Gates and Barriers
Often the most effective method of isolating a toddler
from danger is to create an exclusion zone by installing
a gate or barrier. There are many sizes and configurations
available from retail stores and it is advisable to carry
out some basic research in regards to product quality and
ease of installation before making your selection.
You should
also carefully consider where you locate gates. Often the
most obvious position will be a hindrance to general traffic.
A gate located at the top of a stair might be better positioned
further down a passage way creating an exclusion zone for
the toddler but also allowing access to other rooms.
Care should be taken locating gates with a ‘bottom
rail’ to the top of stairs. The bottom rail is a
significant tripping hazard and injuries can be serious
if a fall occurs down stairs particularly when a toddler
is being carried.
Homesafekids recommends using a modular system that will
allow the gate to be offset about 1½ stair widths
back from the top stair. This will allow the gate to be
negotiated and closed before starting the decent.
Kitchens
A common enquiry is whether to gate off the kitchen or
install a series of cupboard and drawer latches. As the
kitchen is the usually the most dangerous room in the
home HomesafeKids recommends a combination.
Gating the kitchen provides a safe work environment and
protects against falling accidents caused by the toddler
walking or crawling behind an unsuspecting parent concentrating
on the cooking. But the reality is there are too many other
dangers in the kitchen that should not be left unsecured
even with a gate in place.
Detergents and chemicals usually stored under the sink,
plastic bags, drawers with knives and serrations, cupboards
with glass or ceramic objects, accessible ovens and cook
tops all pose a hazard to an adventurous toddler.
Pressure
Gates
The simplest method of installing a barrier is to purchase
a pressure gate. These are available in a number of configurations
and most have modular extensions to accommodate almost
any width.
However before making your purchase familiarize yourself
with the environment you are installing the gate to. A
range of issues can adversely affect installation:
- Check that the two surfaces are stable. Considerable
pressure must be applied for these gates to succeed.
A loose stair newel post or a fragile plaster wall may
not support the gate.
- An oversized skirting will foul the bottom fixing pads.
This will render the gate ‘too large’ so
be sure to measure all distances before making your purchase. Spacer
blocks will accommodate a gate that is narrow but one
that is too large simply cannot be installed
- An undercut as you may expect on a kitchen bench will
render the bottom fixing useless and spacer blocks will
be required. Ensure spacer blocks are large, flat and
adequately grip the substrate.
- Rubber pads on a pressure gate will remove paint from
a plaster wall. Pressure gates are often purchase because
of a perception they are damage free however in order
to grip they have to be ‘sticky’ and often
will remove a disc of surface paint and perhaps plaster.
- Read all instructions before installing. Gates attached
to the top of stairs must be restrained using a fixing
device. Retaining discs are supplied with the gate and
are expected to be screwed into the substrate. There
are acceptable methods of restraining a gate without
using screws.
Self Closing Gates
These are spring hinged with a self latching mechanism.
In principle, self closing gates are fine however it
is critical that they are precisely installed and routinely
checked to ensure the latching mechanism remains tuned.
It is important to think through the intended use of the
gated area. If the toddler is not exposed to the hazard
frequently it may be more convenient to use a manually
latching gate.
Example 1: Although
the kitchen is the most dangerous and frequently used room
in the house, mothers will often use the toddler’s
sleep time to prepare meals. During these times a self
closing gate can be a nuisance.
Example 2: For
most 2 storey homes, the bedrooms will be located upstairs
and gates will be required at both ends of the stair. In
this instance only one of the gates is ever required to
be closed.
Self closing gates however are advisable where there are
older children who may not be as vigilant in closing a
gate as their parents. In this instance the gates need
to be checked daily to ensure they close effectively and
the automatic latching mechanism activates.
Gates with No Bottom Rail
Some gates are available without a bottom rail and these
provide excellent resolution to ‘top of stair’ situations,
however it is critical that the attachment points on
both sides are solid with no movement and can be securely
fastened into. These gates are generally more aesthetically
pleasing and are often installed to protect the integrity
of an interior.
They can however be more difficult to orientate, particularly
the ‘roller blind’ variety as their lack of
rigidity can render opening and closing somewhat of an
ordeal.
These gates require more considered installation as they
tend to be exclusive of adjustment. Both sides must be
perpendicular and the ‘receiver brackets’ perfectly
aligned.
Modular Gates and Fences
Dangerous environments are often left unprotected simply
because parents are unaware of products that can configure
around corners or attach to surfaces that may not align.
