New government report on Halloween costumes spells concern, say RoSPA

Tests on children’s Halloween costumes revealed that over 80% of costumes for under-sevens failed basic safety tests, including those for flammability and strangulation risks. RoSPA advises parents to take one simple but crucial step this Halloween: choose costumes from trusted sources that meet UK safety standards.

As Halloween approaches, the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) is urging families to take action following alarming news from the Office for Product Safety and Standards (OPSS).

New Findings on Costume Safety

Tests conducted by  OPSS on 128 costumes purchased from various online marketplaces found that more than 80% failed safety tests. Among these, 28 costumes did not meet flammability standards, and 59 were found to have dangerous cords or drawstrings that posed a strangulation hazard. Many costumes also lacked appropriate labelling, with 98 out of 128 failing to provide essential safety information.

Adrian Simpson, Head of Policy and Press for RoSPA said:

“These results are deeply concerning. Parents and those responsible for children need to be extra cautious this Halloween. Always purchase costumes from reputable retailers and check for the UKCA or CE mark to ensure they comply with UK safety regulations.”

“This is important as it shows that the product has been tested to meet UK safety standards, and indicates that the costume has passed essential safety tests, including those for flammability.”

“With the recent findings from the OPSS, it’s clearer than ever that safety needs to come first. If you’re buying a Halloween costume for your child, checking for that the product meets labelling requirements should be a top priority. This simple check can prevent accidents and ensure a safer Halloween for everyone.”

Additional Safety Tips for Halloween

In addition to choosing costumes that meet flammability and safety standards, RoSPA advises families to follow these important guidelines:

• Avoid open flames: Keep children away from lit candles, fireplaces, and any other open flames.
• Supervise children: An adult should always be present to supervise children, especially near fire hazards.
• Make costumes visible: Add reflective strips to costumes or provide children with torches to ensure they can be seen in the dark while trick-or-treating.
• Stay cautious with homemade costumes: RoSPA advises against homemade costumes, as they are unlikely to meet the same fire safety standards as store-bought ones that comply with UK regulations.
• Check for product recalls: The OPSS regularly updates its website with information on recalled products, including Halloween costumes. If you’re unsure about a costume’s safety, check online before using it.