The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission today launched a consumer safety alert highlighting the new mandatory standard for prams and strollers which came into effect today (1 July 2008).
The new standard draws on critical safety features of the Australian/New Zealand Standard for prams and strollers, and was developed following tragic incidents where children have been killed or injured when their strollers rolled away from carers. It requires a tether strap to give carers a means of restraining prams and strollers, in addition to a parking brake. There is also a requirement for a restraint harness to prevent falls and requirements to eliminate entrapment hazards.
"With the new mandatory safety standard for prams and strollers coming into effect from 1 July, suppliers need to ensure that their products include the safety features specified by the mandatory standard," ACCC Chairman, Mr Graeme Samuel, said. "The ACCC will be monitoring the market to check that products are compliant."
The safety alert reminds carers of the ways children could be injured in a pram or stroller such as falls, entrapment causing suffocation, crushing injuries or 'runaway' hazards, and provides safe use information. The safety alert provides tips to avoid injuries and a safety checklist. Carers are encouraged to use the tether strap to prevent the stroller rolling away and to use the parking brake when the stroller is stationary.
The safety alert may be found on the ACCC website, through the For Consumers section page. Further information on the standard may be obtained from the website or through the ACCC Infocentre on 1300 302 502.