EN 71-1 Projectile Toys Mechanical Safety Test
The EN 71-1 standard is a crucial requirement for ensuring that toys are safe and suitable for children of all ages. This section focuses on the mechanical safety aspects, specifically addressing projectiles in toy designs. The test evaluates whether any small parts or components can detach and become projectiles under normal use conditions. This ensures that if a child were to interact with such a toy, they would not be at risk of injury from flying objects.
The test is particularly important for toys made of materials like plastic, rubber, metal, or composite materials that could potentially break into sharp fragments upon impact. The standard aims to prevent these small parts from causing cuts, punctures, or other injuries if they are ingested or come into contact with sensitive areas of the body.
The test involves a series of mechanical actions and environmental conditions designed to simulate real-world use scenarios. It is important for quality managers, compliance officers, and R&D engineers to understand these parameters in order to ensure that their products meet the required safety standards.
For this test, a projectile tester machine is used. This device simulates different types of impacts that could occur during play, such as dropping a toy from various heights or subjecting it to specific forces. The machine measures how much force and energy are exerted on the toy during these simulations.
The specimens tested include all parts of the toy that might detach under normal use conditions. These can range from small wheels or gears in construction toys to loose beads or buttons in soft play items. The test aims to ensure that any part larger than 5 millimeters (mm) cannot become a projectile.
Once the testing is complete, the results are analyzed for compliance with EN 71-1 standards. If the toy passes this mechanical safety test, it can be marketed and sold in the European Union (EU), where compliance with EN 71 is mandatory.
To ensure consistent and accurate testing across different manufacturers and countries, it is recommended to use an accredited laboratory that specializes in toy testing. These laboratories have the necessary equipment and expertise to conduct these tests reliably and according to the latest standards.
Failure to meet EN 71-1 requirements can result in product recalls or even legal action against the manufacturer. Therefore, it is crucial for companies involved in toy manufacturing to thoroughly understand and comply with this standard.
Applied Standards
| Standard | Description |
|---|---|
| EN 71-1:2019+A1:2023 | Part of the European Standard that specifies requirements and test methods for mechanical and physical properties of toys. This includes the testing of projectiles to ensure they do not pose a risk to children. |
Why Choose This Test
- Ensures compliance with international toy safety regulations.
- Avoids potential legal and financial risks associated with non-compliance.
- Protects the reputation of your brand by ensuring product safety.
- Promotes confidence among parents and guardians regarding the suitability of toys for their children.
- Allows you to meet market access requirements in the EU and other regions that recognize EN 71 standards.
Use Cases and Application Examples
This test is particularly relevant for manufacturers of various types of toys, including but not limited to:
- Baby play gyms.
- Toys with detachable parts like wheels or gears in construction sets.
- Soft toys with loose components such as buttons or beads.
- Toddler activity centers and infant play mats.
The test ensures that any small part of the toy larger than 5 mm is not likely to detach and become a projectile, thus preventing potential injuries. This is especially important for toys designed specifically for infants and toddlers who are more prone to putting objects in their mouths or playing with them in ways that could lead to detachment.
For instance, consider a baby play gym where the bars or rings can detach due to the child's pulling on them. If these parts were not properly tested according to EN 71-1 standards, they might break into sharp fragments that could cause injury if ingested or swallowed by the infant.
Another example is a construction toy set where small gears and wheels can detach easily during play. By ensuring compliance with this test, manufacturers can guarantee that such small parts will not become projectiles under normal use conditions.
