It’s that time of year again when the leaves are falling, the air is cooling and Halloween approaches. There are lots to think about, getting enough sweets, the pumpkin and most importantly the perfect costume for your little ghoul or goblins. Whilst you are our trying to find the perfect Halloween costume you might forget about the safety of the costume you are buying?
This is something that must not be forgotten, especially on the night when your children will be around candles, lanterns or even the fire place at home.
Children costumes are regarded as toys and therefore do not fall under the same regulations as clothing. This means that the fire retardant requirements are much more relaxed. Whilst normal children’s clothing would be tried and tested and made from fire retardant martial to significantly reduce the risk of catching fire, children’s fancy dress customers are not. When in contact with an open flame or extreme heat the costume may combust or even melt to the children’s skin.
However, there are things that you can do to reduce the risk. Below are some safety tips to keep in mind this Halloween or any time your little one wants to dress up.
- Look for flame resistant materials. Some retailers are voluntarily ensuring that their costumes comply with the same regulations as children clothing. Ask the staff or check the labels to see if the item is fire resistant or retardant and if it has the CE mark to confirm it is complies with European safety regulations.
- Pick a costume made of one material. If the costume is made up of lots of different martial it is more likely that one of those will be more susceptible to combustion.
- Wear cloths under the costume. As mentioned above, children’s clothing are required by law to comply with European regulations and therefore, should the worse happen, their own clothing under the costume will provide some protection from the fire.
- Avoid Capes. Not only do these go flapping around where they can’t be seen or controlled, they pose a tripping hazard as well as a strangulation hazard if they are tied around the neck.
- Should the worse happen ensure you teach your children the Stop, Drop and Roll.
If you want any further information or advice please contact the product liability department here.
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