22/11/04
Parents and other people buying toys or gifts for children this Christmas are being warned to think of the safety and suitability of their presents.
Consumer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke said we needed to be particularly conscious of the appropriateness of gifts, especially when buying toys or other products for babies and toddlers.
"The tragedy is that we have seen dreadful injuries and also a recent death, resulting from products not used correctly or outside of adult supervision," Mr Kobelke said.
"We all need to be cautious that children are safe and do not come to harm from the toys they play with, or from other furniture and other products they might use."
The Minister said Product Safety Inspectors from the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection would continue to carry out random checks on toy stores and other retail outlets selling products for children, in a bid to prevent such injuries.
"Good management has made it possible for the Gallop Government to deliver balanced Budgets every year and create a more proactive Consumer Protection Department, boosted by additional resources and more than 60 extra officers," he said.
"The department's product safety Christmas survey has already involved visits to more than 100 traders with more than 2,100 items checked on site and the inspectors have removed nine potentially dangerous types of toys and products."
Mr Kobelke said with warmer weather now here, many people would turn to gifts that could be used in water where extra caution was needed for young children.
"Flotation toys and devices such as inflatable arm bands (often referred to as 'floaties'), vests, rings, inflatable mattresses and animals are colourful, fun, toys, but consumers should ensure these items meet Australian standards as well as displaying the appropriate safety information," the Minister said.
"A baby drowned in a shallow bath recently, while a bath seat-type device was being used and the parent had left the room briefly to get the baby's clothes - it can be as quick as that."
A range of safety information relating to toys, furniture and other products for children can be found at http://www.docep.wa.gov.au/productsafety (click on index items, including safe toys for kids) or by telephoning 1300 30 40 54.
Dangerous toys seized recently by DOCEP inspectors
- Three types of projectile toys
- Two types of yo-yo balls
- One type of fire engine toy
(small parts - age inappropriate).
- One type of tip-truck toy
(small part - age inappropriate).
- One type of education/learning toy
(choking-inhalation hazard).
- One type of pull along duck
(breaks with minimal force and strangulation hazard).
Things to consider, when buying toys
Always check labelling to ensure the toy or product you are thinking about buying is suitable for the age of the child.
- Choking (small toys or toys that have parts that can come loose)
Any item that can fit into a 35mm camera film canister can choke a child.
Check buttons (eyes, nose etc) on teddies and dolls to see that they are firmly secured and will not detach when tugged by children.
- Cuts (sharp edges, points etc).
- Strangulation (toys or items that have cords, ribbons etc) Do not position cots or furniture near blinds or curtain cords.
- Spring loaded (projectile guns etc).
- Appliances (bath seats, bouncers, walkers etc).
- Overhead (trampolines, swings, bunk beds) Do not position bunk beds next to windows or under ceiling fans.
- Falls (bunk beds, climbers trampolines etc).
Minister's office: 9222 9211
