I received an interesting email from a Vermont Dad in February 07:
What do you think?
Electrical outlet safety covers with sliding or twisting covers do not allow the corded plug to be inserted all the way and the electrical device can over heat and start a fire.
Standard sized outlet safety plugs fit into a childs mouth and throat and suffocate a kid. (my daughter had to be revived from getting one stuck in her throat)
Here is one solution. www.safetycaps.com
So, I checked it out. Swapped emails with www.safetycaps.com founder, George DeCell, who graciously sent me a sample of the products to try. As seen on his web site, they look like the familiar outlet covers but much wider. It would be impossible for a small child to get this into the mouth much less beyond the tongue. It is easy to use and also passes the pacifyer test.
George told me in a recent email that the safety profile is really strong:
As for test, I have had it tested for compliance with UL2255 .... The plastic was tested by the plastic maker, i.e. melting point, etc. and the other specs of the plug comply with the standard, i.e. prong size, etc.
To date over 20 hospitals in over 20 States are recommending them for use instead of standard sized plugs. The size of the plug was based on pacifier regs and the holes were also based on Pacifier regs.
Hospitals on this list include Dartmouth-Hitchcock in NH and Brigham and Women's Hospital in Boston and are being distributed from both newborn units.
Another sweet feature of these plugs is the price: $2.97 for 12 caps.
Most definitely a welcome addition to the safety market and worth considering if you have infants and toddlers at home. The traditional caps really can be a choking hazard.
My Final 2cents:  |
