Is Your Child Safe? Play Time

Introduction

Children learn through play. Different types of play help them to develop dexterity and to increase physical, emotional, social and cognitive development. Health Canada has produced this guide to provide you with information to create a safer play experience and to make safer choices when selecting toys for children.

The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA), which came into force on June 20, 2011, is administered by Health Canada. Its purpose is to protect the public by helping to address or prevent dangers to human health or safety that are posed by consumer products in Canada. The Act and its regulations define the safety requirements applicable to consumer products, several of which are covered in this guide.

The CCPSA and its regulations do not distinguish between new and used products. Any person who sells, distributes, or gives away products that do not comply with the legislative requirements would be contravening the CCPSA and be subject to compliance and enforcement actions.

General Recommendations

  • Scan your home from a child's point of view; crawl on your hands and knees to look for possible hazards and then remove the hazard.
  • Keep small household items like small or broken crayons, coins, paper clips, pen caps, jewellery, hair clips, screws, buttons, keys, candy and gum out of the reach of children under three years of age. These items are common causes of choking.
  • Keep decorations and collectibles out of children's reach. They are not toys and could have small, loose or sharp parts that could choke or cut.
  • Ensure water sources, such as hot tubs, pools, ponds and spas are not accessible to children.
  • Keep small children away from buckets, diaper pails, toilets and other large household containers that are filled with liquid. Toddlers have been known to fall into such products and drown.
  • Keep plastic bags out of the reach of children. These items are a suffocation hazard.
  • Keep lighters and matches out of the sight and reach of children. Remember that lighters may be child-resistant but they are not child-proof.
  • Keep burning candles out of the reach of children and pets. Do not place burning candles on or near anything that can catch fire. When burning candles, make sure an adult is always present in the room.
  • Purchase age appropriate party favours and do not use party favours, such as whistles and blowers, if they have loose parts. These can be accidentally inhaled or ingested, even by older children.
  • When visiting family and friends, be aware that not everyone will take the same precautions you do for ensuring an area is free of hazards and safe for children. Supervise children closely.
  • Remember to always remove cords and drawstrings from children's clothes such as sweaters, hoodies, hats, or jackets, as these can be a strangulation hazard.
  • If you are buying or inheriting a used toy or play item, make sure that:
    • the product has not been recalled. Check with the manufacturer and Health Canada for recalls (http://www.healthycanadians.gc.ca).
    • the product is in good condition.
    • the manufacturer's instructions for safe use are included or can be found online.
    • the labels are present and legible.
    • if there are safety features, that they are complete and in good working condition.
  • Keep in mind that safety regulations change and evolve over time. Older products, even if they are in good working order, may not meet current safety regulations. For more information on the safety of consumer products, you can contact Consumer Product Safety, Health Canada: 1-866-662-0666 or cps-spc@hc-sc.gc.ca

Playing Indoors

A home can be a dangerous place. Young children are naturally curious and do not easily recognize and avoid hazards; therefore, they need extra protection and care. Many injuries can be avoided by supervising children carefully and by making their surroundings safer.

Home Safety

The size, shape and energy storage properties of button batteries make them hazardous if swallowed. A swallowed button battery can cause serious internal chemical burns in the oesophagus in as little as two hours. The 20 to 25 mm diameter lithium button batteries result in the most serious injuries, especially where young children are involved. They are used in a wide range of products commonly found around the home that children have access to, such as remote controls, musical greeting cards, watches, calculators, flashing jewellery and shoes, key fobs, books, and other small electronic devices.

  • Install and maintain smoke detectors. Follow manufacturer's instructions to ensure that they are working properly.
  • Keep cords for electrical appliances, such as deep fryers, kettles, steam irons and toasters, out of the reach of children. Children can be hurt or burned if they pull an appliance off a counter.
  • Turn pot handles toward the centre of the stove.
  • Put up a barrier around a gas or wood burning fireplace or stove to prevent children from touching hot surfaces and being burned. Fireplace doors and stoves can become very hot during use and remain hot for some time after being turned off.
  • Keep children away from the barbecue when in use.
  • Use plastic safety covers over electrical outlets so that children cannot poke their fingers or metal objects into them. Ensure that these covers are secure to prevent choking.
  • Make sure the batteries in household products stay securely contained in the products and take care when replacing or disposing batteries to make sure children do not have access to them.

