Health Canada
www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Common menu bar links
Stay Safe - An Education Guide to Hazard Symbols
2003
ISBN: 0-662-33395-0
Cat. No.: H46-2/02-272E
Help on accessing alternative formats, such as Portable Document Format (PDF), Microsoft Word and PowerPoint (PPT) files, can be obtained in the alternate format help section.
Table of Contents
- Policy for Use of the Hazardous Products Act Consumer Chemical Hazard Symbols
- Message to Caregivers
- A. About STAY SAFE
- B. Get Ready...
- C. To STAY SAFE
- D. Final Words
Appendices
- A. Templates:
- B. Definitions
- C. Fact Sheets
- D. Further Information
- E. Resources
Policy for Use of the Hazardous Products Act Consumer Chemical Hazard Symbols
The consumer chemical hazard symbols are regulatory requirements set out in the Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, 2001.These Regulations are issued under the authority of the Hazardous Products Act, which is administered by the Product Safety Programme of Health Canada.The hazard symbols are Official Marks of the Government of Canada and are protected under section 9 of the Trade-marks Act.
It is the policy of the Product Safety Programme that these symbols be widely used, in order to make them more recognizable and known to consumers.The symbols were designed to indicate the nature of the hazard that a chemical product may pose to a consumer if exposed during foreseeable use of the product.The symbols can be used free of charge in order to teach about their meaning and for poison-prevention education, as long as they are correctly depicted and explained.
Message to Caregivers
This is a guide for adults to use when teaching preschool children about the hazard symbols.The STAY SAFE activities in this guide are intended to reinforce the hazard symbol recognition and the related safety messages to preschool children.The fact sheets provide additional information to assist adults in creating a safer home environment for children.
As you know, children are naturally curious. They like to explore.And, they move very quickly!
These qualities are critical to help a young child learn and develop, but they can also be an invitation for serious injury!
Most preschool-aged children are injured at home.Very often it is because natural curiosity has led them to discover dangerous household chemical products.
Household chemical products that could pose a danger must be labelled with clear hazard symbols, as required by government legislation. To prevent injuries, children need to know how to STAY SAFE when they see the hazard symbols.This is the goal of the STAY SAFE program.
You can help achieve this goal. Please use this program with your preschoolers and their families. Let's STAY SAFE!
A. About STAY SAFE
Did you know that more than half of all hospital visits for children under five years old are due to poisoning and other injuries from household chemical products?
Most of these injuries can be prevented! It's a matter of teaching children how to recognize a hazardous household chemical product and what to do if they encounter these products. This is the goal of the STAY SAFE program.
STAY SAFE is an activity-based awareness program for 3-5 year olds.This education guide provides ready-to-use learning activities and props for easy integration into your program. It contains:
- the latest information on household chemical product labelling and safe storage;
- "Classroom-tested" learning activities;
- at-home activities;
- prevention tips for parents - especially important since most injuries with household chemical products happen at home.
You can help to spread the STAY SAFE message!
- include this program and its learning activities into your program
- encourage parents to learn about the hazards from exposure to household chemical products and to reinforce safety messages at home
STAY SAFE will help you teach your children to:
- recognize that each of the four hazard symbols means "Danger"
- recognize the hazard symbols on containers of household chemical products
- take safe action steps if they find a container with a hazard symbol on the label
In this guide you'll find:
- the four consumer product hazard symbols and what they mean;
- the key messages that children should learn and remember;
- activities for your program and for home;
- important facts and figures on injuries to children due to household chemical products;
- a place to evaluate the program;
- references to learn more about home hazards and child safety.
B. Get Ready...
Before you start, there is some information you may find interesting about unintentional injuries due to hazardous household chemical products. Most of these injuries occur in the home environment because that's where children under the age of five tend to spend most of their time.
1. Injury Facts1
Our accomplishments...
Injury prevention efforts in Canada have resulted in dramatic declines in home injury deaths over the past 20 years. For example, today the rate of death from unintentional injuries2 for children aged 1 to 4 is about one-third of the 1980 rate.
Our challenges...
- Preschoolers are vulnerable to injuries because of their natural exploratory behaviour and play. Such injuries accounted for more than 75% of injury-related emergency room visits among children from birth to four years (1997). In 1998, the 16 hospitals participating in the Canadian Hospitals Injury Reporting and Prevention Program (CHIRPP) reported 38,825 emergency room visits by children from birth to 14 years for injuries occurring at home.
- Most poisonings of children under the age of five occur at home, usually from medications and household chemical products. In 1997, two child deaths and 1,395 hospitalizations for children aged 1 to 4, occurred from poisoning.
