Staying safe in summer

Even if you're rushing with last minute Christmas shopping, take time to check that gifts for little ones are age appropriate and don't pose choking hazards. Be sure to read any warning labels and follow all safety instructions.

Check all Christmas toys and products in your home to see if they come with button batteries.

Make sure the battery compartments in common household items are secure. Only buy products that have a child-resistant battery compartment or need 2 independent and simultaneous movements to access.

Store new and replacement button batteries out of sight and out of reach of young children at all times.

Read more about button battery safety.

The holidays are also a great time to check if products in your house (or your loved ones' houses) have been recalled. Check the latest information on product recalls.

Trampolines

Trampolines may seem safe, but hundreds of Australian children are taken to hospital every year for trampoline-related injuries such as cuts, sprains and fractures.

Only buy a trampoline if it meets the Australian standard (AS 4989).

Check the trampoline for any wear and tear and ensure the safety pads are secure and the legs are locked into place.

Place the trampoline on soft ground or impact-absorbing material—not on concrete.

Keep the area around and above the trampoline free from hazards.

Make sure only 1 child is on the trampoline at any time.

Always supervise your children.

Read more about safe use of trampolines.

Water toys and swimming aids

Make sure water toys or swimming aids are suitable for your child's age and weight.

Read the warning labels and packaging carefully and follow instructions for proper assembly and use.

Swimming aids and water toys should be used in a safe way. Don't use water toys as safety devices.

Make sure an inflatable toy or swimming aid has non-return valves with attached stoppers and there are no leaks or damaged valves.

Swimming aids and water toys should always be removed from the pool area when they're not in use and stored securely out of the weather.

Children should always be actively supervised by a responsible adult when in the pool area.

Read more about swimming aids and pool toy safety.

Barbecues

While barbecue brushes help keep your grill clean, damaged or worn brushes can turn your meal into a hazard.

Loose or broken bristles can end up in your food, posing serious health risks.

Check the grill for loose bristles before cooking or use a bristle-free cleaner.

Discard brushes with bent, missing or loose bristles.

Check the latest information on product recalls to make sure your barbecue hasn't been recalled.

Motorised scooters

Motorised scooters (or e-scooters) are a fun way to zip around outdoors, but it's important to remember they're not toys and are dangerous if used incorrectly.

Only purchase age-appropriate scooters.

Make sure kids always wear a helmet.

Only allow 1 person at a time to use a motorised scooter.

Before using an e-scooter, check the local laws about using the vehicle on roads and road-related areas.

Read more about the Queensland rules for personal mobility devices.

Charge lithium-ion batteries or scooters on non-flammable surfaces such as concrete, ceramic or steel.

Unplug lithium-ion batteries once fully charged to prevent fires, explosions and serious injuries.

Never use damaged chargers or charging cables.

Read more about lithium-ion batteries.

Low-hanging blind and curtain cords

Make sure young children can't reach any blind or curtain cords, especially if they stand on the furniture.

Don't let cords dangle into or near children's equipment.

Make sure the bottom of any blind or curtain cord is at least 160cm above the floor. Wrap blind cords securely around a hook attached high on the wall.

For older blinds, install a cord tensioning device, such as a cord holder or wind-up, to hold the cord tight against a wall.

Read more about low-hanging blind and curtain cord safety.

Furniture stability

Plan your purchase—choose furniture with a broad, solid base and wide legs to keep it well balanced.

Test the furniture before you buy. Apply a little pressure to make sure it's stable.

If you have any doubts about whether your furniture is stable, or your furniture doesn't come with anchoring hardware, secure it with an anchoring kit or furniture straps, angle braces, or anchors screwed into wall studs. If you're renting, ask your landlord or agent for permission to install these to the wall.

Choose tables that won't tip over if a child climbs on them. Glass tables should be made of toughened glass.

Never place tempting items on top of furniture. This encourages children to climb up and reach for them.

Read more about furniture stability safety.

Ladders

Only buy a ladder if it meets the Australian standard (AS/NZS 1892).

Choose the right ladder for the job and always follow the instructions on the packaging or in the manual, as well as any safety warnings on the ladder.

Check for unsafe conditions—never use a ladder in thunderstorms, rain or wind.

Lean the ladder against a wall at a vertical to horizontal ratio of 4:1. This means that if the ladder is 4m tall, place the foot of the ladder 1m from the wall.

Climb the ladder safely and wear appropriate footwear.

Read more about ladder safety.

More information

Find out how to report an unsafe product.