Household Chemicals

Household chemical products, such as bleaches, paint thinners, ammonia, and abrasive cleaners are among the top products responsible for injuries and deaths in children under the age of five years. Bad taste and odours do not keep children away from chemical products. Even a small amount of a chemical product can be harmful to a child. Chemical products can be poisonous, flammable, corrosive, or the containers can be explosive when pierced or exposed to a heat source.

  • Teach children that the hazard symbols on the containers mean DANGER! DO NOT TOUCH!
  • Keep all chemical products in a locked cupboard that is out of the reach of children. Never let children play with the containers.
  • Keep household chemical products in their original containers. Do not transfer or store chemical products into beverage containers. Never cover up or remove labels. Keep all safety information.
  • Ensure that child-resistant closures are working and installed properly.
    • Remember that child-resistant closures are not child-proof.
  • Close the cap on the container tightly even if you just set it down for a moment.
  • Read the label and follow the instructions before each use of a chemical product.
  • Never mix chemicals together as some mixtures can produce dangerous fumes.
  • Keep the phone number for the poison control centre by your telephone and/or program the number into your phone.
  • Keep other harmful products, such as cosmetics, medication, vitamins, and first-aid treatment products, out of the sight and reach of children.

Furniture and Televisions

Young children may climb furniture to reach items on higher shelves or in drawers. Climbing can cause furniture or televisions to tip over onto a child. Furniture or television tip-overs can cause serious injuries, such as head and internal injuries, which can lead to death.

  • Always supervise children in the home and teach them not to climb or hang from furniture.
  • Choose storage furniture, such as bookcases, cabinets, television stands and dressers, with a wide and stable base that sits directly on the floor. Models with legs or wheels are more likely to tip over.
  • Attach furniture to the wall using angle braces, anchors or safety straps. If these items come with the product, follow the manufacturer's instructions for installation. Secure to a stud if possible.
  • Place televisions far back on low stable furniture that is designed to hold the weight and size of the television. Attach the television to the stand if possible.
  • Do not place items that may appeal to a child, such as toys, plants and remote controls, on top of a television or tall furniture.
  • Keep electric cords behind furniture where children cannot reach them.

Blind Cords

Blind and curtain cords can pose strangulation or entanglement hazards for babies and young children. There are steps you can take to reduce the risk of this type of tragedy happening in your home.

  • Keep the cords out of reach of children, whether the blinds are up or down.
  • Consider using only cordless window coverings, especially in children's bedrooms, play rooms and in homes where children visit.
  • Choose window coverings that do not have exposed cords on the back.
  • Never put a crib, bed, high chair or playpen near a window or a patio door where a child can reach the blind or curtain cord.
  • Do not put sofas, chairs, tables, shelves or bookcases near windows. This will prevent children from climbing up to reach a blind or curtain cord.
  • Wrap the cord around a cleat or two nails or screws in the wall near the top of the blinds or curtains, out of the reach of children.
  • Use a clip, clothes pin, or a big twist tie to keep the cord high and out of the reach of children.
  • Install tie-downs for vertical blinds. Follow the manufacturer's instructions that come with the product. Make sure that the tie-down device is securely attached.

Playing Outdoors

When children are playing outside ensure that the play area is safe and that they are supervised. Make sure children always wear the proper safety equipment when playing outdoors.

Sun Safety

Too much sun can be harmful. Your baby or child can sunburn in only 15 minutes depending on the UV index value. If the UV index is low (from 0-2), the risk of getting too much sun is low, and minimal protection is required. If outside for more than one hour, wear sunglasses and sunscreen. If the UV index is between 3 and 7, you need protection. A UV index higher than 8 calls for extra protection.

  • Have your child wear long sleeves, long pants and a hat with a wide brim. When you buy sunglasses, make sure they block both UVA and UVB. They will provide protection against eye damage.
  • When your shadow is shorter than you, the sun is very strong. Look for places with lots of shade, such as a park with big trees. Always take an umbrella to the beach. Always keep your baby in the shade.
  • Apply sunscreen on children when they are outside and the UV index is 3 or more. The bottle should read SPF 15 or higher. SPF means Sun Protection Factor. Put sunscreen on the skin 20 minutes before children go out and reapply 20 minutes after being out in the sun to ensure even application of the product and better protection. Do not apply sunscreen on babies less than six months old.
  • If possible, try to minimize children exposure to the sun between 11 a.m. and 4 p.m. when the sun's UV rays are strongest.
  • Never use baby oil to protect children from the sun. It will not protect them.
  • Be aware that reflections from water, sand and concrete can nearly double UV strength.

