Don’t let your Halloween go up in smoke

The countdown is on for the spookiest day of the year. The clocks will soon go back, the nights will get darker earlier, and you’ll be on the look-out for the best Halloween costume.

North East Lincolnshire Council’s Trading Standards team are reminding people to be careful when buying toys, costumes and make-up. Failure to buy good quality and safe products could be putting yourself or your child at risk.

Parents are reminded to be vigilant and be aware of the potential risks linked with fancy dress costumes and naked flames. Keep children away from naked flames such as candles and bonfires, especially if they are wearing flammable items like fake beards, wigs and costumes.

Make sure you check labelling for warnings, instructions and age suitability before purchasing a product.

Don’t be tempted to buy cheap Halloween accessories particularly over the internet without the CE Mark. As well as the CE mark, the UK is starting to use its own safety mark UKCA, so you may see this instead of the CE mark.

In October 2014, Strictly Come Dancing presenter Claudia Winkleman’s daughter suffered serious burns after her witch costume went up in flames after brushing past a candle.

Some basic health and safety tips worth remembering:

• Make sure the costume fits properly to avoid trips and falls
• Always check costumes for the CE or UKCA mark, instructions, age suitability and safety information
• Keep flames away from the child and costume, or use LED lights
• Ensure any masks or hoods don’t stop the child from seeing or breathing

Some road safety tips:

• For greater visibility during dusk and darkness, decorate or trim costumes where appropriate with reflective tape that will glow in the beam of a car’s headlights
• Where appropriate, children should carry electric torches to be easily seen

If you’ve had problems with faulty or dangerous goods, or want advice on consumer protection issues, contact Trading Standards through the Citizens Advice Consumer Service on 0808 223 1133 or online at www.adviceguide.org.uk.