July 2010 (10B-151)
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 Bulletin
Summary
Australian Consumer Protection Notice No. 21 of 2010, issued on 30 June 2010, temporarily bans yo-yo water balls for a period of 18 months.
Yo-yo water balls are considered unsafe and banned in several countries and some U.S. states. They pose particular harm to younger children, as the cords can cause strangulation. In addition, if the liquid from the filled centre escapes, it may cause illness if ingested or skin contact reactions. |
Definition of Yo-Yo Water Ball
The effect of this declaration is to ban the supply of goods known as “yo-yo water balls” and similar products. These are defined as toys intended to be thrown and returned to the hand, consisting of an elastic cord extendable to at least 500 mm in length, usually with a loop on one end to wear around the finger, and a soft synthetic object on the other. The object may be filled with liquid or air, and/or contain a novelty.
Hazards from Yo-Yo Water Balls
Strangulation
• The cord provides a yo-yo effect, but because it can sometimes stretch to over one metre in length, it can wind around a child’s neck, especially if swung around the head, and cause choking.
• The highly elastic and “sticky” nature of the cord can constrict breathing if wound tightly around a child’s neck.
Adverse Reactions
• If the thermal plastic outer casing of a yo-yo ball is pierced, the liquid inside can cause illness if swallowed, and/or adverse reactions if it the liquid comes in contact with the skin.
Exemption
The ban excludes outdoor and sporting toys, such as a practice tennis ball retained on an elastic tension cord intended to be anchored, a bat with a ball attached by an elastic cord, and goods known as the “Yo-Be Sling Disc.”
Additional Information
The Notice and explanatory statement can be viewed at:
http://www.ag.gov.au/portal/govgazonline.nsf/CA81FD8F7B4CD047CA25775300136EA5/$file/S 120.pdf
Contact Information
If you have any comments and/or questions regarding these requirements, please contact your customer service representative.
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