EBPC
ING K L TA
EBPC
Suteesh Chumber is the operations manager at EBPC
HALLOWEEN HELP! As Europe’s leading voice on the party and balloon industry, who better to share their top 13 ‘tricks and stay safe’ tips for Halloween than the European Balloon & Party Council (EBPC)? Here are the key pieces of advice retailers should bear in mind this Halloween.
“H
alloween is a great time of year which transforms even the oldest of us into magical little ghoulies. Everyone, especially children, loves to dress up at Halloween. With the explosive growth and increased access to costumes in the EU market over recent years, sadly an incident of a costume fire in 2014 has led to questions by some on whether the standards are adequate and a clear need to ensure consumers are made aware of how to remain safe. Although there was no clear indication whether the costume involved was manufactured to any safety standard, the EBPC would like to offer the following tips to help you advise your customers and ensure they remain safe and enjoy Halloween. 1. When choosing a child’s costume, always look for the CE marking to ensure the product is manufactured to the harmonised European Safety Standards, which includes flammability. This doesn’t guarantee a product won’t catch fire, but it does indicate the product will burn slowly and present a low rate flame spreading if it ignites. 2. Draping costumes have a higher chance of catching lit lanterns placed on the floor and could present a trip hazard on steps. Ensure your customer’s costumes fit appropriately. 3. Purchasing items online can also pose a risk of buying from unknown sellers without knowing their history. If you know customers are planning on purchasing online, ensure the retailer is reputable and carries genuine products. 4. Avoid stocking costumes with too much glitter as the glitter itself can increase the flammability rate. 5. Remind customers to keep burning candles out of reach of children and pets, do not burn candles on or near anything that can catch fire.
6. Stock battery operated candles for consumers who remain unsure and are concerned about the fire and safety risks of real flames. 7. Stock heavier synthetic garments manufactured from a single type of fabric rather than flimsy, layered and frilly garments. Heavier synthetic garments tend to have a slower burn rate, while thin, flimsy garments often burn much faster. 8. Suggest consumers wear everyday clothes under their costume to provide added protection should a tricky situation with flames occur. 9. Customers buying face paints should be reminded to always read the label before use. They should patch test their skin for allergy at least two hours before using the product. 10. Monitor your accessories and props. Ask yourself the question – ‘would customers be harmed if they fell on these props?’ If so, consider softer options. 11. If you sell masks, ensure the eye cutouts are adequate and children can breathe adequately. Warn customers that masks should not be worn when approaching busy roads as it can be difficult to see and they can widen your blind spot. 12. Advise customers that they can stay
visible by wearing lighter coloured costumes. If the costume is dark, reflective tape or glow sticks will help keep people visible to motorists. 13. Remind customers that any footwear provided with their costumes may not suitable for outdoor use – choosing a sensible replacement will ensure there are no slips or trips. Look for the CE marking on children’s costumes – it means the product has been manufactured by a reputable manufacturer to meet European Safety Standards for the products concerned. Most of all, a little mental risk assessment goes along way – just take a minute to stand back and look at the costume, fitting and accessories a customer is choosing and ask yourself whether it looks and feels safe. We would like to wish everyone a happy and enjoyable Halloween and hope the tips provided will keep your customers safe!”
What Is The European Balloon & Party Council? The European Balloon & Party Council (EBPC) is made up of over 35 key players who work closely to promote the safe and responsible use of party products. The association works hard to represent members on key issues that arise within the EU, while providing members with communication on new directives and legislation. In 2016 The EBPC launched a Code of Best Practice campaign, which will reach out to consumers as well as those in the industry. This is the first campaign of its kind in Europe and will encompass the safe enjoyment and handling of balloons. EBPC is the industry leading voice in Europe. Further information about EBPC can be found at www.ebpcouncil.eu
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