- Demographics are related:
- deaths from all types of injuries at home are almost 40% higher in Canada's poorest families;
- admissions to hospitals for unintentional poisoning are almost twice as high among children from lower socioeconomic families;
- aboriginal children have a rate of injury 4 to 7 times greater than the national average;
- boys have higher rates of injuries compared to girls and suffer from more severe injuries. Research has shown that boys tend to engage in more aggressive play, and take more risks during play, thus contributing to the higher injury rates.
What we can do...
We can teach children and parents to STAY SAFE - to know the hazards commonly found in the home and what action to take. STAY SAFE targets household chemical products, teaching injury prevention through child and parent/caregiver awareness and action.
2. The hazard symbols
| Symbol3 | The Danger | Product Examples |
|---|---|---|
Explosive |
This container can explode if it's heated or punctured. Flying pieces of metal or plastic can cause serious injuries, especially to the eyes. |
|
Corrosive |
This product will burn skin or eyes on contact, or throat and stomach if swallowed. |
|
Flammable |
This product, or its fumes, will catch fire easily if it's near heat, flames or sparks. |
|
Poison |
Licking, eating, drinking, or sometimes smelling, this product will cause illness or death. |
|
So, what's new?
There are now only two frames used around the symbols:
Triangle |
 |
This frame looks like a traffic yield sign. |
Octagon |
 |
This frame looks like a traffic stop sign. |
Before October 1, 2001 the old regulations required three different frames to indicate the degree of hazard. Now, only two frames are used to distinguish between the contents of the product and the container itself.
Are all products labelled?
No. Only those household chemical products which meet the classification criteria set out in the Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, 2001 (CCCR, 2001) require specific labelling and packaging.The CCCR, 2001 are established under the authority of the Hazardous Products Act, and prohibit or restrict the advertisement, sale and importation of products which meet the established classification criteria. For further information:
- contact your nearest Health Canada, Product Safety Office.
- go to the Health Canada website.
Why are some products labelled differently?
Products intended for use only in the workplace are classified using federal legislation (Hazardous Products Act - Workplace Hazardous Materials Information System (WHMIS)), but these requirements are enforced by the provinces and territories.WHMIS requires special symbols, labelling and information designed to inform the workers about the hazards of the product.The labelling requirements are different than those used for household chemical products. Employee training is also required at workplaces using WHMIS classified products.
Other household chemical products, such as cosmetics, pesticides, drugs and foods, must meet regulatory requirements set out in different federal legislation. As a result, these products would not require the same labelling as those household products covered by the CCCR, 2001.
Child-resistant Containers
Does the use of a "child-resistant closure" mean the container is "child-proof"? No! "Child-resistant" means that the container is difficult for most children under five years of age to open within a reasonable time.This means that young children may still be able to open a container, if given enough time to do so.The term "child-proof" is often incorrectly used, since it implies that a child will never be able to open the container. Child-resistant containers are a deterrent to children, so parents and caregivers should take the necessary precautions when storing any household chemical products. Look for these and other definitions in Appendix B, Definitions.
3. The STAY SAFE message
STOP! ... when you see a container. Don't touch!
LOOK! ... for a hazard symbol.
STAY SAFE! ... go get a grown-up.
Before you start this lesson, make sure that children know the meaning of the word 'danger'. Use this message to teach children the following critical points:
- hazard symbols mean Danger! Do Not Touch!
- hazard symbols can be found on containers in the house, in the garage, in the yard and at school;
- hazard symbols can be different colours and sizes;
- hazard symbols are always on the front of the container and near the bottom of the label;
- safe storage: locked away - Out of reach and Out of sight.
C. To STAY SAFE
In this section there are activities you can use to:
- teach children what the hazard symbols mean;
- help them recognize hazard symbols;
- practice ...STOP! LOOK! STAY SAFE!
Each activity is set up the same way.You'll find:
- the Purpose of the activity;
- the Learning Outcomes;
- Preparation required;
- a Description of the activity;
- Variations, if applicable.
Most of the activities can be used with children 3 to 5 years old. In some cases, there is a second version suggested as more suitable for 4 and 5 year olds.
When should you use these activities?
Here are some suggestions:
- Make this program part of a theme on home safety. Do one (or part) activity with the children each day for a week. Begin with recognition activities and finish with action activities so that learning to STAY SAFE is reinforced.
- Include program activities into your seasonal themes. Focus on home and seasonal hazards in the fall and winter when children are indoors (e.g. cleaners, polishes, gas line antifreeze). In spring and summer, talk about hazardous chemical products children may find outside or in garages (e.g. windshield washer fluid, automotive additives, cleaners and polishes, pool chemicals, gardening chemicals).
- Use those "teachable moments"! Take time to reinforce key messages about hazard symbols if the right moment comes up during another activity (e.g. when you have to use a cleaning product for a spill).
