below acceptable levels in too many producer countries. Technology can be harnessed to turn rubbish into a tempting proposition; promises of service prove to be hot air; a cheaply made toy can become a killer; counterfeit brand names cost this country billions of pounds and thousands of jobs every year. It takes well-drafted legislation and real expertise to be certain you are getting a fair deal. Expertise that is embodied in the Trading Standards Service. Trading Standards Officers are in the front line of the fight to clamp down on shoddy and dangerous goods, slipshod service and unfair trading practices. Trading Standards is a truly local service. Officers work for local government. The service may operate as ‘ Trading Standards’, ‘Consumer Protection’, 'Consumer Services’ or ‘Public Protection’ , but the aim is the same; to offer advice and to enforce the ever increasing flow of legislation that protects the individual consumer and the honest trader alike.

The TSI web site is http://www.tradingstandards.gov.uk/

BTHA - Representing The Toy Manufacturers The British Toy & H obby A ssociation (BTHA) w as founded in 1944 to represent the interests of British toy manufacturers and to raise standards of practice in the industry. Today, the members between them, are responsible for over 90% of the British market for toys and games. The BTHA considers its most important duty is to promote the highest possible standards of safety in design and manufacture of toys and, in collaboration with the British Standards Institute (BSI), published the w orld’s first toy safety standards in 1961. Since then, the BTHA has been actively involved in improving safety standards and in 1989 launched the Lion Mark as a badge of membership.

The BTHA web site is http://www.btha.co.uk/

TOY RETAILERS ASSOCIATION (TRA)

The Toy Retailers Association, founded in 1950, represents around 75% or more of the toy trade. Members include a variety of retailers from large multi-nationals to many independent shops from small and medium sized retailers of toys. The TRA represents its members at government and European level, voices the concerns of toy retailers, and strives to improve the standards of retailing. In association with the BTHA our members are all Approved Lion Mark Retailers - that is, they obey a strict Code of Practice on selling safe toys. The TRA retains a toy safety consultant to advise and visit members. Shop for toys where you see this sign either in the shop window or door, or inside (only TRA members may use this sign):

The TRA web site is www.toyretailersassociation.co.uk

A Look At Toy Safety

What is a toy? It is any product or material designed or clearly intended for use in play by children of less than 14 yrs of age, but excludes item such as toy steam engines and detailed scale models for adult collectors, folk dolls and cycles with a saddle height above 635mm. The CE m ark that y ou see on toy packaging, together with European Union address of the first supplier, is meant to give toys the right of circulation across the Community and is a declaration that the toy satisfies the essential safety requirements of the EU toy safety directive. This mark is for enforcem ent purposes only and is not meant to indicate to the consumer that a toy is safe or of good quality, and is required to appear on all toys. The Lion Mark is used exclusively by members of the British Toy & Hobby Association to indicate that their toys are made to current British and European standards and that they are following the BTHA Code of Practice. Toy warnings: an age warning symbol indicates that a toy is not suitable for children under 3 years of age. W ith this sy mbol there m ust be reference to the hazard, e.g. “ Small parts’ which might cause choking.” See Hazard Choke Test. Toy accidents: Rarely does a toy itself cause an accident. The quality and safety of today’s toys ensure that. Of all accidents that occur in the home, those that are toy related represent just 1.5% - and not all of these affect children. Many accidents are caused by toys left lying on the floor for an unwary adult to trip over. European Standard EN71 consists of a number of parts covering mechanical and physical properties of toys, flammability, specification for the migration of certain elements (toxicity) specification for experimental sets for chemistry and related activities, chemical toys (sets) and other experimental sets, and graphic symbols. Acoustics have also been added regulating sound levels for certain toys especially for infants. Useful Tips For Making Sure Old Toys Are Still Safe: Always check toys for sharp points and rough edges, and with soft toys, make sure noses, eyes and hair cannot be bitten or pulled off by inquisitive little fingers. Broken toys can be dangerous. Make regular checks in the toy box.

