S P E C I A L I S T R E TA I L ER S | PA R T 2
Know-how for the sales professional
Textile safety for children
UV protection
Ease of care
Wearing and sleeping comfort
Safe fastenings
Flammability
Warning clothing
Testing for harmful substances
Quality labels
Wind- and waterproofing
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K N O W- H O W F O R T H E S A L E S P R O F E S S I O N A L
Always on the safe side
Interview with Jutta Knels,
Managing Director of the OEKO-TEX® Certification Centre
Children‘s clothes appear regularly on
the weekly RAPEX lists, the EU warning
system for dangerous consumer
products. What are the things that
the official monitoring organisations
complain about most often?
Jutta Knels: According to the EU, every
tenth item of clothing on sale in Europe is
not safe for children. The worst offenders
in this hall of shame are products with
dangerous fastenings. Textiles containing
harmful substances are removed from
the market as being unfit for sale, while
textiles with components which could
be swallowed by small children trigger
product recalls. At the moment there is no
standardised regulation in Europe on the
flammability of textiles for children – apart
from for nightwear. That means that not all
the possible sources of danger are covered
by official monitoring systems.
What specific threats are posed by
these products?
Jutta Knels, textile engineer
frequent serious accidents caused when the
fastenings on clothing become trapped in
vehicle doors, escalators, fences or railings
when children are playing and rushing
around. Buttons and other small parts that
can be swallowed on children‘s clothing
cause lots of problems, as do removable
motifs on toys. The consequences of the
potential injuries are of varying degrees of
severity, but especially in the case of burns,
children can often suffer lifelong injury.
What about harmful substances in
textiles – what risk do they pose for
children?
Jutta Knels: Here the potential danger is
not acute. However, harmful substances
like allergenic or carcinogenic dyes,
formaldehyde and softeners have longterm negative effects on children‘s healthy
development. Even an inappropriate pH
value can be harmful to children‘s delicate
skin over a long period, especially in
combination with other external influences.
With this in mind, what
recommendations can you make
about choosing children‘s clothes?
Jutta Knels: Retailers can make sure, even
when they are selecting their product
range, that it provides maximum safety
for children and that they can advise their
customers accordingly. As well as that,
there are a number of other ways in which
textiles can actively help improve safety for
children, such as high-visibility clothing in
traffic, or high UV protection, and it needs to
be possible for both retailers and consumers
to verify this kind of effectiveness.
My colleagues and I have put together
a small checklist for sales personnel in
specialist retail shops to help them with
this
Internetlinks:
www.rapex.eu
www.oeko-tex.com
Jutta Knels: Every year about 1000
accidents are recorded involving cords,
ribbons and laces. For example, there are
Summary table – Passive Safety
Passive safety
Materials tested for harmful
substances
Explanation
• Elimination of banned azo dyes, carcinogenic or allergenic dyes,
pesticides and softeners (phthalates)
• Strict limit values for heavy metals and formaldehyde
• Colourfastness
• Skin-neutral pH value
Can be tested by
Especially important for
Testing for
harmful
substances
under the
OEKO-TEX®
Standard 100
Underwear
Outerwear
Domestic textiles
• No cords or drawstrings on clothing for children under 7 years.
• Limitations for older children (see chart).
Compliance with DIN EN 14682
“Safety of children‘s clothing”
Children‘s clothing of all
types
• Washable at higher temperatures, so that pathogens are
reliably killed.
Labelling on the product
In the case of illness:
underwear and nightwear
Bed-linen
Safe fastenings
Easy care
Five essentials in textile safety
1
No close contact with
harmful substances
Not only children‘s skin but their
whole organism is particularly
sensitive to harmful substances. That
is why textiles for children must not
give off harmful substances either in
contact with the skin or if they are
sucked or chewed.
So the laboratory testing for the OEKOTEX® Standard 100 uses synthetic
sweat and saliva solutions to test
whether harmful chemical substances
may be released from clothing and
textile toys. Products are tested by
independent test institutes for more
than 100 separate substances. These
include:
•
•
•
•
•
•
banned azo dyes
carcinogenic and allergenic dyes
pesticides
heavy metals (e.g. nickel)
softeners (phthalates)
formaldehyde
There is more information in Part 1
of the Basic Information on “Textile
safety for children” at
www.oeko-tex.com/salespro
2
Safe fastenings
If they become caught in escalators
or toys, for example, cords and
drawstrings can pose a fatal risk to
children.
