Jeffery H. Warren, Ph.D., P.E., CSP
During the holiday season, our televisions are bombarded with commercials advertising the latest toys that will fill children's Christmas lists. These toys appeal to children because they are fun, but adults should be sure the toys are safe.
When buying toys, the age and ability of the child, the overall construction of the toy, and the size of the toy should be considered.
Part 1500 of Subchapter C, the Federal Hazardous Substances Act Regulations, published in the Code of Federal Regulations, sets forth the requirements of the Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) as they relate to toys.
Three sections of the code are highlighted below.
Small Parts Gage 16 CFR Ch 11 Part 1501 (1-1-95)
METHOD FOR IDENTIFYING TOYS AND OTHER ARTICLES INTENDED FOR CHILDREN UNDER THREE YEARS OF AGE WHICH PRESENT CHOKING, ASPIRATION, OR INGESTION HAZARDS BECAUSE OF SMALL PARTS
16 CFR Ch 11 Part 1501.4
Size Requirements and test procedure.
No toy or other child's article shall be small enough to fit entirely within the test cylinder shown. If the article fits entirely within the cylinder in any orientation without being compressed, it fails the test procedure. Exemptions listed in 1501.3 include: balloons, paper articles, crayons, children's clothing and accessories, grooming, feeding and hygiene articles.
Moving Parts Hazards Must Be Guarded 16 CFR Ch 11 Part 1505 (1-1-95)
REQUIREMENTS FOR ELECTRICITY OPERATED TOYS OR OTHER ELECTRICALLY OPERATED ARTICLES INTENDED FOR USE BY CHILDREN
16 CFR Ch 11 Part 1505.4 (h)
Special Safety feature - (1) Moving Parts.
Rotors, pulleys, belting, gearing, and other moving parts shall be enclosed or guarded to prevent accidental contact during normal use or when subjected to reasonably foreseeable damage or abuse. Such enclosure or guard shall not contain openings that permit entrance of a ¼-inch diameter rod and present a hazardous condition.
Chain Guard Requirements 16 CFR Ch 11 Part 1512 (1-1-95)
REQUIREMENTS FOR BICYCLES
16 CFR Ch 11 Part 1512.9 (a)
Requirements for protective guards. (a) Chain guard.
Bicycles having a single front sprocket and a single rear sprocket shall have a chain guard that shall cover the top strand of the chain and at least 90° of the perimeter where the drive chain contacts the drive sprocket. The chain guard shall prevent a 3/8-inch diameter rod from entrapment between the upper junction of the chain and the sprocket when introduced from the chain side of the bicycle in any direction within 45° from a line normal to the sprocket.