The Choke Hazard Test Safety regulations demand that parts used in toys for children under 3 years must pass the Choke Hazard Test (see below) to safe guard young children who are more likely to put things in their mouths at this age. A test tube has been specifically designed to reflect the size of a gullet in a child of 3 y ears and under. Items that do not fit into the test tube pass the test as do items that fit in but have some part still visible and therefore accessible. This test has dramatically reduced the incidenceof choking on small items. The Choke Hazard Test does not apply to toys for the over 3's.

PASS PASS FAIL FAIL

TOY SAFETY INFORMATION

Toy Safety Symbol

Why is it there ?

Why is this sign important ?

This sign can help you

TOY SAFETY INFORMATION

Confused about which toys are safe for small children ?

There is a sign to help you

You will see this picture on toys and toy boxes. It is part of the label on toy s which are safe and suitable for children of three years and older, but which are unsafe for younger children. This picture means: Warning — do not give the toy to children less than three years, nor allow them to play with it. Why is it there ? Young children need more help than older children to keep safe. Toys that m ay be ideal for an older child could be a hazard to a younger one. For example, small building bricks will give hours of fun to an older brother or sister but represent a risk of choking to younger child.

Under the age of three • they are more likely to put things in their mouths

• they are not well coordinated

• they do not always understand our instructions and rules even when they seem to be paying attention

• they see the world in a different way from an adult. Why is this sign important ?

This warning sign is there to help you avoid safety problems. Many toys have age guidelines on their packaging w hich help y ou to select the right toy to ensure maximum play value. Do not confuse these with this age w arning which carries an important safety message for children under three. This sign can help you - It helps because it enables you to spot quickly the toys that suit only older children. It makes it easier for you to keep your children safe.

British Toy & Hobby Association 80 Camberwell Road London SE5 0EG

Child Accident Prevention Trust Canterbury Court1-3 Brixton RoadLondon SW9 6DE

THE LION MARK

The Lion Mark Symbol

Lion Mark Description

Buying Safe Toys

Further Information

THE LION MARK

The Lion Mark is the safety symbol of the British Toy & Hobby Association (BTHA). The BTHA is the official organisation representing Britain's £2.9 billion toy market. To belong to the Association, toy manufacturers are required to make their toys to BS EN 71, the highest British (and European) safety standard. The BTHA would like to see unsafe toys excluded from the British market. To this end the Association has introduced a toy safety symbol, called the Lion Mark, which is displayed on millions of toys supplied by its members. The Lion Mark may only be used by BTHA members and indicates that the toys have been manufactured to BS EN 71. The Lion Mark has been designed to be easily identifiable by both adults and children alike. The symbol is a picture of a particularly cheerful-looking lion’s head combined with a triangle. The Lion Mark may appear with or without a caption, and in a number of different colours. To be sure that you are choosing safe and good quality toys, keep y our eyes open w hen buying toys and remember to “LOOK FOR THE LION MARK”

BUYING SAFE TOYS The Lion Mark now appears on millions of toys nationwide. However, there are still some toys which do not have the symbol. How can you tell if these toys are safe or not? The BTHA recommends that you use these simple guidelines when buying toys which do not bear the Lion Mark:

1) If you are in any doubt as to w here to buy your toys always go to reputable dealers or shops and avoid street traders and fairgrounds.

2) Make sure you read and follow the recommended age labelling and look for any warnings or safety messages on the packaging. For example, check for the words “ not suitable for children under 36 months” or look for the pictogram symbol.

3) Check soft toys for sturdy, well-sewn seams. Be certain that eyes and noses are securely fastened and cannot be bitten off or pulled off by inquisitive little fingers.

4) Check toys for sharp points and rough edges.

5) Always consider the home environment. Those toys you buy for an older child may not be suitable for younger brothers and sisters.