Playgrounds

Children have died when their clothing or drawstrings have been caught on playground equipment or on fences. Children have also died when they became entangled on ropes or skipping ropes attached to playground equipment.

  • Always supervise children and teach them to use the equipment safely.
  • Tuck in all clothing that can get caught on playground equipment and remove loose accessories such as scarves or dress-up capes.
  • Take off bicycle helmets before using playground equipment. Bicycle helmets can get caught on equipment and strangle a child.
  • Check playground equipment for ropes. Do not let children tie ropes or skipping ropes to playground equipment.

Swimming Pool Safety

To learn more about water safety and learn-to-swim programs, please call your local Canadian Red Cross Society, or the local Branch Office of the Lifesaving Society.

  • Build a fence and a gate that will keep children away from your pool. Check with your town or city to find out the rules for putting up a fence around your pool.
  • Keep the gate locked at all times.
  • Always have an adult supervise children in and around the pool.
  • Children under the age of three and children who cannot swim must wear a life jacket or PFD (personal floatation device). This must be a Canadian approved device of the appropriate size.
  • Send children to swimming and water safety lessons.
  • Make sure lifesaving equipment and a first aid kit are easily accessible.
  • Take a course on pool safety, first aid and lifesaving skills (such as CPR).
  • Have emergency phone numbers listed at the telephone closest to the pool.
  • Make sure toys, garden furniture and tools are not near the pool fence. Children can climb up on these things to get into the pool.

Inline Skating, Skateboarding and Biking

In-line skating, skateboarding and biking are popular activities. Be careful! These activities can lead to serious injuries to the head, arms and legs. Be smart, wear protective gear.

  • Always supervise young children.
  • Ensure all equipment is in good condition and fits properly.
  • Children should always wear a helmet. Helmets should be replaced every two or three years, or after a major impact.
  • Wrist guards will help to prevent injuries in the event of falls.
  • Cuts, scrapes and bruises can be reduced by wearing elbow and knee pads.
  • Teach children to choose a safe location, away from traffic, that has a smooth surface.
  • Teach children how to stop and control speed. You can also check for training programs offered in your area.
  • Teach children not to wear headphones when skating, skateboarding or biking to be able to hear the sounds around them safely.
  • Do not let children skate, skateboard or bike at night or in wet conditions.
  • Teach children to stay alert, to keep their eyes on the surface ahead, and to watch for other people, cars and hazards such as cracks and rocks.
  • Teach children to respect others on the path.

Winter Safety

There are many popular outdoor winter activities for people of all ages. Be safe! Wearing a helmet will ensure that these outdoor activities remain enjoyable and fun.

  • Keep children warm. Dress your children in layers. Make sure their heads, necks and hands are covered. Watch for frostbite.
  • Children can strangle on drawstrings or on scarves. Use a neck warmer instead of a scarf and remove any drawstrings on their clothes.
  • On sunny days, put sunscreen on their skin.
  • Check your children's equipment to make sure that it fits and is in good condition.
  • Be careful when playing near or skating on frozen water bodies, such as lakes, ponds and rivers, as the ice may not be strong enough to support a child or an adult. Ice should be smooth and at least 10 cm or 4 inches thick.
    • Always have an adult supervise children playing near or skating on frozen water.
  • Never skate or play near open water -- this means the ice is thin or you are near a cracked surface.

When tobogganing or sledding:

  • Children should wear a helmet that fits and is secured properly.
  • Choose a hill that is away from roads, parking lots or water. There should be no rocks, trees, fences or other dangers in the path.
  • Teach children to slide down the middle of the hill, climb up the side and watch up the hill to watch for any oncoming danger, such as other sliders.
  • Teach them to move out of the way quickly when they get to the bottom.

When skating:

  • Children should wear a helmet that fits and is secured properly.
  • Children should skate in the same direction and at the same speed as the crowd.
  • Skaters who cannot keep up with the crowd should move to the side.
  • When children play hockey, they should only wear a CSA-certified helmet. Replace hockey helmets at least every five years or after a major impact.

When skiing or snowboarding:

  • Make sure children wear the appropriate safety gear and equipment that is the appropriate size for them.
  • Children should always wear a helmet that fits and is secured properly.
  • Children should be supervised at all times when skiing and snowboarding.
  • Advise children of ski area boundaries and ensure that they stay away from closed areas.

Toy manufacturers, retailers and importers must make sure that they manufacture, advertise or sell safe toys that meet the safety standards set by Health Canada. Sometimes unsafe toys do make their way onto store shelves and into homes. You may also have older toys that are no longer safe, or the way the toys are being used may expose children to hazards.