- Include the hazard symbols in activities you do for other themes, like matching games or finding items.
- Encourage the children to remind you what each of the hazard symbols means.
How to reinforce the STAY SAFE messages at home
Because so many household chemical product injuries take place in the home, it's important to encourage parents to adopt the STAY SAFE approach. Please use the material and activities designed to be taken home by the children. This program includes the following take-home resources:
- A parents' letter and fact sheet(s) are included in Appendix C.
- Take-home activities. Encourage the children to bring back the finished take-home activities to receive a STAY SAFE certificate.
- Safety facts and tips.You could:
- include a fact or tip in each edition of your program newsletter;
- place a safety tip of the month in your calendar of activities.
Other ways to involve parents include:
- ask parents to contribute a picture of a container with a hazard symbol (from a magazine) for your activity collection;
- encourage parents to place the hazard symbols on the fridge and review them with their children on a regular basis, especially when new products are brought into the home.
Activities for your preschool program
Puppet Script
Purpose:
To introduce the four hazard symbols.
Learning Outcomes:
The children will be able to:
- recognize the hazard symbols;
- understand that these symbols mean danger;
- understand the safe action steps.
Preparation:
- Using the templates provided, create a puppet for each of the four hazard symbols and Radar, the Safety dog.This can be done by gluing the templates onto stiffer paper/ card and gluing them to craft sticks. Alternatively, glue the symbols onto paper bags or attach to old socks to make sock puppets.
- Have either pictures of hazardous chemical products to show the children or empty and rinsed containers of hazardous chemical products (securely sealed).
Suggested script and instructions:
- Radar may say "I' ve brought some helpers with me to talk to you about staying safe. Would you like to meet our helpers?"
- Radar points to the four hazard symbol puppets and asks the children:"Have you ever seen these before? Where? They live on the labels of dangerous chemicals."
- Radar shows the children some examples using either pictures cut from magazines or actual photos, or empty securely sealed containers. "If you see them there, it means Danger! Don't touch! They are the Hazard Symbols.Their job is to protect you.Would you like to learn more about them?"
- At this point introduce the puppets one by one using the following rhyme.
Note: If you find it difficult to handle four puppets at once you may need an assistant. Make sure to use the hazard symbols as the 'bad' group and Radar as the 'good' guy pushing them away.
We're the four hazard symbols.
We're important to know!
There are things we can tell you.
Please listen. Don't Go!
This skull and crossbones mean Poison! Beware!
Don't drink me! Don't touch me!
Get a grown-up.Take care!
STAY SAFE!
I am Corrosive!
I'll burn all your skin!
Don't touch me, not ever
And then you will win!
STAY SAFE!
Flammable means fire!
This stuff burns hot.
Keep me where it's cool.
In a nice high spot!
STAY SAFE!
Boom! I'm Explosive!
And just like my friend (show Flammable puppet),
Don't put me near hot things,
Or KaBoom! That's the end!
STAY SAFE!
We're the four hazard symbols,
Don't touch us...Take care.
Just Stop! Look! And...STAY SAFE!
The key points to get across are:
- These symbols mean DANGER. DON'T TOUCH!
- The safe action steps are:
- STOP! ...when you see a container. Don't touch!
- LOOK! ...for a hazard symbol.
- STAY SAFE! ...go get a grown-up.
These are samples of the templates to use.The actual templates may be found in Appendi x A-1, Puppets.
Song
Purpose:
To reinforce the information presented in class about the hazard symbols.
Learning Outcomes:
The child will be able to state the safe action steps.
Description of Activity:
Sing this at circle time.
"STOP, LOOK , STAY SAFE!"
(To the tune of a popular children's song, such as "Row, Row, Row Your Boat")
Stop! Look! Be Careful,
Check that label out!
Is it safe? Should you touch?
No! Go get a grown-up!
STAY SAFE! (Children shout this line)
Finger Play
Purpose:
To reinforce the information presented in class about the hazard symbols.
Learning Outcomes:
The child will be able to:
- recognize the four hazard symbols;
- understand that these symbols mean danger;
- visually transfer the four large hazard symbols presented in the puppet show to a smaller format (closer to actual size).
Preparation:
- attach Velcro strips to 4 fingers of one knit glove;
- using the templates provided make the four hazard symbols by tracing and cutting out of felt, interfacing or other material that can be attached to velcro;
- use the template of Radar, cut out and mount on cardboard or some other material.
Description of Activity:
- with the children watching Radar, pretend that he introduces each hazard symbol, then attach each of the four hazard symbols to the fingers of the glove;
- perform a FINGER PLAY for the children using the same rhyme that is used to present the puppets.
We're the four hazard symbols.
We're important to know!
There are things we can tell you.
Please listen. Don't Go!