Modular gates and fences are ideal for creating child
safety or exclusion zones and can be used to successfully
isolate open or unconventional kitchens.
If the span is to exceed 3 or 4 modules it is important
to allow for a kink or bend in the unit to attain maximum
rigidity.
Attaching to Precious Surfaces
HomesafeKids has developed procedures for attaching gates
to precious surfaces without inflicting damage. This
is particularly important for kitchen benches that are
usually constructed from highly finished materials such
as laminate, stone or timber.
This procedure can also be used for attaching to structural
glass as may be encountered in a balustrade for example.
Cupboards & Drawers
A parent or carers first responsibility with cupboards
and drawers is wherever possible to move dangerous items
or substances out of toddlers reach. These include toxic
or corrosive chemicals, medications, sharp utensils and
glass objects.
Usually relocation is not totally viable therefore a combination
of relocation and cupboard and drawer latches should be
implemented. This will minimise the number of latches required.
A range of latches are readily available from retailers
however you should ensure you choose a quality that will
withstand not only the strength of a toddler but also a
grown up who is unaware the latches are installed.
Obstacles
Before purchasing latches you should investigate the
configuration of cabinets to ensure the latches will install
without fouling cupboards or drawers. Obstacles most often
encountered include:
- Cupboards with sinks or troughs that foul projecting
latches
- Drawers without sufficient clearance to install latch
- Cupboards with flush doors that offer no opportunity
to install the catch component of the latch.
In most instances these obstacles can be overcome by using
a shortened latch or installing a ‘spacer’.
Magnetic Latches
Magnetic latches can work well particularly where there
is a confined space behind the cupboard door. A positive
feature is the activation bar that can be used to disengage
the latch when not in use.
Magnetic latches must be precision installed to function
correctly and cupboard doors should be rigid with little
or no lateral tolerance in the hinges.
Four screw holes and a larger clearance hole for the magnetic
spindle must be drilled into the back face of your cupboard
or drawer.
At least one spare magnet should be safely stored as they
are prone to be misplaced particularly where older children
are present.
As there is no visible sign of these latches they should
be aligned with door furniture and fixed in the same position
on every door so their position can be located quickly.
Fossicking around for the latch can be frustrating.
Ensure others with access to the cupboards are aware of
their existence as they can damage easily if forced.
Externally Fitted Latches
These are available in many configurations including
loop locks, slide locks, Velcro latches etc. Very few of
these latches however activate automatically when cupboards
or drawers are closed. Their effectiveness is therefore
determined by the vigilance of the user to ensure they
are closed after use.
Poorer quality latches can be difficult to manipulate
as the high tolerances can cause the plastic components
to jam and fail.
External latches tend to be satisfactory for cupboards
or drawers that are infrequently used, however they tend
to be frustrating in high use areas such as kitchens.
Self Adhesive Latches
Landlords and Agents will often not permit ‘intrusive’ installations
and home owners with high quality cabinetry often do not
want their doors compromised with screw holes.
Commercially available latches that install with the aid
of self adhesive pads have a tendency to fail through constant
use. This is generally because the bearing area of the
adhesive pad is not sufficient in size.
HomesafeKids has developed a method of applying latches
using self adhesive technology. The bearing surface of
the adhesive pad must be significant and the latch must
be moulded from a soft compound plastic to absorb the forces
applied when opening. An industrial strength foam core
adhesive tape is required for adhesion and further shock
absorption.
When the latch is no longer required it can be removed
with no damage to the cabinetry.
Door Safety
Finger jam injuries are extremely common with toddlers
and can result in nerve damage or at worst amputation.
Statistically the most severe injuries occur on the hinge
side of the door and most often on the inside opening
rather than the outside. A door that opens to form a
cavity is an inviting place for a toddler to hide. They
can insert fingers into the gap and simultaneously push
the door closed unaware of the harm they are causing
themselves.
Doors that could be an attraction to a toddler should
be secured with a finger jam protector. This is a self
adhesive plastic strip that covers the gap in the door.
Doors that are wind affected should be restrained. There
are a variety of products ranging from temporary foam buffers
to integrated door furniture.
Electrical
Electrocution is reducing as a cause of toddler injury
largely due to statutory regulations governing switchboard
safety devices.
Switchboard
You should ensure your switchboard is protected with
a Residual Current Device usually denoted on your switchboard
as RCD unless specialised imported components have been
used. This is an automatic shutdown switch that instantly
detects a power purge and cuts power.