However, there are number of other
safe yet attractive ways in which
children‘s clothing can be fastened.
Since 2005, the DIN EN 14682 “Safety
of children‘s clothing – Cords and
drawstrings on children‘s clothing”
has given recommendations on the
safe design of clothing for children
under the age of 14.
There is more information in Part 1
of the Basic Information on “Textile
safety for children” at
www.oeko-tex.com/salespro
3
Avoid incendiary
situations
In general where children are
concerned: avoid situations involving
an open flame. Here, parents bear
special responsibility.
Making sure that children‘s clothing
(and clothing in general) fits properly is
a very important factor in preventive
safety. Make sure the textiles fit close
to the body; garments that are too
wide and flapping can accidentally
come into contact with open flames
and catch fire.
The flammability of textiles varies
greatly. Wool is naturally not easily
flammable. Fabrics made from cotton
burn up very quickly leaving almost
no trace (like paper). Polyester, on
the other hand, burns more slowly,
melting and burning into the skin.
Mixed fabrics made from cotton and
synthetic fibres are very dangerous.
On the one hand, they catch fire very
quickly in contact with a flame, and
on the other, they melt under the
effect of heat.
This is why in the USA and other
countries where open fires are
more common, flame-retardant
treatments for children‘s sleepwear
are widely used, to reduce the risk of
them catching fire.
In Europe, Carnival costumes are
subject to the Toy Safety Directive
88/378/EEC which regulates the
flammability of this kind of product,
because of the high potential risk.
Pocket cut-out format
Passive safety
Comfortable to wear and
sleep in
Explanation
Can be tested by
Especially important for
• Breathability and thermal insulation appropriate
to the activity or area of use, giving maximum
support for bodily functions.
• Protection against loss of body heat and
overheating.
Wear comfort ratings are based on independent
laboratory testing, taking account of the moisture
and heat management characteristics of the
processed materials.
Hats and caps
Outerwear
Jackets and coats
Trousers
• Protection from the weather
Since there are no standardised regulations,
independent quality testing is useful.
Hats and caps
Outerwear
Jackets and coats
Trousers
• Protection from burning in contact with an
open flame
Compliance with DIN EN 14878 “Burning behaviour
of children‘s nightwear”. The regulations can also
be applied to other textiles for children.
Or laboratory testing under DIN EN 6940 to
determine the flammability of textiles.
Loose-fitting clothing (and
other textiles) which could
come into contact with an
open flame.
Wind- and waterproofing
Flame resistance
W W W. O EKO -T E X . CO M / P R O D U C T S
4
Wearable sunscreen
Of course, playing outside is best when
the sun is shining. Children will often
forget not only the time but also the
dangerous consequences of spending
too long in the sun. In children, the skin‘s
natural protection mechanisms are not
yet fully developed. However, children
can be protected from the skin damage
caused by high-energy solar radiation by
wearing special UV-protection clothing,
which leaves some cosmetic sunscreens
“in the shade”.
W W W. O EKO -T E X . CO M / B R A N D S
When the UV protection factor (UPF =
Ultraviolet Protection Factor) of textiles
is being measured under UV Standard
801, the real-life stresses and strains
of everyday wear and tear (stretching,
moisture, ageing) are taken into account.
This means that textiles tested under
UV Standard 801 provide safe protection
from the sun even if they are wet,
stretched or worn.
Other measuring systems which only
consider the new textile in its unstretched
and/or dry condition should therefore
Headwear
Hats and caps with a
brim protect the face
and eyes from intense
UV radiation. If the ears
are uncovered, these
must be protected with
a sunscreen cream.
be treated with caution, because
unfortunately they do not take account
of some factors which could have a
negative effect on the UPF in practice.
Sunglasses
Without eye protection, UV
radiation can lead to inflammation
of the conjunctiva or permanent
damage to the cornea. That is
because of the intensity of reflected
light, especially off water or snow.
High-quality sunglasses absorb 99%
of the UV rays. Sunglasses with UV
protection have a CE mark on the
inside of the arm of the glasses and
the marking EN 1836:1997.
