WITH HALLOWEEN just around the corner, Coventry Trading Standards has issued a reminder for parents to be vigilant and protect their children from risks.
Many Halloween costumes are classified as toys, meaning the material can still be flammable although the rate of burning is controlled.
As a result, parents and guardians are being reminded to keep their children away from open flames such as candles an bonfires, along with any other source of ignition, at all times.
Should a child’s clothing ever catch fire, the routine STOP, DROP and ROLL action has been strongly advised.
Allan Harwood, Coventry City Council’s trading standards and consumer protection manager, said families must remember the safety hazards while having fun.
He said: “The design of costumes, often made with flowing robes or capes, means they can easily catch fire from a candle or flame and very quickly engulf a child in flames.
“Protecting our children is vitally important so I urge everyone to keep clothing – especially fancy dress costumes – away from sources of ignition and use battery-powered lights instead of candles.
“In the unlikely event that a child’s costume does catch fire remember to stop, drop and roll.”
The Trading Standards team have tested four costumes and while they all passed the flammability requirements, they can still burn at a rate of 30mm per second – which can result in severe burns.
If consumers have any safety concerns of find any children’s fancy dress costume without the CE marking for sale, they should report it to the national Citizens Advice consumer helpline on 03454 04 05 06.
20th Apr, 2024
