How to Buy Safe Toys

The law insists on minimum safety standards for toys, electrical items, gas cookers, glazed ceramics, childrens nightwear, upholstered furniture, children's hood fastenings, cosmetics, carry cot stands, bunk beds and many other things.

Toys must be flame resistant and must not be covered in any poisonous paint, lacquer or varnish. They should not have any sharp edges or spikes and there should be no possibility of children swallowing glass eyes from the faces of toys. Any mains-operated items must conform to electrical safety rules and there should be no danger of a child suffocating from plastic bags in which toys may be packed.

Trading Standards will give talks to any business, consumer group, school or any other organisation on the work carried out by the service. Complete the on-line form to request a talk.

Dont Play Around with your Children's Safety

Trading Standards - Toy Safety Advice

What to look for:

• CE Mark - this is required to be on all toys.
• Lion mark - toys made by member of the British Toy and Hobby Association carry this mark to show they meet all current safety standards.
• Age Rating - this tell you the age of a child that the manufacturer feels can use the toy safely
• Warnings - these offer guidance which must be followed.

What to do if a toy is unsafe:

• Stop the child playing with the toy.
• Report the matter to your local trading standards officer.
• Age Warnings these are safety warnings. They tell you how old children must be to play safely with a particular toy
• Small Parts Avoid toys with small parts for young children. These can be inhaled, cause choking or be put into ears and noses. Beware of small parts which can become loose or be bitten off.
• Filling Materials Fillings in soft toys can choke young children. Check all seams are secure.
• Sharp Edges Examine toys for sharp or rough edges, points or splinters.
• Toys and Sweets Sweets sold as part of a toy may confuse some children. Will your child be confused?
• Food-like Toys Don’t buy any toy which your children are likely to put in their mouths because they think it is food
• Toys with hair Loose hair is a serious choking hazard to young children. Check all hair is securely attached.
• Finger traps Be aware that toys which fold or have hinges may trap children’s fingers. Check that locking devices work properly.
• Cot Toys Don’t buy cot or pram toys with long or loose strings. These can become entangled with a child’s body or cause strangulation.
• Toys that fly Bullets, arrows and other toys that fly through the air can be dangerous. Consider if your child might misuse such toys. Follow all instructions and warnings.

Important:

• An unsafe toy can cause a tragedy.
• Choking accidents are the most common.
• Only buy toys which are suitable for the age of your child.
• Always read and follow all warnings and instructions. Don’t throw them away.
• Misused toys can be dangerous
• Don’t let your child play with broken toys
• Toys bought for older children may be a danger to younger brothers and sisters.
• Tidy up toys after use so that nobody trips over them.

For further information you can contact us or visit the Consumer Direct website at www.consumerdirect.gov.uk/

Contact Information
Send us a Message	Trading Standards Tameside MBC Council Offices Wellington Road Ashton under Lyne Lancs OL6 6DL View local map
0161 342 8355
0161 342 2288
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