Halloween costumes tested for safety
As Halloween approaches and stores begin to stock up on Halloween merchandise, Warwickshire County Council’s Trading Standards Service has been carrying out safety tests on Halloween costumes.
Officers are in the process of testing wigs, hats and cloaks to ensure they are not flammable and do not pose a fire risk. Any potentially dangerous items will be withdrawn from sale.
Costumes should have a degree of fire resistance so if they caught light, for example on a candle at a Halloween party, they would burn slowly, allowing the wearer to remove the item before an injury was caused.
Businesses and importers are responsible for safety testing their goods before they go on sale, but unfortunately there are occasions when items slip through the net and appear in shops and on markets.
Many Trading Standards Services across the UK carry out similar tests each year and together their work helps ensure that potentially dangerous products, often imported specifically for Halloween, are removed from sale.
For further information on Halloween safety, visit our website: http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards and click on Safety Advice.
Officers are hoping parents can also help ensure their children’s safety by following this safety advice:
* Allow children access to toy axes, swords and other costume accessories, only under strict supervision, and do not give children products that are marked for adult use only.
* Look for the CE European Safety Mark when purchasing toys and associated items and avoid purchasing items which do not carry the mark.
use only fire retardant costumes and masks – don’t dress your children in plastic bin bags.
* If using fireworks, follow the Firework Code.
Parents can report a dangerous toy or other product by telephoning Consumer Direct on 08454 040506 or visit:
http://www.warwickshire.gov.uk/tradingstandards