Safety Research Reveals Alarming Dangers in Many Retractable Child Safety Gates Sold on Online
Introduction:
Children’s Safety Barriers/Expansion Gates are crucial for preventing serious accidents among children, particularly at home where areas like stairs and kitchens pose significant risks. This report presents the findings of a research study conducted on the quality and safety of retractable Safety Barriers/Expansion Gates available in the European and U.S. markets.
A total of 24 gates were tested, with Mr. Mattias Larsson, the designer of the original retractable Safety Barriers/Expansion Gates, serving as the expert for the study. Physical laboratory tests were performed by the state-owned Research Institutes of Sweden (RISE), while chemical tests were conducted by SGS-CSTC (Standards Technical Services Co., Ltd) in China.
- Eight items were purchased from Amazon Germany.
- Three items were purchased from a Netherlands online shop.
- Three items were purchased from a Swedish online shop.
- Ten items were purchased from Amazon in the U.S.A.
The purchased models are sold under more than 80 different brand names.
Test Overview:
The research encompassed several important safety issues identified in the EN standard EN1930:2011 (applicable in Europe) and the US standard ASTM F1004–22 (applicable in the United States). The tests covered the following aspects:
- Product Marking
- Purchase Information
- Instruction for Use — Manual
- Product Registration Card (CPSC 16 CFR 1130), only U.S.
- Protective Height
- Gaps (Hip Probe/Small Torso)
- Protrusion Hazards (Ball-Chain), only EU
- Chemical content test of fabric according to:
EU: EN71–3:2019+A1:2021, 2009/48/EC TSD
U.S.: 16 CFR 1303 + CPSIA and HR 4040, 16 CFR 1307/CPSIA section 108 and Moorberg V, North States Industries Inc. out of court settlement and California State, AB 652.
If a model is indicated as having passed, it doesn’t mean that it meets the requirements of the full standards.
Test Results:
Europe standard (EN1930:2011):
- Number of tested models: 15 (14 purchased in Europe, 1 in the U.S.)
- Number of faulty Gates: 13 models (All 9 purchased from Amazon failed)
The 22 brand names tested and failed according to EU standard EN1930:2011 are:
- Wiscky (aka. Eyeleaf, Yiomxhi Store, Fieldbunny, Wodondog, KKYOYO, Tusunny, Sinbide, JoyHi, Erwoosc, Aeun, Satisure)
- Looxii
- Gaterol
- Mayki (aka. Dancal, WholeFire, Costway, LPing, Luxe)
- GOPLUS (aka. Leogreen, Barrangers Premium, Costway, HUACHEN-CHAO, DREAMADE, ROWE, Nrkin)
- Famooklan
- Ruhhy
- Lionelo
- Dreambaby
- Melko / Mucola
- Kaxholmen (aka. Bozz, Olmitos)
- Balloe
- YOOFOR (aka. Momcozy, HENGMEI, NAIZY, Aufun, YUENFONG, LARS360, UISEBRT, VA-Cerulean, LZQ Door, AzHelios, YRHome, UISEBRT, SOSmart, YARDIN, XMTECH, GUANGWEI, AIYOU, TRMLBE, Froadp, Stair Safety Gate, XMTECH, ADSafety, L.O.B Goods, Children’s Stair Safety Gate, Goliving, SAILUN, Renoble, Perfect Flower, HUACHEN-CHAO, Flander, Unisex)
- KISKIZ (aka. WOMHOM)
- Momcozy
- COMONY (aka. Ruhhuy, iMoebel, Hawthyhome Door Safety Gate)
- Cumbor (aka. MYPIN, HollyHOME)
- PRObebi (aka. VOUNOT, Hantoc, Fuumlo)
- Babevy
- Skip Hop
- Regalo
- Perma
United States standard (ASTM F1004–22):
- Number of tested models purchased in the U.S.: 10
- Number of faulty barriers: 9 models (all models purchased from Amazon U.S.)
The 23 brand names tested and failed according to U.S. standard ASTM F1004–22 are:
- Wiscky (aka. Eyeleaf, Yiomxhi Store, Fieldbunny, Wodondog, KKYOYO, Tusunny, Sinbide, JoyHi, Erwoosc, Aeun, Satisure)
- Looxii
- Gaterol
- Mayki (aka. Dancal, WholeFire, Costway, LPing, Luxe)
- Costway (aka. GOPLUS, Leogreen, Barrangers Premium, Costway, HUACHEN-CHAO, DREAMADE, ROWE, Nrkin)
- Famooklan
- Ruhhy
- Lionelo
- Dreambaby
- Melko / Mucola
- Kaxholmen (Bozz, Olmitos)
- Balloe
- YOOFOR (aka. Momcozy, HENGMEI, NAIZY, Aufun, YUENFONG, LARS360, UISEBRT, VA-Cerulean, LZQ Door, AzHelios, YRHome, UISEBRT, SOSmart, YARDIN, XMTECH, GUANGWEI, AIYOU, TRMLBE, Froadp, Stair Safety Gate, XMTECH, ADSafety, L.O.B Goods, Children’s Stair Safety Gate, Goliving, SAILUN, Renoble, Perfect Flower, HUACHEN-CHAO, Flander, Unisex)
- KISKIZ (aka. WOMHOM)
- Momcozy
- COMONY (aka. Ruhhuy, iMoebel, Hawthyhome Door Safety Gate)
- Cumbor (aka. MYPIN, HollyHOME)
- PRObebi (aka. VOUNOT, Hantoc, Fuumlo)
- Babevy
- Skip Hop
- Regalo
- Yara
- Twist
Key Observations:
Protective Height:
EU: Required height — 650 mm, Load — 250 N
Ten out of 15 gates failed to meet the standards.
U.S.A: Required height — 560 mm, Load — 200 N
Four out of 10 gates failed to meet the standards. All 10 gates failed when tested to the EN standard.
Gaps:
EU: Tested with Hip Probe, applied pressure of 30 N
Two out of 15 gates failed to meet the standards.
U.S.A: Tested with Small Torso, applied pressure of 111 N
Six out of 10 gates failed to meet the standards.
Protrusion Hazards (Strangulation Risks):
EU: Tested with a ball with a loop, chain not stuck
Nine out of 15 gates failed to meet the EN standards requirement.
U.S.A: Tested with a ball with a loop, chain not stuck
Nine out of 10 gates failed to meet the standards. (Note: not a U.S standard)
Chemical Tests:
EU: All gates passed the chemical tests.
U.S.A: Three out of 10 gates failed the tests due to the presence of Phthalates.
Implications:
The test results indicate several concerning findings regarding the test procedure, the safety, and compliance of the tested gates:
- The way of performing the gap test doesn’t indicate if a child can crawl under the gate or not. Even a not stretched Safety Barrier/Expansion Gate can stop the probes from passing under and get a pass when tested.
- Lack of knowledge, understanding, or disregard for the safety standards by manufacturers, importers, and sellers.
- Priority given to low prices over safety, putting children at risk.
- Insufficient control by authorities and organizations regarding the standard compliance of products being sold.
Conclusion:
The research study on Retractable Safety Barriers/Expansion Gates revealed alarming deficiencies in the safety and compliance of the tested gates. It is imperative that manufacturers, importers, and sellers prioritize adherence to safety standards to protect children from potential accidents. Authorities and organizations must strengthen control measures to ensure the safety of children’s products in the market. For more detailed information, the test reports can be obtained by contacting info@tooconsult.se
