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Safety Tips
Children are curious, wanting to learn about their world by exploring. Children under 3 years of age put everything in their mouths, including poisons. We keep too many toxic products in our homes. Medicines are the most common source of poisoning for young children admitted to hospital.


Medications
Medicines should be stored out of reach and out of sight in a cabinet or cupboard with a child-resistant closure.
  • Take care when giving medicine to one child that it is not accessible to other children.
  • Read the label. Especially at night, make sure you are giving the correct medication and dosage.
  • Dispose of unwanted or out-of-date medications by returning them to your pharmacist.
  • Do not confuse children by referring to medicines as lollies.
  • Avoid giving non-prescription medications routinely without consulting your doctor.
  • When visiting, especially the elderly, make sure your children don’t have access to medications eg. on bedside tables, in handbags, or on bench tops.

Household products
Bleach, oven cleaner, dishwasher detergent, weed-killer, insecticides and paints are found in most homes and are poisonous.
  • Safely dispose of products no longer in use.
  • Use products which are less dangerous. Vinegar and bicarbonate of soda cleans most surfaces.
  • Store dangerous products in a cupboard with a child resistant closure.
  • Leave chemicals in original containers. Do not decant into drink bottles.
  • When buying these products choose containers with child resistant closures.

Dishwashing machines
  • The powder or liquid used in dishwashing machines is extremely dangerous if swallowed. It is corrosive and burns. Buy it in a child resistant container and store in a locked cupboard.
  • When filling your machine put detergent in last and close the machine immediately. Keep children away while adding detergent to the machine.
  • When emptying the machine, check for sludge or caking of powder in or near the dispenser, especially if young children are helping to unload. The sludge can cause serious mouth burns..

Poisonous plants
Children rarely eat plants from the garden but it is worth avoiding those that are known to be extremely poisonous. Consult the Safety Centre for more details.


Venomous creatures
  • Teach children never to touch spiders, snakes, wasps, bees or ants.
  • Encourage children to wear appropriate shoes, especially at dusk when a snake could be mistaken for a stick and be stepped on or picked up.
  • Keep grass mown and clear all rubbish in areas where your children will be playing.