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Product Safety
How do you know that stuff you buy is safe?
You can look for certain
safety marks,
which show that the item has been tested to a
certain standard. For example, toys, electrical equipment and
what’s called “Personal Protective Equipment” (e.g.
 sunglasses,
condoms, helmets, padding for skateboard users) should have a
CE mark.
This can be on the packaging or the actual item
and shows it has passed European standards.
You can also
check
that
anything you buy doesn’t appear to have been used and damaged.
Look
for dents,
scratches or dirt that suggests the item may be faulty. Be
careful when buying goods
second hand
(e.g. from car boot sales) as they will most
likely have been used and may be unsafe. Be particularly careful
with items like bike/motorbike helmets or child car seats. These
are best not bought second hand because you don’t know if they
have already been in an accident. If they have, they may have
been weakened and might fail to protect the user in a subsequent
accident. Steer clear of goods you think may be
counterfeit
as
these are often made on the cheap to be sold on the cheap, with
people cutting corners to save money and not caring if they make
stuff unsafe.
Check any age restrictions on toys before giving them to a young child. Generally
speaking, toys with small parts should not be given to children
under the age of 3. Many toys and goods contain
warnings and
instructions
for use –
either on the packaging or on a separate leaflet. Make sure you
stick to the instructions to ensure you are using something
safely. Also use your common sense, riding a bike that is too
big or too small for you on a busy road is not a good way to
protect yourself!
So remember:
· Look
for
safety marks
· Check
the item thoroughly
· Always
read and take notice of
instructions and
warnings |