6) Even the best m ade toy s get broken, so regularly check your children’ s toy s for safety. If the toy cannot be repaired properly, throw it away.

7) Be aware that the CE mark is an enforcement mark not a sign of quality or safety as generally understood by consumers.

For further information on the Lion Mark and toy safety please contact: British Toy & Hobby Association 80 Camberwell Road London SE5 0EG Tel: 020 7701 7271 Fax: 020 7708 2437

Choosing and using toys wisely is an essential part ofhelping your child get the most out of toys and play. Thisleaflet has been prepared by the National Toy Council to

help you in the selection of safe toys. It gives guidelines onensuring that all play is safe play. The guidelines in this

leaflet are all based on comprehensive research.

Making sure that the toys you buy conformto safety standards and will not present a risk to your child is notdifficult. Most toys on the British market today are carefully made andsafe to play with. There are a number of organisations working tomake sure safety standards are maintained, from the EuropeanCommission and British government to trading standards officers,safety experts and the manufacturers themselves.

CHOOSING SAFE TOYSAlways go to a reputable shop, ideally one that is a member of theBritish Association of Toy Retailers (BATR). You are more likely to getuseful help and advice if you go to a specialist toy shop, the toydepartment of a large store or the toy section of a major chain. Mailorder catalogues also provide a useful reference.

Check out the packaging. These are things you should look for:

THE LION MARK This is a symbol of safety and quality, backed by aCode of Practice, developed by the British Toy & Hobby Association(BTHA) and used only by members of this association. Toys bearing theLion Mark have been made to the highest standards currently in force inBritain and the European Community (BS 5665/BS EN 71). The symbol isalso used by "Approved Lion Mark Retailer" shops to indicate that all toyssold in that shop conform to the Lion Mark standard.

There has been much confusing talk of the CE mark in the media.The CE mark is not a consumer mark. It is a mark of conformity aimedat assisting the free movement of goods within the EuropeanCommunity. Toys carrying the CE mark are obliged to carry themanufacturer's name and address. The consumer, when looking for amark of safety and quality, should always turn to the Lion Mark.

SMALL PARTS Little children can easily choke on small objects.The under threes are especially at risk because they put everythinginto their mouths to explore the shape and texture. It is impossible towatch a child all the time. Even if you think your child has understoodyour warnings, a small toy can prove tempting. A safety message suchas "not suitable for children under 36 months because of small parts"therefore must be taken literally.

You will see this pictogram symbol on an increasingnumber of toys and toy boxes. It is part of the label on

toys which are safe and suitable for children of 3 years and older, butwhich are unsafe for younger children. This picture means: Warning - do notgive the toy to children less than three years, nor allow them to play with it.

AGE ADVICE Messages such as "recommended for children aged 3-4"or "play age 5-7" are discretionary guidelines. Age guidelines can helpyou decide if the toy will be fun for your child to play with and if it willprove stimulating. Remember what she or he enjoys at the moment;for example, if a 10-piece jigsaw is easy to complete, try one with20 or 25 pieces.

CHECK THE TOY Ask to see the toy out of the box and check that it'ssturdy and well made. It's especially important to look over toys forbabies and toddlers to make sure there are no small pieces that comeloose or seams that come apart. Don't forget, also, that if a toy is notstrong enough to withstand play it will be a disappointment to an olderchild. Remember the packaging is not normally part of the toy andshould be disposed of safely before the toy is given to your child.

CHOOSE THE RIGHT TOY FOR THE RIGHT CHILD Often a toy iswell designed and safe but causes problems when it gets into thewrong hands. A building brick that is safe, interesting andeducational for an older child can be lethal if a toddler chokes on it.Likewise, a toddler who can only sit up won't cope with a trundle truckand will just keep falling off. Think about your children and what theycan manage before you buy a toy. The table on the back givesguidelines on which toys may prove dangerous for certain age groupsand suggests safe alternatives.

