Playing safe — some gifts are dangerous

Press, 19 December 1985, Page 10

Playing safe — some gifts are dangerous

Children under five are the victims of one-third bf all domestic accidents, notes Noela Stevens, editor of the Accident Compensation Corporation’s booklet, “Can You See the Hidden Dangers in Toys?” A significant number of accidents involve toys. Some are badly made, others are used by children too young to handle them safely, she says. She suggests looking for the “Manufactured to New Zealand Standard” label when buying toys, to ensure they meet safety and other standards set by the Standards Association.

This is her list of points to watch when buying or making toys: © Sharp edges. Glass or brittle plastic parts which can break. Wooden parts which can splinter. ® Small parts which can be removed and swallowed or stuck in ears or nose. ® Sharp points. Pins. Staples. Stiffening wire. Nails and hooks. • Is it flammable. If it is, don’t buy. ® Does the label tell you it’s painted with non-poison-ous paint? If it doesn’t, don’t buy. © Is it suited to the age and understanding of the child you’re buying for?

The booklet includes a year-by-year guide to what to look, for in toys. For •older children, it contains hints on roller skating and skateboard safety, as well as points to consider when buying a bicycle, and bow to keep it safe. If you do buy an unsafe toy or a toy which breaks too easily, take it back to the retailer and complain, Noela Stevens advises. Or write to the A.C.C.’s Product Safety Council, or the Consumers’ Institute. "Can You See the Hidden Dangers in Toys?” is available from the Accident Compensation Corporation, Private Bag, Wellington.