This skull and crossbones means Poison! Beware!
Don't drink me! Don't touch me!
Get a grown-up.Take care!
STAY SAFE!
I am Corrosive!
I'll burn all your skin!
Don't touch me, not ever.
And then you will win!
STAY SAFE!
Flammable means fire!
This stuff burns hot.
Keep me where it's cool.
In a nice high spot!
STAY SAFE!
Boom! I'm Explosive!
And just like my friend (show Flammable puppet),
Don't put me near hot things.
Or KaBoom! That's the end!
STAY SAFE!
We're the four hazard symbols.
Don't touch us...Take care.
Just Stop! Look! And...
STAY SAFE!
See page 12 (top of this page) for samples of the templates to use.The actual templates may be found in the following places:
Radar : Appendix A-1, Puppets.
Finger Puppets : Appendix A-2, Finger Puppets
Matching Game
Purpose:
To reinforce visual recognition of the hazard symbols.
Learning Outcome:
The child will learn to recognize the four hazard symbols.
Preparation:
- Photocopy and mount the images found in Appendix A-3, Matching Game onto heavy card and laminate (if desired). Make at least two copies of each card.
Description of Activity:
- Place cards face down in random order. Each child picks two cards. If they match, the cards remain face up and the child gets an additional turn.
- This game may be played individually, or with more children.
- When all the cards are face up, the g ame is over.
The templates for the Matching Game cards may be found in Appendix A-3,
Matching Game.
Dot-to-Dot
Purpose:
To promote recognition of the four hazard symbols.
Learning Outcome:
The child will be able to recognize the four hazard symbols.
Preparation:
Photocopy a Dot-to-Dot sheet for each child.
Description of Activity:
- the child connects the dots with a pencil/ marker/crayon;
- once completed, the picture can be coloured.
Variation:
Children complete one of each of the four different hazard symbols and glues it to a craft stick so they have a set of their own hazard symbol puppets.
A sample of the dot-to-dot pictures is given below.The templates for the dot-to-dot pictures may be found in Appendix A-4, Dot-to-Dot.
Maze
Purpose:
To promote recognition of the four hazard symbols.
Learning Outcome:
The child will be able to recognize the four hazard symbols.
Preparation:
Photocopy the maze for each child.
Description of Activity:
The child completes the maze without running into any of the four hazard symbols.
A sample of the maze is given below. This simple maze has the four hazard symbols placed within it.The object is to get to the finish (a cupboard and lock) without encountering any of the hazard symbols.The paths are wide enough to easily accommodate a crayon or marker.
The template for the maze may be found in Appendix A-5, Maze.
Hidden Pictures
Purpose:
To promote understanding that hazardous chemical products must be stored safely.
Learning Outcomes:
The child will be able to:
- recognize each hazard symbol found on a picture of a real-life object;
- determine if the hazardous product is in a safe place.
Preparation:
Photocopy a Hidden Picture activity sheet for each child.
Description of Activity:
The child finds each hazardous chemical product stored incorrectly and marks it, either using an "X" or circle (depends upon fine motor control development).
A sample of the hidden pictures is found on the following page. Four different sheets are available, one each of a garage, a kitchen, a bathroom and a laundry room. In each picture, chemical products are placed in incorrect places. For example, a container with flammable symbol is on the stove, containers with poisonous symbols are on the floor of the garage, corrosive material is on the kitchen counter.
The actual templates for the four hidden pictures may be found in Appendix A-6, Hidden Pictures.
Goin' on a Hazard Hunt
Purpose:
To help children differentiate between hazard symbols and non-hazard symbols.
Learning Outcome:
The child will be able to:
- discriminate between hazard symbols and non-hazard symbols.
Preparation:
- photocopy the symbols for the Hazard Hunt and mount on heavier paper;
- make enough symbols for each child to find at least two;
- vary the size of the symbols, because they vary in size on the labels;
- randomly hide many copies of the four hazard symbols around the classroom. Mix in non-hazard symbols, e.g., happy faces, pictures of animals (the bunny used to indicate no-testing on animals), recycling symbol, eco-friendly dove, etc..
Description of Activity:
- the children explore the classroom to find the hidden symbols;
- they place each symbol they find in the correct pile (hazard or non-hazard symbol);
- at the end of the activity discuss the contents in each pile. Ask the children to tell what they should do to STAY SAFE when they see a hazard symbol;
- at the end of the discussion, put the hazard symbols away in a high spot, out of sight, as if putting away hazardous chemical products.
See page 12 (top of this page) for samples of the hazard symbol templates.The following are samples of additional symbols or pictures.The actual templates may be found in Appendix A-7, Hazard Hunt.
Goin' on a Hazard Hunt II4
Purpose:
To help children recognize hazard symbols seen on real-life material and to help them understand their safe storage.
