Did you know there is a difference between a “Toy” and a “Novelty”? Did you know that Sales of toys are governed by regulations to protect young children from choking? Did you also know that these regulations do not include Christmas novelties?  Can you tell the difference? Introduction Nothing is totally risk free.  Even Play is not a totally risk-free activity for our children.  We are usually quite blaze about child play and we assume we are able to control most of the hazards our children are exposed to. The Law on the other hand is not so sentimental.  It says that Toys must be safe, but factors such as supervision, age of the child and how the toys are used are important in preventing accidents. For instance accidents involving toys occur not only with the children but also with adults such as when they tread or sit or trip on the Toys.  Also, young children can often be hurt when they are allowed to play with Toys intended for old age groups.  The Law and Toys European Directive [88/378/EEC] was introduced into British law by the Toys (Safety) Regulations 1995 made under the Consumer Protection Act 1987. There are Essential Safety Requirements regarding general principles including design, construction and composition and also particular risks addressed in the following hazards: Physical and mechanical Flammability Chemical properties Electrical properties Hygiene Radioactivity. Definition of a Toy It may suprise you to learn that a "Toy" is defined as "any product or material designed or clearly intended for use in play by children of less than 14 years of age".  However it does not include such items as children's fashion jewellery or Christmas decorations. Third parties, as well as the actual users of toys, must be protected against health hazards and physical injury when the toy is used as intended or in a foreseeable way, bearing in mind the normal behaviour of children. A manufacturer has a responsibility to anticipate how their products will be used and to take action at the design stage to prevent injury being caused through foreseeable misuse. The harmonised European Standard EN 71 provides the recognised interpretation of the legal requirements. The law is enforced by Trading Standards Officers who are able to take immediate action. They can be contacted at any local Unitary, County or London Borough Authority. Toy safety advice Unsafe Toys are illegal. However, you should remain vigilant as unsafe toys can still be found on sale so care should be taken when shopping, especially on-line. Look for the mandatory European Community (CE) symbol which suggests that toy meets the requirements of the EC Toy Safety Directive. Products without the CE mark may not be intended to be used as toys but are novelties which may not be safe for children to play with. The voluntary British Toy and Hobby Association's 'Lion Mark' is a useful guide. A condition of BTHA trade association membership is that members' toys will meet the statutory safety requirements. Buy from suppliers with a good reputation for safe and reliable toys. Tahe care when buying Toys from a jumble sale or car boot sale. Make sure the toys are suitable and appropriate. Younger children, especially those under three, are more vulnerable, particularly to choking, and less able to cope with particular toys than older children.  Avoid the following: • Toys with small components or parts which detach on which a child could choke • Toys with loose pile fabric or hair which sheds easily presenting a choking hazard • Toys with sharp points and edges or finger traps • Loose ribbons on toys and long neck ties on children's costumes Always check toys periodically to see that they have not become dangerously worn revealing sharp points and edges or filling materials. Dispose of them if they are no longer safe, or if they are a particular favourite with your child have the toy properly repaired.   Children under three years of age should never be allowed to play with toys which are marked as being unsuitable for them. With some toys it is important to supervise children during play, e.g. chemistry sets. The instructions must be observed and should warn you about all the hazards and how to avoid or control them.   Encourage children to play with one toy at a time, to be tidy and put toys away after play. This applies whether at home or at school or playgroup. Many accidents are caused by people tripping over toys left lying around, particularly on staircases.   Toys and battery safety Many toys are battery-powered, normally a good safe source of portable power. Problems can occur, however, if the batteries are not used correctly. Safe battery use Always take care to fit batteries the right way round, observing the + and - marks on the battery and compartment When replacing batteries, use the same type and always replace a complete set Always remove spent batteries from toys and never dispose of them in such a way that they will come into contact with fire Store unused batteries in their packaging and away from metal objects which may cause them to short circuit Never charge ordinary batteries either in a charger or by applying heat to them Small batteries, such as the mercury disc batteries used in some watches, electronic games and hearing aids, present a danger particularly to young children who can choke on them or swallow them and be poisoned. Never leave them lying around and make sure that children know not to put them in their mouths, ears or up their noses Young children should not charge batteries. If older children are allowed to remove or charge batteries, they must be carefully supervised by an adult at all times. Top 10 safety tips on TOY SAFETY Only buy toys only from recognised outlets Ensure the toy is suitable for the child, check the age range Children under three need special care when choosing Be aware of young children playing with older children's toys Check for loose hair and small parts, sharp edges and points and watch out for Lead paint  Check that garden swings and slides are not going to cause injury  If a Toy is very worn dispose of them. Keep the play area tidy - don't hurt youself either  Follow the instructions and warnings provided with toys Supervise young children at play.