Sunday, November 24, 2024
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Local News from North & South Tyneside

North Tyneside Trading Standards issues Halloween safety warning

NTC Council

North Tyneside Council is urging residents to stay safe this Halloween and avoid being tricked into making a dangerous purchase. 

During a recent investigation, North Tyneside Council’s Trading Standards team discovered a particular mask on sale in the borough which did not meet safety standards. 

The distinctive black mask, edged with various colours of LED tubing and supplied in a clear plastic bag with no labelling, was found to be highly flammable upon testing. The packaging posed a suffocation risk and the mask lacked essential safety warnings unlike other similar masks on sale.

Now the council is advising anyone with concerns about this type of mask to stop using it and return it to the shop immediately. The council is urging parents to perform some basic safety checks when buying party products such as masks, toys, and fancy dress costumes.

Councillor Karen Clark, Cabinet Member for Public Health, and Wellbeing said: “Although wearing a Halloween costume is great fun, it’s vital to be aware of the potential dangers and ensure that everyone enjoys Halloween safely this year.

“Many fancy dress costumes don’t adhere to the same safety standards as regular clothing, meaning they can catch fire almost instantly and burn rapidly. That’s why it is crucial to keep children dressed in Halloween costumes far away from naked flames such as candles, fires and matches, and other heat sources.”

Safety tips for Halloween

  • Take extra caution when lighting Halloween pumpkins: Make sure no loose clothing is nearby at any time, especially when they are being moved or carried.
  • Keep children well away from open flames
  • Consider using LED battery-operated tea lights as a safer alternative to traditional tea lights and candles
  • Check the safety labelling on fancy dress costumes and other toys, including face paints, wigs, or masks. Toys must have UKCA or CE markings to indicate safety compliance.
  • Always buy Halloween items from legitimate and reputable sellers