Ni Safety in the Home


Safety in the home sponsored by Clippasafe


My biggest worry is the stairs – what style of safety gate is best? At the top of the stairs we recommend that you fit a safety gate which can be set to open only one way, away from the stairs, and mounted to the wall for additional safety and strength. Pressure fit gates are better suited for the bottom of the stairs. The best time to buy your safety gate is as soon as your little one starts to crawl and gates are suitable for use with children up to the age of 24 months.


Do I need a safety gate for every room? Safety gates are designed to prevent your child’s access to any hazardous areas of the home, traditionally the top and bottom of the stairs. They can also be used across doorways to prevent your child accessing a room, such as the kitchen, or to keep them in a safe environment, such as their bedroom at night. Some pressure-fit gates can also be moved around the house depending on where you and your child are.


How do I make empty plug sockets safe? Socket covers are used to prevent children from inserting fingers or small objects into the socket holes. Always fit socket covers that are only removable with a separate tool such as the plug you need to use, and that are designed not to be removed with the fingers.


My toddler is always trying to open the kitchen drawers and cupboards to see what is inside them. How do I prevent this? Many simple safety accessories, such as cupboard/drawer locks, multi-purpose latches and cabinet locks are available to prevent access to these areas. They are easy to install with self adhesive pads or screws depending on the design, and can be removed when you child is older. For optimum safety, prevent your child from entering the kitchen unsupervised by fitting a safety gate across the kitchen doorway.


How do I make my French Doors safe? A multi-panel room divider, converted from a play pen, is the best solution as it will secure access to the doors whilst providing the functionality of having a gate, enabling adults to continue to use


the French doors. The room divider should be secured to the wall at each end for maximum security.


I have an open fireplace that needs some sort of fireguard fitted. What do you suggest? It is important to choose a fireguard that will fit completely around the fire surround and can be secured to the wall on each side. It should also fit around the hearth, however if this is not possible, adhesive edge guards should be installed around the hearth area. Adjustable fireguards are also available with extension options, as are more shaped, stylish designs however these offer less flexibility in terms of size adjustment.


What sort of thermometers do I need? The following thermometers should be readily available at home: a room thermometer – the nursery’s temperature should be maintained between 16°C and 20°C; bath thermometer or scald warning indicator - to ensure that the water is between 37°C and 41°C; and a digital thermometer – a child’s temperature under normal circumstances should be between 36.6°C and 37.2°C.


What other hidden dangers are there? Curtain and window blind drawcords can be a strangulation hazard. Wind them up out of your child’s reach with a drawcord shortener. Doors can easily trap or pinch fingers. Fit door stoppers and anti-finger trap strips to the hinged side of accessible doors.


Are safety products a guarantee of safety? No. Used correctly, safety products help reduce potential dangers and hazards within the home, however it is every parent’s responsibility to supervise and ensure their child’s safety. Safety products should be checked regularly to maintain efficiency and replaced at the first sign of damage, wear or tear. Don’t forget to take extra care when visiting friends or family and when on holiday, and take essential safety products such as socket covers, corner cushions and cabinet latches with you.


Web: www.clippasafe.co.uk 14 • Ni Sales Training Guide • JANUARY/FEBRUARY 2012 • www.nursery-industry.co.uk


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