Safety barriers
Information on how to use safety barriers correctly.
Safety barriers: the basics
When buying a safety barrier, look for:
- information indicating compliance with a British (BS), American (ASTM or CFR), European (EN) or Australian/New Zealand standard (AS/NZS)
- manufacturer's instructions for installation and use
- edges that are smooth and rounded
- spaces between the vertical bars in the barrier that are between 50mm and 85mm wide
- height of at least 750mm from the floor
- features that could provide footholds – such as locks and horizontal bars – your child could use these to climb out.
Using safety barriers
- fit the barrier strictly to manufacturer's instructions
- make sure it is held securely in the doorway or passage
- check regularly that it is firmly in position
- be alert even if you have safety barriers.
Remember that
- children can get stuck in gaps - gaps 30-50mm can trap arms and legs and gaps between 85mm-95mm can trap a baby's head
- kids can climb over and fall if the barrier is too low or has horizontal bars
Got a problem with a safety barrier?
If you have a safety problem with a safety barrier you can report it to the Ministry of Consumer Affairs.
Under the Consumer Guarantees Act you can get a refund, replacement or compensation if goods are unsafe.
Find out whether you can get a refund and how to do it.
Last updated 20 May 2010
