BS EN 7161:1995 is a professional technical standard that sets forth the requirements and guidelines for safety in cribs intended for use by infants. This standard ensures that cribs manufactured and sold in compliance with its specifications are safe and reliable for babies to sleep in.
Importance of BS EN 7161:1995
The establishment of BS EN 7161:1995 was necessary due to the increasing number of crib-related accidents and incidents reported worldwide. The standard addresses various aspects of crib safety, such as stability, materials used, construction, and performance under different conditions. Adherence to BS EN 7161:1995 helps in preventing potential hazards and reducing the risk of injuries or fatalities associated with crib usage.
Main Requirements and Guidelines
BS EN 7161:1995 specifies several key requirements that cribs must meet to ensure safety. Some of these include:
- Structural Integrity: Cribs should be designed and constructed in a way that prevents collapsing or disassembling accidentally, ensuring stable and secure sleeping environments for infants.
- Bar Spacing: The spacing between the bars or slats of the crib must be such that it avoids the risk of entrapping a baby's head or limbs, reducing the possibility of serious injuries.
- Mattress Support: The standard outlines specifications for the crib's mattress support to offer optimal comfort and prevent sagging or inadequate support for the baby.
- Surface Finish: Cribs must have a smooth and non-toxic surface finish, free from any sharp edges or protruding parts that may harm the baby.
Compliance and Certification
Manufacturers and suppliers of cribs need to comply with BS EN 7161:1995 to ensure their products meet the safety requirements. Compliance is typically evaluated through thorough testing conducted by accredited laboratories that analyze cribs' design, construct, and performance. Once a crib successfully passes all the required testing procedures, it can be certified as meeting the BS EN 7161:1995 standard.
Consumers should always look for the BS EN 7161:1995 certification mark or logo when purchasing a crib to ensure they are choosing a product that meets the highest safety standards and provides a secure sleeping environment for their baby.
In conclusion, BS EN 7161:1995 plays a crucial role in promoting crib safety and preventing accidents that may harm infants. Its implementation ensures that cribs meet specific safety requirements, offering parents peace of mind while their babies sleep soundly.
Nina She