BS EN ISO 13127:2012 - Packaging. Child resistant packaging. Mechanical test methods for reclosable child resistant packaging systems
This International Standard specifies test methods for mechanical testing of re-closable child resistant packaging. The data generated by these mechanical test methods are suitable for comparing child resistant characteristics of related re-closable packaging systems. This International Standard is not intended for routine quality assurance purposes.
A significant number of suspected cases of ingestion by children of products used about the home are reported to the medical profession each year. Most are not serious and those that are associated with more serious side effects involve products known to be hazardous, e.g. certain medicinal products, liquid fuels and solvents, strongly acid or alkaline preparations and some garden products.
Most commonly used household detergents, cleaning agents and maintenance and care products are not known to have caused injury. However, ingestion (actual or suspected) causes injuries or not, such incidents can have traumatic effects on both the child and its parents. The use of potentially hazardous agents in certain products is necessary to achieve effectiveness; consequently steps have to be taken to limit the occurrence of accidents.
One approach has been to try to increase general awareness of hazards associated with various products. Nevertheless, proper labelling and information by the manufacturer is important for the safe use of products in the home another approach has been the use of child resistant packaging to put a physical barrier between the child and the hazardous product.
Such packaging should only be used for products as mentioned above since, if used in other circumstances, it could lead to confusion among consumers. It is important to recognize that it is unrealistic to expect that any functional packaging can be totally impossible for a child to open and this type of packaging cannot be a substitute for normal safety precautions. The packaging functions as a last defence if other barriers separating children and hazardous products have failed. Hence, the overall responsibility rests with the parents or other responsible adults.
The aim of this International Standard is to establish mechanical test methods to safeguard child resistance properties of the packaging system.
According to ISO 8317, the panel test is intended for initial type approval but it does not sufficiently cover change management. NOTE Change management covers, but is not limited to, for example, change of supplier, packaging material, component manufacturing site, material brand or scale up. Those changes need to be assessed using risk management procedures. Mechanical test methods deliver scientific data which introduce a more scientific means of ensuring compliance with the originally type tested package. The test results are essential for an appropriate risk assessment.
The object of this International Standard is to permit the comparison, by mechanical testing, of the physical parameters of the packaging system under test with those of the individual units tested for certification purposes. It is the responsibility of the component manufacturer to provide access to test methods and test data to the customer.
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