Here are some tips to help you choose and use toys safely.

General Toy Safety Tips

When Buying Toys

  • Purchase age appropriate toys. Toys for older children may contain small parts or present other hazards that make them unsafe for younger children.
  • Read and follow age labels, warnings, safety messages and assembly instructions that come with the toy.
  • Look for sturdy, well-made toys.
  • Look for toys that come with contact information for the manufacturer or importer.

After Buying Toys

  • Always supervise children and teach them how to use toys safely.
  • Promptly remove and discard all toy packaging like plastic bags, plastic wrap, foam, staples and ties. Also remove and discard any temporary plastic film used to protect toy mirrors from scratching during shipping. A child can suffocate or choke on these items.
  • Keep all toys, especially plush and soft toys, away from heat sources like stoves, fireplaces and heaters. The toys could catch fire, causing injury or property damage.
  • Check toys often for hazards like loose parts, broken pieces or sharp edges, and repair or discard any weak or damaged toys.
  • Make sure that toys attached to child care items such as cribs, playpens and strollers are installed properly and check regularly that they are still securely attached.
  • Remove mobiles and toy bars from cribs as soon as a baby begins to push up on hands and knees.

Choking Hazards

Young children, especially those under three, frequently put objects in their mouth. Small toys, small balls or small loose or broken toy parts are choking hazards. Keep them out of reach.

  • Know how your child plays. Small toys can be dangerous for older children if they still tend to put non-food items in their mouths.
  • Check squeeze toys to make sure that small squeakers or reeds are not removable.
  • Check toy cars, trucks and other vehicles to make sure that wheels, tires or other small parts are not loose or removable.
  • Check stuffed and plush toys to make sure that the eyes, nose and other small items are firmly attached and cannot be pulled off.
  • Check that infant toys like rattles and teethers have handles or parts that are large enough that they will not get stuck in an infant's throat and block their airway.

Other Hazards

  • Avoid toys with cords that are long enough to wrap around a child's neck, especially stretchy or sticky cords. The cords could strangle a child.
  • Check that the toy does not have sharp points or edges. These could cut a child.

Toy Storage

  • Store toys and games for older children separate from those for younger children.
  • Children should not have access to airtight storage bins, trunks or boxes. If a child climbs into one, they could suffocate.
  • Use a toy box without a lid, or one with a lightweight lid that will not fall on a child.
  • If the toy box has a lid, remove it or check to ensure:
    • the box has air holes for breathing, in case a child climbs inside;
    • the lid has a hinge that will hold it open in any position and that will stay open even if a child pushes down on it; and
    • there is no latch or other device that could lock the lid and trap a child inside.

Specific Toy Safety Tips

Toys with Magnets

  • Seek immediate medical care for any child who has swallowed, or is suspected of having swallowed, one or more magnets.
  • Products with loose small powerful magnets should be kept safely out of reach of children. Unlike traditional magnets, small powerful magnets, such as rare-earth magnets, have a very strong magnetic pull, creating a unique safety concern. If more than one magnet is swallowed over a short period of time, they can attract one another across the intestines and create a blockage or slowly tear through the intestinal walls. The results can be fatal.
  • Small powerful magnets are used in a wide range of items, from jewellery, clothing accessories and household items, to children's products, such as building toys or science kits. If they are loose or contained in a very small item they are dangerous because they are easily swallowed.
  • Older children are known to play with these small powerful magnets in their mouths: using them for fake tongue or cheek piercings, or attaching them to braces which can result in accidental swallowing. Teach children of all ages that small powerful magnets should never be placed in their mouth.

Ride-on Toys

  • Choose a ride-on toy that suits a child's age, size and abilities.
  • Check that it is stable when weight is placed on any riding point and that it will not tip when a child is using it.
  • Use the ride-on toy in safe areas that are far away from stairs, traffic, swimming pools and other hazards.
  • Be aware that a child on a wheeled ride-on toy can move very quickly. Look for hazards like furniture, lamps, cords, decorations or appliances that could be knocked over or pulled down, and remove the hazards before play begins.
  • Baby walkers are prohibited in Canada. Removing wheels from a baby walker does not make it a stationary activity centre. Baby walkers should be destroyed and thrown away.

