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Archived news release from 27 September 2002
Dart gun danger
Trading standards officers in Dudley are issuing a warning to toy retailers and the public about the dangers of children choking on small plastic darts fired by toy guns.

The warning comes after investigations into a toy gun following the death of an 11 year old boy on holiday in Hampshire. From 30 September 2002 the European Toy Standard requires all projectiles with a suction cup to be at least 57 millimetres (2 ¼ inches) in length to prevent choking.

Dudley residents are advised to destroy any toy that contains a suction cup dart shorter than 57mm or to warn their children of the dangers of choking when playing with these toys.

Retailers are advised to remove any non-compliant toys from sale immediately and to return them to their suppliers.

Tim French, Divisional Manger for Trading Standards in Dudley, said:

"Traders must stop selling these toy guns immediately. It is also important that members of the public are aware of the potential dangers from this type of toy."

Councillor George Davis Lead Member for Environmental Services, said:

"Safety is paramount especially where young children are concerned. I urge Dudley residents and retailers to take notice of the warning from trading standards about the choking hazard these toy guns and their darts represent."
Traders or local residents who wish to obtain further advice should contact Trading Standards on 0845 330 3313.

--- Note To Editors ---
Note for editors

A number of child deaths have occurred in Sweden, the USA and in Hampshire, UK caused by choking on a projectile from a toy dart gun. To prevent further tragedies, the European Standard for toy safety, EN 71-1, has been amended to increase the minimum permitted length of projectiles with a suction cup to 57mm (2¼ inches).

The purpose of this change is to make projectiles more difficult to swallow and ensure that, in the event of a suffocation accident, the projectile is long enough to be removed if it is blocking the airways.

The new requirement takes effect from 30 September 2002. After that date, toys that do not meet the new standard will be regarded as unsafe and failing the Toy (Safety) Regulations.

However, due to the potentially serious nature of the hazard, retailers are urged to check their stock and remove any non-compliant products immediately. These should be destroyed or returned to their supplier for destruction.

After 30 September 2002 anyone offering to sell toys that fire projectiles with suction cups that are less than 57mm long will be liable to prosecution.
Release Date: 27 September 2002
Directorate: Chief Executives
Contact: Tim French, Divisional Manager, Trading Standards
Phone: 814683
Address: Chief Executives Department, Dudley MBC, Council House, Dudley, West Midlands. DY1 1HF
Contact: Bob Cooper, Principal Standards Officer
Phone: 814669
© 2006 Dudley Metropolitan Borough Council, Council House, Priory Road, Dudley, West Midlands, DY1 1HF