Clothing
To keep children safe right through
a summer‘s day, their clothing
should have a UPF of 60-80 and
long sleeves and legs. Any parts of
the body that are not covered, such
as the top of the feet, must also be
protected with cosmetic sunblock.
Active safety
Active
Explanation
• High UV protection (UPF) to avoid premature ageing
of the skin or skin cancer caused by high-energy UV
radiation
Can be tested by
UV protection
factor calculated
in accordance with
UV Standard 801*
High UV protection factor
Especially important for
Outerwear
Swimwear
Headwear
Shading textiles (sunshades, beach
shelters etc.)
• Increased visibility in traffic due to use of reflective
materials
DIN EN 1150 for high-visibility
clothing not used professionally;
for other types, see chart.
Jackets, trousers, headwear
Bags and rucksacks
• To relieve the symptoms of neurodermatitis by
normalising the skin flora
Laboratory testing under ISO
20743 ASTM E 2149
Special underwear for
neurodermatitis sufferers
High visibility
Antimicrobial treatments
* Alternative measuring systems such as those under AS/NZS 4399:1996 and EN 13758-1 are not regarded by experts as being sufficiently realistic and so can only be recommended with
some reservations. Further information at www.uvstandard801.de
W W W. O EKO -T E X . CO M / P R O D U C T S
W W W. O EKO -T E X . CO M / B R A N D S
Five essentials in textile safety
5
See and be seen
This is the slogan under which tens of
thousands of children starting school
are introduced to modern
road safety every year.
However, numerous
accidents, especially
at night, at dusk or
in poor weather,
can be prevented
by choosing
suitable clothing
with fluorescent
and reflective
features.
Rules governing their size and positioning
on warning clothing for non-professional
use are given in DIN EN 1150.
In fact, even on quite “normal” jackets,
trousers and hats for children,
fluorescent and (retro)reflective
materials are increasingly
being used.
However, to achieve an
adequate warning effect,
the size of the patches
and their positioning are
important.
continued
Background material
Suitable fluorescent** colours:
•
•
•
•
green
yellow-green
yellow
yellow-orange
•
•
•
•
orange
orange-red
red
pink
• Surface area of the background
material depends on body size,
e.g. for clothing size 140, at
least 0.24 m².
Measuring high
visibility under
DIN EN 1150
• Assessing the warning effect in
new condition and after artificial
ageing (exposure to light)
• Testing the surface area and
positioning of fluorescent
background material and
retroreflective patches
Any company
Any Street 11
12345 Any Town
High-visibility jacket
Children‘s jacket,
Article no. 56565…..
DIN EN 1150
Background material yellow
85% polyester / 15% cotton
max. 25 x
i
Wash separately
Do not use detergents with optical brighteners! Do
not use softening agents. Store protected from exposure to light!
Patches
Retroreflective*** material
• Evenly distributed over all parts
of the body.
• Surface area of each patch
no smaller than 25 cm² or
minimum width 25 mm
• Positioning is particularly
important at the ends of the
sleeves and legs, at a distance of
at least 5 cm from the hem.
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Basic knowledge on textiles
and the skin of babies
• Positioning also useful at the
bottom of the jacket and at
chest height.
• On hats or caps: retroreflective
material on the sides.
• Applied as a stripe, logo or other
format
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*** Retroreflective materials reflect most of the
light that falls on them, regardless of their
orientation, back towards the light source (e.g.
car headlights etc.). By contrast, materials
described as “reflective” reflect the light
equally in all directions, and so less strongly
towards the light source. In terms of visibility
by other road users (car drivers), this can be a
disadvantage.
Oleksandr
W W W.O EKO -T E X .CO M / B R A N D S
© Pakhay
W W W.O EKO -T E X .CO M / PRO D U C T S
Keep fingers away from
cords and drawstrings
To avoid escalators and playgrounds
becoming potential death-traps, cords
and fastenings must be designed to
be safe. The standard DIN EN 14682
“Safety of children‘s clothing – cords
and drawstrings on children‘s clothing”
contains recommendations about how
the fastenings on garments for children
up to the age of 14 should be designed.
Front and back
General:
No drawstrings or decorative or
functional cords which come out at
the back or have to be fastened at
the back.