Toys with Batteries

  • Only adults should install batteries. Improper installation or mixing different battery types can cause batteries to leak or overheat, which can result in injury.
  • Only adults should charge batteries. Battery chargers and adapters can pose thermal burn hazards to children.
  • Small button batteries, such as those used in talking books, watches and many other common electronic toys, can cause serious internal injuries or death if swallowed. Seek immediate medical attention if a child has swallowed a lithium button battery.
  • Make sure that young children cannot open a toy's battery compartment.
  • Do not allow a child to take a battery-operated toy to bed. Burns and other injuries could result from batteries leaking or overheating.
  • Batteries are poisonous, call a doctor or a poison control centre immediately if a child swallows a battery.

Latex Balloons

Latex balloons have caused a number of deaths. Balloons or broken balloon pieces can be inhaled and can block a child's airway. Use latex balloons for decoration, not for play.

  • Only adults should inflate balloons.
  • Always keep inflated and uninflated latex balloons, or broken balloon pieces, out of the reach of children; immediately discard broken balloon pieces.

Toys with Sound

Playing too long and too often with very loud toys can harm a child's hearing. If you have to yell to be heard above the sound of a toy, then it is likely too loud for a child and should not be used.

  • Look for toys that have volume control features, so that the sound can be kept low or turned off.

Children's Activities Safety

Children's Jewellery

  • Never allow a child to suck or chew on jewellery. It may contain lead, cadmium or other toxic materials. Ingesting even small amounts of these can be harmful to a child's health and development.
  • Never place a necklace, teething necklace, string, ribbon or chain around the neck of a child under three. These products can be strangulation and choking hazards.

Costumes and Dress-up Games

  • Always supervise children when they are playing.
  • Make sure that children only use age appropriate accessories. Avoid loose-fitting and over-sized costumes and clothing.
  • Make sure that children play in a flat, safe area where there is less risk of tripping and falling over.
  • Make sure that children do not use items that could wrap around their neck, such as scarves, boas, strings and cords.
  • Use non-toxic make-up on children instead of masks. Masks can be dangerous since they can make it hard to see.
  • Be aware that face paint, even labelled "hypoallergenic", can still cause allergic reactions. Hypoallergenic only means that the product is less likely to cause allergic reactions.
  • Before using face paint, do a patch test to see if children are sensitive or allergic to something in the cosmetic.
  • Make sure that children do not play close to a source of fire such as a candle or a fireplace.
  • Do not let children play with garments made of highly flammable materials such as feathers.
  • Teach children that if their clothing does catch fire, to "STOP, DROP, and ROLL!".

Arts and Crafts

Children of all ages love to do arts and crafts, but these activities can involve materials or tools that may be hazardous to children if not used properly. The following are a few safety tips that will help make a safer environment for your children to be creative.

  • Ensure active supervision at all times.
  • Choose safe materials that are age appropriate.
  • Read the labels and follow the manufacturer's instructions for safe use.
  • Ensure that children wear any protective equipment that is required, such as gloves or a smock.
  • Avoid solvents and solvent containing products.
  • Minimize the volume of a substance that children will have access to by not using materials directly out of the original container. Instead, place a small amount of the substance in a smaller container (such as a yogurt cup or egg carton), but do not store the substance in the smaller container, because it may not be easy to identify later, and will not have any warning information.
  • Keep arts and crafts supplies out of sight and reach of children when not in use.
  • Do not eat or drink during art and crafts sessions; food can be easily contaminated with the art materials.
  • When painting or drawing, use non-toxic water-based materials designed for children.
  • When finger painting, use paints labelled specifically for that purpose.
  • Make sure children wash their hands thoroughly after completing a task.
  • Make sure to always have the proper ventilation.
  • Do not expose children to dusts and clay in dry form, such as powdered paint.
  • Only use modelling clay made for children and do not cast body parts or apply clay directly to the skin apart from the hands.

Other Children's Products

Products in this category should only be used when an adult is in sight and within arm's reach. Do not leave a child unattended when using one of these products.

Playpens

  • Always supervise a baby while they are in a playpen.
  • Follow the manufacturer's instructions and recommendations for weight and age restrictions.
  • Make sure the sides are sturdy and made of mosquito-type netting. If the mesh is larger, buttons or hooks on a child's clothing could get caught, resulting in strangulation.
  • Never leave a baby in a playpen with the side down; the baby can roll into the space between the mattress and the mesh side and suffocate.
  • Avoid playpens that have sharp edges or hinges that can pinch, scrape or cut fingers.
  • Make sure side latches are in their fully locked position when setting up a playpen. If the side latches are not locked into place, a "V" shape can be created in which a baby can strangle.
  • Never put scarves, necklaces or cords in the playpen, or around a baby's neck. These items can catch on the playpen and strangle a baby.
  • Remove mobiles and toy bars when the baby begins to push up on their hands and knees.
  • Check for tears in vinyl rails or in the mattress pad of the playpen. A baby can bite off small pieces and choke.
  • If a change table or bassinet is provided as an accessory for the playpen, never place a baby in the playpen while the change table or bassinet accessory is still in place. Always check for stability of the accessories when attached to the main frame of the playpen. Follow manufacturer's instructions.

