Summer has arrived! And for all its pleasant pastimes like beach, lake, and river visits, barbecues, cycling, and outdoor activities, hospitals see the usual seasonal spike in children's attendance in their A&E departments. Maurice Buckley, CEO, NSAI said that “in order to make sure you and your children enjoy this summer as accident free as is possible, we would like to offer some top tips on safety to parents and Irish consumers.”
Sporty and safe summer
Check all sports equipment for the CE mark which is an indication that the product meets the essential safety requirements set down by EU law. The appropriate helmet should always be worn when undertaking any activity in which a person might fall at a high rate of speed or suffer a head trauma.
Water safety
It is an offence not to wear a life jacket when on board a boat or floatable device. “The most common sense advice is to have an adult supervising the children in the water at all times. There are eight European standards for personal floatation devices and all these devices must carry the CE mark,” says Buckley.
Travelling by car
Make sure to choose the right child safety seat. Child seats are categorised by the weight of the child, not the child’s height. Only child seats with an E mark and supplied with instructions for installation and instructions for use are acceptable.
Trampolines
NSAI advises parents to be vigilant and take special precautions when letting their children use trampolines this summer. When buying a trampoline, make sure it comes with a safety net and a protective pad around the springs and that it also meets the IS EN 13219 standard.
Playing fields and goal posts
In response to fatal accidents on playing fields NSAI developed Standards IS356 and IS357, standards in goalpost safety. Parents should ask the relevant organisation if its goalposts adhere to these codes of practice.
For more information on safety and accident prevention, visit www.nsai.ie