TOYS AND CHILDRENTOYS AND CHILDREN

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This table should only act as a guideline and the most importantelement to stress is the proper supervision of children.

APPROXIMATE AGE TOYS TO AVOID CHOOSE INSTEAD

0-1 year sit-in babywalkers push along toystrundle trucksmotorised toys

hairy and furry toys toys with smoothfabric covers orsolid plastic toys

1-3 years little toys or little pieces, large toys andincluding thin, drawing materialsbreakable crayons or that can't bepencils swallowed or stuffed

in ears or up noses

toys you can bite such tough toys that youas foam balls can chew

3-6 years deflated baloons balloons that arealready blown up(as long as you arewatching) or balls

6-8 years chemistry sets or other science kits with nokits with chemicals chemicals such as

magnets or prisms

8-10 years film developing kits camera and film

fuel powered model electric models orengines train sets

By the age of ten, most children know how to handle their toys andaccidents are caused by their own exuberance or carelessness. Theyshould be encouraged to take care, particularly when younger brothersand sisters are about.

KEEPING TOYS SAFETIDY UP! All the family can get hurt if they fall over toys on the floor,or, even worse, the stairs. It's impossible to be absolutely tidywith children about, but try to teach them to clear upafter playing. If appropriate, keep one room or area formost play activities. A toy box, an old laundry basket,a large supermarket trolley bag or a cardboard boxcan help you to create a safe home environment.

CHECK THE TOYS Go through your toy box regularly and clear outany broken and damaged toys. Throw them away (even if you

have to wait until the children are asleep). Don't handthem on to jumble sales or charity shops as you

may just be handing on an accident tosomeone else's child.

DON'T GET IN A BIG MIX UP Keep toys meant for older childrenapart from toys meant for younger ones. We have already explainedthat it can be dangerous to buy a toy that is inappropriate for yourchild's age and ability. Their big brother or sister's toy can be just asunsuitable. Help older children to find places they can make models ordo chemistry experiments without little ones getting in their way.

SPECIAL TIPS FOR SPECIAL TOYSCOT TOYS Once they can get on their hands

and knees, babies can strangle on cottoys by falling with their neck across

them. Take string toys out of thecot in plenty of time for safety -

when your baby is about fivemonths old. Take out activity

centres as soon as yourbaby can pull to stand toremove the risk of yourbaby climbing out.

NOISY TOYS AND CAP GUNSSome toys can make loudnoises. Bangs or singleloud tones can sometimesdamage hearing. Never

allow children to hold noisy toys close to their ears or to fire cap gunsnext to someone's head.

BATTERY TOYS When you change batteries, change them all at once.New batteries can make old batteries get dangerously hot if they aremixed in together. If toys are not played with for longer than a week,take out the batteries to avoid damage from corrosion. Always followthe manufacturer's recommendations and instructions.

GARDEN TOYS Fix garden toys over grass or soil, not on concrete patios.Make sure there's plenty of room to walk round swings, as being hit by aswing seat can cause serious injury. Empty paddling pools after use andstore them deflated or upside down; children can easily drown even in the

rain water that collects after a shower.

Choosing safe toys and makingsure that they are

always used in

a safeenvironmentwill increase thepleasure of playing for youand your child.

The National Toy Council is concerned with child welfare and promotinga sensible attitude towards toys and play. Its members include representatives of the Child AccidentPrevention Trust, British Toy & Hobby Association, National Association of Toy and Leisure Libraries,The Trading Standards Institute, BBC Children’s Television, Kidscape, national press, academics,retailers and toy safety experts.

FOR FURTHER INFORMATIONNational Toy Council, 1 Chelsea Manor Gardens, London SW3 5PN

Child Accident Prevention Trust, 4th Floor, Clerks Court, Farringdon Lane,

London EC1R 3AU

See all of the National Toy Council's leaflets on the internet at www.btha.co.uk

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