Older houses may not be equipped with an RCD but these
can be retro-fitted by a registered electrician for as
little as $250. This is crucial to toddler safety.
Power Points
Regardless of the presence of an RCD, power points should
always be protected using plastic power point inserts.
Power Boards
Most homes require power-boards due to the proliferation
of low current devices typical of our hi-tech era. Power-boards
are easy for a toddler to access; therefore any unused
terminals should be protected with plastic inserts.
A preferred option to this would be to replace power-boards
with child safe models that deny access to the terminals
as soon as a plug is removed.
Some toddlers develop a fascination with power switches.
A reasonable resolution is to use a child safe power-board
attached to a wall socket that is isolated by furniture.
Trailing Cords
Parents should be careful not to leave trailing appliance
cords overhanging benches. Toddlers tend to grab onto
items above their heads and if they dislodge a heavy
appliance or worse still a kettle of boiling water they
could cause permanent injury.
Excessive Cords
The proliferation of computer and hi-fi equipment present
in most households usually results in an excess of loose
cords. Where possible isolate cords behind furniture
or bundle them together using a proprietary wiring loom
to avoid the possibility of strangulation.
Blind Cords
From 2009 all new blinds must be installed with cords
restrained to the wall or window architrave.
Accessible blind cords have been responsible for many
instances of strangulation. Low level looped cords are
particularly dangerous for obvious reasons. Many parents
are satisfied if loops are out of toddlers reach, however
care must be taken to ensue that subsequent moving of furniture
does not render cords accessible. A chair or couch near
a looped cord could be fatal. Never position a cot within
reach of blind cords.
Blind cords that are not secured can be easily addressed
by hanging the cord on a self adhesive hook positioned
high on the window architrave.
Cords with a pulley weight can be as dangerous as loose
cords. A small screw eye positioned in the bottom
of the weight will allow it to be positioned onto a hook
located on the window architrave.
Sharps
Many toddlers are hospitalised from injuries sustained
in falls against sharp furniture corners, fireplace hearths
or tiled bath surrounds.
Corner protectors are readily available but rarely provide
satisfactory protection. Most corner protectors are moulded
from a semi-soft plastic similar to the material teething
toys are made from. The adhesive is weak and therefore
they are easily removed by an inquisitive toddler.
Homesafekids uses a low density foam cushion that is larger
than most available and therefore offers a greater degree
of protection. This also provides a larger bearing surface
and subsequently better adhesion.
Glass
Each year in Australia approximately 38,000 children
visit hospital emergency centres with glass related injuries.
Low Level Windows
Older houses with low level windows, particularly those
built in the 70’s and 80’s will almost always
have extremely fragile glazing. Where there is space
in front of the window for a toddler to run, there is
an ever present danger of serious glass injury.
Windows can be re-glazed or an inexpensive alternative
would be to install security film. This is a 7 micron film
that is applied to the window and will prevent any penetration
of the glass. The glass can break on impact but the shards
will remain in place preventing injury. HomesafeKids has
many client testimonies of windows with safety film being
broken by a young child with no resulting injury.
Low level window glass in modern houses must, by law be
safety glass however there are still instances where unscrupulous
builders will specify standard float glass to gain a tender
advantage. Tempered safety glass will display a discrete
insignia fired into one corner. If this does not appear
it is quite possibly laminated safety glass that has no
visible marking. Measuring the glass thickness will give
some clue as to its construction. For example 4 mm thick
glass will most likely be laminated glass constructed from
2 sheets of 2mm. Whereas 3mm glass will almost definitely
be float glass and extremely dangerous.
Products
Glass products such as bottles, bowls, saucepan lids
etc. can cause severe glass cut injuries. Always ensure
that these items are located well out of reach of toddlers
or in latched cupboards particularly where hard floors
will result in glass smashing.
Ornaments
Glass ornaments should never be located in areas where
toddlers are prone to play. They may look attractive
but could cause severe injury if they break. You should
avoid small goldfish bowls located on accessible tables
as these can attract toddlers.
Unstable Items & Furniture
You should always be aware of furniture items or ornaments
with unstable bases that could be easily pulled over.
Babies commencing the toddler stage will use objects
to pull themselves up. Typical items are coat stands,
planter tubs and fire tools. Isolate any items that could
injure a toddler if they should topple.
Most toddlers at some stage will be prone to climbing
and therefore shelving can be particularly hazardous. If
shelving is not stable consider bracketing it to the wall.
If your toddler shows a tendency to climb, remove toys
or any attractions from high shelves.
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