In early May, amendments to the Toy Safety standard were published. The two amendments are:
• A7 marking requirements
• A8 magnetic toys
The standard was immediately harmonised, its reference having been published in the EU Official Journal on 30th April 2009.
A7 Markings
A7 Markings has a transition period up to 31st October 2009.
It amends the following:
Toys not intended for children under the age of 36 months
• The word “Warning!” is required to precede the warning text
• The principal hazard is required to be displayed e.g. choking hazard or suffocation hazard or strangulation hazard
• The age warning symbol from EN71-6 has been incorporated into EN71-1
Latex balloons
• If no packaging is supplied the warning must be placed on the balloon and/ or leaflet.
Rocking horses and similar
• If height of sitting surface is above 600mm above the ground the following warning is required:
“Warning! Risk of falling. Do not leave children under 36 months sitting or playing unattended”
A8 Magnets
A8 became effective immediately on publication as this is a new requirement in the standard to address a safety issue previously covered by EC decision 2008/329/EC. As a result of the publication of A8, EC type examination of magnetic toys is generally no longer required.
A8 introduces the following requirement:
Toys other than magnetic/ electrical experimental sets
Magnet(s) or magnetic component(s) as received or after abuse tests shall either:
• Have magnetic flux index less than 50kG2mm2
Or
• Not be small parts
There is an exemption for functional magnets in electrical or electronic toys intended for children over the age of 8 years.
The abuse tests are torque, tension, seam strength, drop, impact, compression, magnetic tension test, soak test (wooden toys).
Magnetic/ electrical experimental sets
Magnetic and electrical experimental sets for children over 8 years of age are required to carry the following warning on the packaging and instructions:
“WARNING! Not suitable for children under 8 years. This product contains (a) small magnet(s). Swallowed magnets can stick together across intestines causing serious injuries. Seek immediate medical attention if magnet(s) are swallowed”
Magnetic Toys (Safety) Regulations 2008
In the UK, the Magnetic Toys (Safety) Regulations 2008 SI No 1654 remain in force, although it is understood that they will be revoked in due course.
The Regulations require that no magnetic toy should be supplied unless it displays, either on the product or its packaging, a warning about the health and safety risks magnets pose when swallowed or inhaled. The suggested wording is as follows:
“Warning: This toy contains magnets or magnetic components. Magnets sticking together or becoming attached to a metallic object inside the human body can cause serious or fatal injury. Seek immediate medical help if magnets are swallowed or inhaled."
Equivalent easily understandable wording is also permitted.
The Regulations also require that the warning should be shown on the packaging or otherwise attached to the toy so as to be clearly visible to the consumer at the point of purchase.
June 2009