Learning Outcomes:
The child will be able to:
- transfer his/her knowledge of hazard symbols to symbols seen on real-life material;
- verbalize safe storage for each hazardous chemical product.
Preparation:
- This is an adult-led activity only. The children will not touch any of the containers, but will give verbal responses only.
- If your preschool program is located in a larger centre, you may have only workplace products.These are labelled differently. If so, bring in some household chemical products from home, for demonstration purposes.
Description of Activity:
- With a small group (less than 8) of children, explore your school's/centre's cleaning or maintenance area for containers labelled with hazard symbols.
- Hold up each container and show it to the children asking if it has a hazard symbol.
- Depending on the age and or maturity of the group, the children can also be asked what the symbol means (i.e. Corrosive, Flammable, etc. )
Ask the children:
- what to do if they see a hazard symbol (Stop ... Look ... Stay Safe!);
- where to safely store this container.
Stress to the children that they are NEVER to touch a container like this but to go and get a grown-up!
Variations:
- Gather pictures from magazines, or take pictures of household products with hazard symbols.Ask the children to look for the hazard symbol.
- Show pictures of different locations in the home, garage and garden shed and have children tell you whether these are safe places to store products.
Activities to take home
Sample Letter
See Appendix C for sample letter and fact sheets.
Board Game
Purpose:
To reinforce the safe action steps to take when children encounter household chemical products.
Learning Outcomes:
The child will be able to:
- recognize the hazard symbols as danger;
- share this learning with other family members.
Preparation:
- Photocopy Board Game template and die, one for each child.
- Have the children colour the board squares blue, red, yellow and green, as follows: colour the squares with a symbol on it red and the squares with a lock green; the other squares alternate between blue and yellow.
- Have children cut out game markers and die and colour them. (The die should have 2 red, 2 green and one each of yellow and blue squares.
- Put the Board Game into an envelope for transport home along with the directions for how to assemble the die and play the game.
Description of Activity:
- At home, the children fold and tape the die together.They can also paste the game sheet onto heavier paper.
- The child plays this game with an adult or older child (reading is involved).
Game Instructions:
- Children roll the die and move their marker to the coloured square indicated by the die.
- If the child lands on a green square with a lock they advance to the next red square.
- When the child lands on, or advances to, a red square with a hazard symbol, they must identify that it means danger, and if possible what the danger is.
- If the child identifies that the symbol means danger, they stay there until their next turn. If they are unable to identify danger, they move back to the nearest yellow square.
A sample of the Board Game is given on the next page.The actual templates may be found in Appendix A-8, Board Game.
Home Hazard Hunt Guide
Purpose:
To involve parents in a child's learning and to encourage a safe home environment.
Learning Outcomes:
The parent and child will be able to:
- recognize each of the four hazard symbols;
- practice safe storage of hazardous chemical products.
The child will be able to:
- transfer knowledge learned at school to home and other environments;
- understand that hazardous chemical products are to be handled by adults only.
Preparation:
- photocopy a Home Hazard Hunt Guide and four "Radar and Friends" identifiers for each child;
- include directions for the activity in the sample letter.
Description of Activity:
- Each child brings home a drawing of a house divided into rooms (kitchen, bathroom, basement, garage) to be used as a guide and four "Radar and Friends" identifiers.
- With a parent, the child conducts a "Home Hazard Hunt" of each room to ensure that hazardous chemical products are stored correctly.
- Once each room is completed, a "Radar and Friends" identifier is placed on the corresponding room on the Guide.
- Upon completion of the Home Hazard Hunt, the parent signs the Guide and the child brings it back to school to receive a STAY SAFE certificate.
A sample template of the Home Hazard Hunt Guide and "Radar and Friends" identifiers is given on the next page. The actual templates may be found in Appendix A-9, Home Hazard Hunt. Appendix A-10, Certificate , provides the template of the STAY SAFE Certificate to use.
D. Final Words
About the STAY SAFE program
STAY SAFE is designed to teach children to recognize hazard symbols found on household chemical products and to act in a safe manner.
It includes:
- background information on the hazard symbols, what they mean and why they've changed;
- facts on injuries due to hazardous chemical products;
- key messages;
- activities for use in your classroom;
- activities for the children to take home to share with their families;
- resources.
From you, about the STAY SAFE program
Please take a moment and tell us what you think about the program.Your comments will help children STAY SAFE from the potential dangers of hazardous chemical products.
