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Childrens Fire Labelling

Childrens Fire Labelling

Fire hazard labelling for nightwear


The Sleep Store takes our responsibilities in this area very seriously, and as a result we have prepared this information to ensure you can keep your children safe from fire hazards and burns in nightwear.

All nightwear sold in New Zealand for children 6 months to 14 years must comply with the Standard AS/NZS 1249:2014 Children’s Nightwear and limited day-wear.

This Product Safety Standard aims to ensure that all clothing that is suitable for children to wear at night is either designed to reduce fire danger or is made of fabric that is less likely to burn.

All children’s nightwear must carry a fire hazard label. The label provides to caregivers information aimed at helping to reduce the risk of death and injury from fire hazards.

All product pages now show a garment's label, so you can make an informed decision when choosing nightwear and sleeping bags.

 

New Zealand and Australian joint standard


AU/NZ 1249 is a joint standard between Australia and New Zealand, however the counties are not currently aligned in terms of the version of the standard in force. New Zealand has fully implemented 1249:2014 but Australia has 1249:2014 as a voluntary standard and still has 1249:2003 as their mandatory standard.

Please note as a New Zealand company, we ensure that our products comply with the current safety standard in New Zealand - AU/NZ 1249:2014. This came into force in NZ in April 2017 and then a few years later implemented in Australia. However under Trans-Tasman Mutual Recognition Arrangement (TTMRA) NZ fire labels can be supplied into Australia. and the 2014 labelling provides a higher level of safety information for consumers.

Labelling:


Children’s nightwear or day-wear that may be worn for sleeping must carry fire danger labels. What label applies depends on what category the nightwear falls under as set out in the Standard.

The Standard sets out four different categories. Which category applies is based on a garment’s design, type of fabric and the burn test results.

Children’s nightwear and sleeping bags must carry one of these 2 labels.


1. White Caution Label


This applies to all garments in categories 1, 2 and 3.

It covers sizes 00 to 14 years.

However all in ones or onesies made from knitted or jersey fabric only need to carry the label from size 3 upwards.

Some sleeping bags carry this label if they have shown to burn slower than high fire danger items, which are generally merino bags.

3. High Fire Danger Label


Category 4 garments must carry a high fire danger label.

These garments generally contain some form of synthetic fabric or are made from a more flammable natural fabric.

Also looser fitting garments that are more likely to drag or hang loosely will be rated High Fire danger - such as dressing gowns, bath robes and nighties.

Please note the text on the High Fire Danger labels has changed with the 2014 version of the standard.

 

Keeping your child safe

 

Be aware that if a child is wearing high fire danger nightwear they should stay far away from the fire or heater.

But even a ‘low danger’ label doesn’t mean there is no danger. A low fire danger label does not mean NO fire danger, as all fibres will burn. Even ‘low fire danger’ can still catch fire if the child is too close.

Making sure children stay at least one metre away from any heat source such as a heater or open fire could reduce their risk of injury or death from a fire hazard.

We recommend buying your children's sleepwear close fitting in the correct size. Much of the danger from nightwear comes from buying nightwear in the next size up, to try to get an extra wear from it next year...this is very false economy if the loose fit puts your child in danger!

Look for nightwear styles that are very snug fitting, ie tight arms and skinny fit leggings, rather than traditional button up tops and loose pants.

Merino fabric is the safest option for nightwear, as has the slowest burn time of any nightwear fabric.

Sleeping bags are also covered by the product safety standard, and will have one of the above labels. We strongly recommend taking off your child's sleeping bag when you take them out of their cot. It is not safe to be walking round in a sleeping bag, as your child can easily trip and fall. This could result in injury from the fall or mean they fall onto a heater or other fire hazard.


If you have any further questions regarding the new fire labelling, please let us know.

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