Safe alternatives:
Young child:
- Hood with elastic straps inside
the edge of the hood
- Sashes must not extend more
than 360 mm beyond the
fastening. Measured untied
and from the point to which
they are tied.
knowledge for the
Responsible manufacturers can confirm
that their products are designed in
accordance with the “Cord standard”
by obtaining a certificate from an
independent institute.
Textile safety for children
Neck:
Garments
must
not
have
drawstrings with loose ends.
Adjusting tapes are permitted, but
must not be longer than 75 mm.
Older child:
- Adjustment tapes with a
maximum length of 75 mm
- Width controlled by a pushbutton toggle
Safe alternatives
None
General:
Drawstrings at the waist must be
secured with a cord stop.
In general, the ends of drawstrings/
cords, must not have any decoration
or be knotted. Safe alternatives are
secured or fused cord ends.
Safe alternatives
- Drawstrings secured in the middle
with elasticated waistband.
- Decorative trim only on the front
Older child:
Warning clothing
Quality labels
Wind- and waterproofing
from www.oeko-tex.com/
Safe alternatives
- Secured or fused cord ends
“Textiles & baby skin”
“Textile safety for children” Part 2
(online shortly)
UV protection
Warning clothing
Flammability
Safe alternatives
- No decorative or functional cords
on the lower hem
- Can be pulled tight using pushbutton
ANZEIGE
K N OW- H OW FÜ R D E N V E R K A U F S P RO FI
Basiswissen Textilien & Babyhaut
- Zip fasteners must be no longer
than 75 mm
following titles have
7–14 years or 135 – 182 cm tall
Wearing and sleeping comfort
Flammability
Testing for harmful substances
and can be downloaded
FAC H H A N D E L
General
Long trousers
Young child:
Ease of care
Safe fastenings
already been published
General:
Loose ends of drawstrings/cords
must not have any decorative trim
or knot.
General:
On garments reaching to the
ankle, any decorative or functional
cords on the lower edge must be
fully enclosed inside the garment.
0–7 years or up to 134 cm tall
UV protection
sales professional” series,
the following titles have
salespro
sales professional” the
Age groups under
the “Cord standard”
In the “Know-how for the
Chest and waist
The requirements
of the “Cord standard”
Zip fasteners must not be more than
75 mm in length.
Wearing and sleeping comfort
Use your knowledge to score points and win!
In the year of the summer Olympics, measure your specialist knowledge
against colleagues from all over Europe in the “OEKO-TEX® SalesPro
Games 2012”. The best sales staff in various product categories will be
able to enjoy a trip to London to the Olympic Games or one of several
valuable material prizes.
www.oeko-tex.com/salespro
already been published
More information and contact: International OEKO-TEX® Association | Secretariat | Gotthardstrasse 61 | Postfach 2156 | CH-8027 Zürich | info@oeko-tex.com |
www.oeko-tex.com | Foundation OEKO-TEX® GmbH | Kaiserstraße 39 | 60329 Frankfurt | Germany | info@certification-oekotex.com
and can be downloaded
from www.oeko-tex.com/
salespro:
SPECI A L IS T R E TA I L ER S | PA R T 1
Know-how for the sales professional
In the series “Specialist
© Joujou_pixelio.de
** Fluorescent materials are particularly
important for visibility in daylight. That is
why, on high-quality warning clothing,
retroreflective and fluorescent materials are
combined.
- Fotolia.com
“Textiles & babies‘ skin”
Enter by 31.03.2012 at www.oeko-tex.com/salespro
“Textile safety for children” Part 1
(also online)
Testing for harmful substances
Safe fastenings
Use your knowledge to score points and win!
In the year of the summer Olympics, measure your specialist knowledge
against colleagues from all over Europe in the “OEKO-TEX® SalesPro
Games 2012”. The best sales staff from various product categories will be
able to enjoy a trip to London to the Olympic Games or one of several
valuable material prizes.
www.oeko-tex.com/salespro
More information and contact: International OEKO-TEX® Association | Secretariat | Gotthardstrasse 61 | Postfach 2156 | CH-8027 Zürich | info@oeko-tex.com |
www.oeko-tex.com | Foundation OEKO-TEX® GmbH | Kaiserstraße 39 | 60329 Frankfurt | Germany | info@certification-oekotex.com