Check all the answers that apply:
- This guide was:
easy to use
somewhat easy to use
difficult to use
- The guide provided:
too much information about the subject
just enough information about the subject
too little information about the subject
- Rate the activities and their effectiveness to help children learn about hazard symbols:
| Most Effective | Somewhat Effective | Not Effective | Did Not Use | |
|---|---|---|---|---|
Finger play |
|
|
|
|
Song |
|
|
|
|
Matching Game |
|
|
|
|
Goin' on a Hazard Hunt |
|
|
|
|
Dot-to-Dot |
|
|
|
|
Maze |
|
|
|
|
Puppets and script |
|
|
|
|
Hidden Pictures |
|
|
|
|
Board Game |
|
|
|
|
Home Hazard Hunt Guide |
|
|
|
|
- Were the materials age appropriate (3-5 yrs)?
yes
no...if no, what age ______________________________________
- How did you use the take-home materials?
sent home
put information in newsletter
other:
did not use ______________________________________________
- What time of year did you teach this information?
spring
summer
fall
winter
- How many days did you use this program?
one day
one week
more than one week
other: _________________________________________________
- Are there any additions or changes you would suggest to the program?
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
_______________________________________________________
Please tell us about your program
- Type of Facility/Program
elementary school
day camp
day care
arts and crafts program
after school program
other: __________________________________________________
- How many children are in your program/group?
less than 5
between 5-9
between 10-15
more than 15
- What are the ages of the children in your program/group?
2 years
3 years
4 years
5 years
6 years
Optional Information
Name: ______________________________________________________
Name of Facility/Program: ______________________________________
Address: ____________________________________________________
Phone/E-mail: ________________________________________________
Thank you for taking the time to provide feedback on the Stay Safe program. Please forward your comments to the Consumer Product Safety Bureau's Information and Education Unit by mail or fax.
Mailing address:
Information and Education Unit, Consumer Product Safety Bureau
Product Safety Program, Healthy Environments and Consumer Safety Branch
Health Canada
MacDonald Building - Room B449
Postal Locator: 3504D
Ottawa, ON K1A 0K9
Fax: (613) 941-4376
Appendix A-1: Puppets
Click on images to enlarge
Appendix A-2: Finger Puppets
Click on image to enlarge
Appendix A-3: Matching Game
Click on images to enlarge
Appendix A-4: Dot-to-Dot
Click on images to enlarge
Appendix A-5: Maze
Click on image to enlarge
Appendix A-6: Hidden Pictures
Click on images to enlarge
Appendix A-7: Hazard Hunt
Click on image to enlarge
Appendix A-8: Board Game
Click on images to enlarge
Appendix A-9: Home Hazard Hunt
Click on images to enlarge
Appendix A-10: Certificate
Click on images to enlarge
Appendix B: Definitions
Aerosols: Fine solid or liquid particles suspended in the air.
Aerosol Container: A disposable metal container, with its contents under pressure, operated by a manual valve which releases a spray of fine particles.
Child-resistant Container: A container that meets the requirements of standards set out in the Regulations. Most protocols require that at least 80% of four-year-old children be unable to open the container within ten minutes. Also, a container that cannot be opened without the use of a tool, and the tool is not supplied with the container (e.g., a paint can). Some people use the term 'childproof' however there is no such thing since some children may still be able to open a container if given enough time.
Consumer Chemical Products: Chemical products sold to Canadians for general household use. Products that pose certain hazards (toxic, corrosive, flammable) have their packaging and labelling regulated by the Federal Government.
Corrosive: A substance with the ability to wear away, destroy or dissolve metals or organic (living skin) materials.
Explosive: An object that may expand suddenly and violently with a loud noise, releasing energy. This includes the bursting of a container that is under pressure if it is heated or punctured.
Flammable: A substance with the ability to burst into flame if exposed to heat, sparks or flames.
Hazard: A danger or risk that may result in injury or death.
Industrial Products : Products developed for workplace use. They often contain more concentrated chemicals than are found in consumer chemical roducts.Their containers may not be child-resistant, and are generally in larger quantity sizes.
Injury Prevention: Targeted strategies designed to prevent, control and reduce injuries and fatalities. Strategies focus on preventing exposure to the risk of injury or reducing the severity and consequences if exposure to the hazard does occur. Strategies may include personal education, legislation, community action and product or facility design.
Poison: A substance that when ingested, absorbed or inhaled may injure health or destroy life. It may also be called toxic.
Solvent: A substance that is often used as a dissolving or weakening agent.Water is the most common and safest solvent. Paint thinners or cleaners are examples of hazardous chemical solvents.
Toxic: A chemical product labeled "poison" may cause death or a serious permanent injury.
Appendix C: Fact Sheets
Dear Parents:
Did you know that more than half of all hospital visits for children under five years old are due to poisoning and other injuries from common household products?
This week we are learning to recognize hazard symbols.These are the symbols that are found on household products containing harmful chemicals.
The slogan/message we are teaching your child is:
STOP! ...when you see a container. Don't Touch!