Suspended Baby Jumpers

  • Always supervise a baby while they are in a baby jumper. If you have to leave the room for any reason, take the baby with you.
  • Look for a model that comes with well written and detailed instructions. Do not use the product if you cannot set it up as described in the instructions. Keep instructions for future use.
  • Follow all of the manufacturer's instructions when installing the jumper, including the guidelines for:
    • age, weight and physical abilities of the baby.
    • dimensions and strength of the door frame.
  • Adjust the jumper so that just the baby's toes are touching the floor when they are not jumping.
  • Check all parts of the jumper regularly to be sure that it is secure.
  • Take down the jumper and store it when not in use.

Baby's Stationary Activity Centres

Before placing a baby in a stationary activity centre, check the toys on the activity centre to make sure they are not broken or loose. Sharp points can cut and small pieces are a choking hazard.

  • Keep the activity centre away from stairs, doors, windows, coffee tables, plants, lamps, TVs, and wood stoves, fireplaces or heaters.
  • Keep the activity centre away from curtain and blind cords.
  • Think twice before you buy a used activity centre. Make sure it is in good condition and check to see that it has not been recalled. If there are signs of damage, then it is likely unsafe.
  • Check the label to make sure the activity centre is strong enough to hold the baby's weight.
  • Baby walkers are prohibited in Canada. Removing wheels from a baby walker does not make it a stationary activity centre. Baby walkers should be destroyed and thrown away.

Trampolines

Trampolines should not be considered toys; there is a serious risk of injury to children using them. Most trampoline-related injuries happen at private homes, usually in backyards on full-size trampolines.

  • Some hazards associated with trampolines are: colliding with another person on the trampoline, landing improperly while jumping or doing stunts on the trampoline, falling or jumping off the trampoline, and falling onto the trampoline's springs or frame.
  • Always supervise children when they are using a trampoline.
  • Do not allow children less than six years of age to use a trampoline, even when supervised.
  • Allow only one person on the trampoline at a time.
  • Make sure the trampoline has a safety net or enclosure.
  • Discourage children from performing somersaults and other stunts.

Resources

Recalls

To check for consumer product recalls, go to: www.healthycanadians.gc.ca

If you want to know when new information, advisories and warnings, consumer product recalls and consultation documents about consumer product safety are posted on the Health Canada website, subscribe to Consumer Product Safety News: www.hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/advisories-avis/_subscribe-abonnement/index-eng.php

Incident Reporting

To submit a complaint or report a problem about a consumer product, go to: www.healthcanada.gc.ca/reportaproduct

Other Resources

Canada Consumer Product Safety Act
http://laws-lois.justice.gc.ca/eng/acts/C-1.68/index.html

Canadian Paediatric Society
www.cps.ca
613-526-9397

Poison Control
Generally on the first page of your telephone book under Emergency Numbers or by checking http://www.capcc.ca/en/content/provincial-centres

Consumer Product Safety, Health Canada

Protecting and promoting the health and safety of Canadians is of the utmost importance to the Government of Canada. The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA) is the law that helps protect consumers from unsafe products. The CCPSA and its regulations are administered by the Consumer Product Safety Directorate (CPSD) of Health Canada.

The CPSD of Health Canada, in consultation with industry, consumers and the medical community, has developed safety regulations for a number of children's products, including toys, cribs, playpens and children's sleepwear.

The Program Development Bureau in CPSD provides information to families, caregivers, daycare centres and health professionals through initiatives like safety awareness campaigns, pamphlets and education bulletins.

For more information on injury prevention, please contact:

Consumer Product Safety Directorate
PDB - External Relations
Health Canada
Address Locator: 4909A Ottawa, Ontario K1A 0K9

Email: CPS-SPC@hc-sc.gc.ca
Toll-free: 1-866-662-0666

For inquiries and complaints about consumer products, please contact your nearest Product Safety office by calling the toll-free number above.

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