GNBS lobbies for safe toys during holiday season

The holiday season is moving apace and the Guyana National Bureau of Standards is cautioning parents and guardians to ensure that toys are safe for children before gifting.
Toys are one of the categories of products monitored by the GNBS under its Product Compliance Programme, especially during the Christmas holidays. This is necessary to ensure that poor quality toys do not get into the hands of children, and for toys on sale to have the required labelling information, outlined in the Guyana Standard Specification for Labelling of Commodities – Part 12: Labelling of Toys and Playthings to guide their use.
According to the standard, labels shall have the name and/or description of the item, country of origin and manufacture, name and address of manufacturer, packer or distributor, and a registered trademark or trade name. For toys which are inherently hazardous, labels must also include precautionary instructions.
“As the GNBS maintains its monitoring efforts based on the standard, the added vigilance of parents during the purchase and use of toys and playthings can also help to protect children,” it outlined.
It has been underscored that warning labels give important information about how to use a toy and for what ages the toy is most appropriate. Parents are asked to show their child how to use the toy the right way, especially if they cannot figure it out by themselves.
“Make sure all toys and parts are larger than your child’s mouth to prevent choking. Take caution with toys that can be unassembled by children into many tiny pieces. Avoid toys that shoot objects into the air. They can cause serious eye injuries or choking. If such toys are the preference of older children, make sure they understand the implications. Avoid toys that are loud to prevent damage to your child’s hearing,” it added.
Additionally, consumers are to look for stuffed toys that are well made, making sure all the parts are fitted tightly and seams and edges are secure. It should also be machine washable and any loose ribbons or strings to avoid strangulation should be taken off. Avoid toys that have small bean-like pellets or stuffing that can cause choking or suffocation if swallowed.
“Buy plastic toys that are sturdy. Toys made from thin plastic may break easily. Avoid toys with toxic materials that could cause poisoning???. Make sure the label says “non-toxic”. Avoid hobby kits and chemistry sets for any child younger than 12 years. They can cause fires or explosions and may contain dangerous chemicals. Make sure your older child knows how to safely handle these kinds of toys,” the Bureau also stated.
Electric toys should be “UL Approved” or carry any other certification mark. This can be verified by checking the label. Meanwhile, age recommendations on toys can be helpful, because they offer guidelines on the safety of the toy, the ability of a child to play with the toy, the needs and interests at various levels of a child’s development.