LOOK! ....for the hazard symbol.
STAY SAFE! ...go get a grown-up.
We hope you can help us reinforce this message at home with your child by doing the activities attached to this letter.We have also included tips to help you make sure your family stays safe, what to do if someone is exposed to a chemical hazard as well as instructions for the activity your child is bringing home. If you have any questions about the activities, or if you would like more information on this topic, please call me.
Sincerely,
Do you know what these symbols mean?
They are symbols (or pictures) that mean DANGER!
You will find them on the labels of products in and around your home. You will see them on paint thinners, drain cleaners, windshield washer fluid and different kinds of polish. Look for them on labels. Learn what they mean.
 |
CORROSIVE |
 |
FLAMMABLE |
 |
EXPLOSIVE |
 |
POISON |
- Teach children that these symbols mean Danger! Do not touch.
- Keep all products with these symbols where children cannot SEE or REACH them.
- Read the label and follow the instructions. If you have trouble reading the label, ask for help. Do not cover up or remove the labels from these products.
Copy emergency phone numbers from the first page of your phone book. Keep the numbers close to the phone.
If someone is hurt by a product that has these symbols on the label:
- Call the Poison Control Centre or your doctor right away.
- Tell the person who answers the phone what the label says.
- Bring the product with you when you go for help.
For more information, contact the Product Safety Programme, Health Canada, at:
Vancouver, British Columbia (604) 666-5003
Edmonton, Alberta (780) 495-2626
Calgary, Alberta (403) 292-4677
Saskatoon, Saskatchewan (306) 975-4502
Winnipeg, Manitoba (204) 983-5490
Hamilton, Ontario (905) 572-2845
Toronto, Ontario (416) 973-4705
Ottawa, Ontario (613) 952-1014
Montreal, Quebec (514) 283-5488
Longueuil, Quebec (450) 646-1353
Quebec City, Quebec (418) 648-4327
Moncton, New Brunswick (506) 851-6638
Halifax, Nova Scotia (902) 426-8300
St. John's, Newfoundland (709) 772-4050
To order more copies: by telephone (613) 954-0609,
by fax (613) 952-2551,
by e-mail hecs-sesc@hc-sc.gc.ca
Household chemicals are safe if used and stored in the recommended way. Chemical products are commonly found throughout the home. These products include: cleaning liquids and powders, polishes, drain cleaners, paint thinners and windshield washers. Product labels appear on all chemicals. Labels with hazard symbols and safety warnings give information you need to know to use the product safely. Learn the symbols. Follow the instructions and you could prevent an injury.You could save a life.
Safety Tips
- Teach children that the symbols mean:
DANGER! DO NOT TOUCH. - Keep all chemical products out of sight and out of
reach of children. - Store household chemicals in their original containers. Make sure the symbols and labels on containers are not removed or covered up.
- Read the label before each use. If there is anything in the label instructions that you don't understand, ask for help.
- Never mix chemicals together. Some mixtures can produce harmful gases.
- Make sure that child-resistant containers are working.
- Child-resistant does not mean child-proof. Close the cap on the container all the way even if you set it down for just a moment.
Keep emergency numbers by the phone.
If someone is injured:
- Call the Poison Control Centre immediately. Copy the emergency number from the first page of your telephone book or call your doctor.
- Give the information from the label to the person answering.
- Bring the container with you when you go for help.
The SYMBOL on a container shows a PICTURE inside a FRAME
The PICTURE tells you the TYPE of danger.
|
EXPLOSIVE |
|
CORROSIVE |
|
FLAMMABLE |
|
POISON |
 |
 |
|---|---|
|
CAUTION means temporary injury may be frequent. Death may occur with extreme exposure. DANGER means may cause temporary or permanent injury or death. EXTREME DANGER means exposure to very low quantities may cause death or temporary or permanent injury
|
|
 |
The back or side label of regulated containers will always have some type of bordered area. Inside the border, you will find safety instructions, the words FIRST AID TREATMENT along with instructions in case of injury and a list of harmful substances in the product. |
It Only Takes a Minute!
Did you know...?
- More than 75% of hospital emergency room visits due to injuries are for children up to 4 years old.
- Most injuries happen at home.
- Preschoolers are vulnerable to poisoning and other injuries because of their exploratory behaviour and play.
- 90% of poisonings happen at home
- In 1997, child poisonings resulted in at least two reported deaths and over 1,500 hospitalizations.
- The majority of reported cases of poisoning involve a household cleaning product (49%).Automotive products (12%) are the next most frequent cause of poisoning, then paints (6.4%).
- Children learn by copying the actions of their parents.
- Most injuries due to household chemical products can be prevented.
Practice... PREVENTION!
Protect your family from the dangers of household chemical products...
