Have you recently purchased bean bag chair covers and noticed that the zipper has no handle? The zipper is not broken; the handle was removed intentionally. Removing the zipper tab will lock the zipper, preventing it from opening without disengagement. The zipper remains securely closed until the locking mechanism is disengaged.
Have you recently purchased bean bag chair covers and noticed the zipper has no handle? While it might seem like a defect, it’s actually due to ACCC regulations requiring child safety features. Manufacturers are required to omit the tab to prevent easy access. To ensure the tab cannot be easily reattached or reused, manufacturers often remove it by cutting both sides of the zipper tab, ensuring no metal pieces are left behind. To open a safety zip, find the concealed zipper pull, which may be hidden under a fabric flap. If you’re wondering how to open a childproof zipper, read on to learn the safe and simple method. This handy guide provides background information on the regulations and offers essential safety tips for using bean bag chairs, including how to handle zippers and keep your household safe.
consumer product safety standards for
The ACCC states that an opening through which a person could gain access to the interior of a bean bag should have a childproof mechanism attached. The reason bean bag zippers have no tab or handle is that it makes it more challenging to open the zipper. A more complicated locking mechanism is occasionally used to keep children from opening the bag. A bean bag is any bag that is filled with small beads or other particles. The regulations apply to both indoor and outdoor bean bags, and manufacturers of bean bags intended for pool use must also comply with these regulations.
Reasons to keep children from opening a bean bag
The regulations are set in place for a reason. While consumers may do their best to prevent accidents involving bean bags, keeping the handle off the zipper has been shown to reduce the possibility of injury.
There are two primary hazards associated with bean bags:
Children may suffocate if they crawl into a bean bag and are not able to find their way out while their breathing is restricted by the material and contents of the bag. Small children may inhale and choke on the tiny polystyrene beads found in a bean bag. This risk is particularly prevalent for children under the age of 3.
Understanding the Bean Bag Zipper Mechanism
The bean bag zipper mechanism is cleverly designed to strike a balance between safety and convenience. Typically, the zipper is hidden beneath a fabric flap, making it difficult for small children to locate or open. To access the bean bag’s contents, adults must locate the concealed zipper pull and insert a paper clip or similar tool through the small hole where a handle would typically be. This creates a makeshift zipper handle, allowing you to gently pull and slide the zipper open without damaging the surrounding material. The mechanism is intended to be easy for adults to use while remaining secure against curious children. If you ever find the zipper stuck or broken, it’s important to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for repair or replacement to ensure the bean bag stays safe and functional. By understanding how the zipper works and using the right tool, you can easily open and close your bean bag as needed, all while keeping safety in mind.
How to open a childproof zipper
Keeping children safe from the hazards of a bean bag is a noble intent. But how do you get into the bag when you need to clean the cover? To safely open the childproof zipper, follow each step carefully. Use these steps to pull a zipper that has no handle.
Start by finding a paper clip or a corn cob holder. A paper clip or corn cob holder will be the tool that you use to open your bean bag zipper. Insert the paper clip into the hole in the zipper where a handle would typically be placed. You should notice that the zipper can now be moved. Gently pull the zipper open with the paper clip inserted to avoid damaging the surrounding material. Use the paper clip as a pull to slide the zipper up and down. You can now remove the cover for cleaning.
Keep these warnings in mind when unlocking the zipper on your bean bag with a paper clip: Do not use force when inserting the paper clip through the zipper hole. Do not use lubricants to attempt to make it easier for the paper clip to slide into the zipper hole. Ensure that the paper clip is inserted through the correct side of the zipper hole. Inserting the paper clip through the wrong side will not release the zipper.
Introduction to Childproof Zippers
Childproof zippers are a vital safety feature found on many bean bags, specifically designed to keep small children from gaining access to the filling inside. The purpose of these zippers is to minimise the risk of accidental opening, which could expose children to potential hazards such as choking or suffocation. By requiring a tool like a paper clip to open the zipper, manufacturers ensure that only adults can access the contents, keeping curious little hands safely away from the bean bag’s filling. This thoughtful design means parents can enjoy peace of mind, knowing their household is safer for children. With child safety as the top priority, bean bags equipped with these zippers are a smart and secure choice for any family home.
Consumer Product Safety Standards for Bean Bags
Consumer product safety standards are crucial in ensuring that bean bags are safe for use around children. These regulations require that every bean bag be equipped with a safety zipper, specifically designed to prevent small children from easily opening it and accessing the filling. In addition to the zipper, the standards also mandate the use of strong, durable materials and a secure filling system to prevent accidental spills or exposure to the contents. By following these guidelines, manufacturers help reduce the risk of accidents and ensure that bean bags remain a safe addition to any home. For consumers, these standards provide helpful tips on how to open and close the zipper safely, as well as how to maintain the bean bag to keep it in top condition. Adhering to these requirements is key to keeping children safe and ensuring the bean bag remains a reliable and enjoyable part of your household.
When you're finished
The steps mentioned above show you how to unlock bean bag zippers when needed. However, it is essential to remove the paper clip from the zipper mechanism after use. Especially if the bag will be within reach of children. Suffocation and inhalation of the polystyrene pellets in the bag are serious risks that have occurred in the past. The ACCC regulations that apply to the manufacture of bean bag chairs are designed to protect children from hazards that can be potentially fatal. To reapply the safety lock to a bean bag, zip up the second zipper and reinsert the lock into its holes using pliers. Use these tips to remove the cover from your bean bag when you need to clean it or inspect the filling.
