Carnival Costume Safety: Tips from a Financial Expert to Minimize Risks

Carnival Costume Safety: Tips from a Financial Expert to Minimize Risks

According to a report by Lokalo.de,

As the responsible market surveillance authority, the SGD Nord is once again checking in the retail trade in northern Rhineland-Palatinate this year whether the disguise utensils meet the safety requirements. If there are any obvious anomalies, such as missing or only foreign-language safety instructions, further steps will be taken.

This includes, for example, taking samples for more detailed examination and contacting the person responsible in the European Union (EU). However, checking and ensuring the safety of carnival costumes is not only in the hands of the responsible surveillance authorities: the carnival costumes themselves can also do their part to ensure safe costume fun. For example, textiles, especially those that are worn directly on the skin, should be washed before first use. Because they are highly flammable, costumes and accessories should also be kept away from open flames.

Particular caution is required when dressing up for small children. In addition to small parts that can be swallowed, long cords, ribbons and sashes can also be dangerous, as they can become trapped in escalators or when the doors on buses are closing, for example, and can thus lead to strangulation. Whether the children's costumes meet the safety requirements can be seen from the CE marking. It indicates that the product complies with the requirements of the Toy Safety Directive. Most children's costumes, especially those intended or designed inter alia or exclusively for use in play by children under 14 years of age, are CE marked. They must also be flame-retardant and must meet high safety requirements. The European standard for toy safety (EN 71) sets the standard here.

But it's not just clothing that can become a source of danger: safety aspects must also be taken into account when it comes to accessories. Masks that cover the mouth and nose must have sufficiently large breathing openings. Since they often contain harmful plasticizers, they should not be worn for too long. Basically, if you have a strong chemical smell, you should not buy it.

Also not to be underestimated are toy pistols and revolvers with firing plates that produce a loud bang when fired. As studies by various market supervisory authorities show, they can lead to early hearing loss and permanent hearing loss, particularly in children. There is also a risk of damage to vision when using toy guns with ammunition.

In order to be able to complain about any security defects, it is important to ensure that the address of the designated person responsible in the EU is stated when purchasing. It is the responsibility of the manufacturer and the designated person responsible to ensure the safety of the carnival items. An independent examination of the articles by expert organizations - such as TÜV-Rheinland - is not required in Europe.

This report emphasizes the importance of the safety of carnival costumes and accessories, especially for children. It is important that consumers keep safety requirements in mind and pay appropriate attention to CE markings and safety warnings when purchasing. These measures can help prevent accidents and injuries during the carnival season.

Further information at www.sgdnord.rlp.de. (Source: Structure and Approval Directorate North)