- Do an inventory of your home, including your garage and yard. Keep all chemical products locked away...Out of Reach and Out of Sight.
- Review the hazard symbols with your children.Teach them that they mean Danger! Don't Touch!
- Read the label on the product as soon as you bring it home. If there is anything on the label you don't understand, ask for help.
- Keep products in their original containers. Do not transfer the contents to unmarked containers or mix with other chemicals.
- Do not remove or cover up labels.
- Handle products safely. Make sure the cap on the container is closed tightly and store them out of sight and out of reach at all times.
- Avoid using hazardous chemicals when children are near.
- Keep emergency numbers by the phone, including the Poison Control Centre and your doctor.
- Always supervise your child.
Remember...
Read labels carefully before you buy a product.Try to choose a product without a hazard symbol.
Buy only as much as you need to do the job. Less to store means less of a hazard.
Avoid products with colourful labels that may attract young children.
Cleaning solutions made at home from vinegar, baking soda, ammonia, or other products can still be hazardous. Make sure you label the containers and store them out of reach and out of sight.
Read the label first, then use the product as directed.
Only mix chemicals together as directed, or else harmful gases may be produced.
Don't eat or drink while you are working. Chemicals may splash onto your food or drink.
Don't smoke when using a chemical product.Turn off pilot lights or anything that may spark and cause the product to catch fire.
Use hazardous products when children are not around.
Always close containers and put them out of reach if you must leave your work. But remember, some children can still open child-resistant caps.
Make sure the area you are working in is cool and well ventilated.
When you are finished, close all lids, clean up spills and put rags away in a secure place.
Store all chemical products out of reach and out of sight.
Store hazardous chemical products in locked storage areas.
Do not store chemical products in food containers. Others may mistake it for food or drink.
Make sure your storage area is well-ventilated and cool. Keep products away from furnaces, wood stoves or other sources of heat.
Never let children use empty containers as toys even if they have been cleaned and sealed.
Watch your child at other homes; hazardous products may not be stored safely.
...Carefully!
Child-Resistant Containers for Household Chemical Products
Health Canada requires household chemicals that are very toxic, toxic, very corrosive, corrosive or quick skin-bonding (such as "super"-type glues) be packaged in a child-resistant container. These containers make it difficult for children to open and eat or drink the contents.
- "child-resistant" does NOT mean child-proof!
- child-resistant containers are only a temporary barrier
- young children are eager to learn and can figure out how to open the container if given enough time
- CLOSE CONTAINERS TIGHTLY
- STORE CONTAINERS OUT OF SIGHT AND OUT OF REACH OF CHILDREN
- Check to make sure that the child-resistant containers are working properly when you buy a product and again after you use it. Instructions for use are on the label or the lid of the container.
- ALWAYS REPLACE THE CAP SECURELY on the container before you set it down. It only takes a few seconds for a child to swallow a harmful amount of a poison while you are on the phone or answering the doorbell.
- Keep household chemicals in their ORIGINAL container.The label gives you important information on correct use, storage and what to do in case on an injury.
- Always keep the phone number of a poison control centre, or other emergency help near the phone.
Appendix D: Further Information
Health Canada, Product Safety Regional Offices
Appendix E: Resources
There are many resources available on this topic and on general home and child safety.
- .To read the
Consumer Chemicals and Containers Regulations, 2001 SOR/2001-269:
http://canadagazette.gc.ca/arc hives-e.html
... click on 2001 under Canada Gazette, Part II, then go to Wednesday,August 15, 2001;Vol. 135, No. 17
... or you can obtain or order a copy from a government bookstore or your public library.
- Organizations that deal with child safety:
CANADIAN INSTITUTE OF CHILD HEALTH
www.cich.ca
CANADIAN PEDIATRIC SOCIETY
www.cps.ca
SAFE KIDS CANADA
www.safekidscanada.ca
- Organizations that deal with home safety and the health of all family members:
CANADA SAFETY COUNCIL
www.safety-council.org
CANADIAN HEALTH NETWORK
www.canadian-health-network.ca
FIRE PREVENTION CANADA
www.cafc.ca
HEALTH CANADA
www.hc-sc.gc.ca
Many of these sites have links to other sites with information on home and child safety.
1 http://www.safekidscanada.ca/ENGLISH/IP_PROFESSION ALS/
CommActions/ActionKit_ Home/IP_AKHome_Stats1.html
2 Unintentional injuries at home are caused primarily by fires, suffocation and choking, drownings, falls and poisonings.
3 A symbol is made up of a picture and a frame. The picture tells you the type of danger.The frame tells you if it is the chemical inside the container that is azardous or if it is the container that is hazardous.
4 For use with only those 4-5 year olds you think are ready for this activity.
