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AIM
To minimise risk of child accidents and injuries involving cots.
RATIONALE
Unsafe nursery equipment is responsible for several injuries to children in the first year of life and the majority of these injuries are preventable.
Cots and portable cots are linked with the highest mortality, and cot related injuries account for a large number of all children’s injuries involving
nursery furniture and equipment. Children should only be provided with nursery equipment, beds and furniture that is safe to use, age appropriate,
stable, durable and easy to clean. It is important for Carers to be aware that a high number of serious child injuries and deaths involve nursery
furniture and equipment. Using safe items, checking furniture and equipment regularly and providing proper supervision are crucial in ensuring
the safety of children.
STRATEGIES
• The Co-ordination Unit must purchase and supply cots that comply with the requirements of Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2172-1995 Cots for household use – Safety requirements. This is in accordance with Clause 36 (6) Children’s Services Regulations.
• Carers must purchase and/or use cots that comply with the requirements of Australian/New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2172-1995 Cots for household use – Safety requirements. This is in accordance with Clause 36 (6) Children’s Services Regulations.
• Carers must purchase and/or use portable cots which comply with the requirement of Australian/ New Zealand Standard AS/NZS 2195-1999
• Carers must follow manufacturers guidelines for use of cots
PROCEDURES
Carers must:
• ensure cots and beds are age, size and culturally appropriate to meet the needs of each individual child
• provide clean and appropriate bed linen for each child using the cots and beds.
• Wash bed linen between each child’s usage
• ensure blind/curtain cords or other hazards are inaccessible to children
• discuss with families children’s sleeping arrangements
• ensure that cots and beds are regularly checked and maintained
• endeavour to follow recommendations by the National SIDS Council of Australia for the practice of safe sleeping, in an effort to reduce the risk of Sudden Infants Death Syndrome (SIDS).
The Co-ordination Unit:
• Co-ordination Unit will maintain current information from recognized health and safety authorities
• Make these resources available for Carers and families
REQUIREMENTS OF REGULATIONS AND OTHER STANDARDS
National Childcare Accreditation Council Quality Practices Guide 2nd edition 2004 Family Day Care Quality Assurance, Principle 4.5
NSW Children’s Services Regulations 2004 – clause 36
Kidsafe
Australian Standards
National SIDS Council of Australia.
Health & Safety In FDC Model Practices Guide 2004
Resources:
Department of Fair Trading “A buyers guide to household safety”
Household cot “A guide to cot safety”
Websites:
www.fairtrading.nsw.gov.au;
www.choice.com.au
www.kidsafe.com.au
www.sidsaustralia.org.au
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