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With the release of the new Standard for Child restraint systems for use in motor vehicles – AS/NZS 1754:2024 and, in recognition of world quality week, this blog explores the importance of child safety restraints and key features of AS/NZS 1754, offering insights into how it shapes the quality and safety of child car seats.
AS/NZS 1754 serves as the gold standard for child restraint systems in Australia and New Zealand. For manufacturers, retailers, parents, and caregivers, understanding this standard is crucial in ensuring the utmost safety for children on the road.
What does the AS/NZS 1754 Standard cover?
The AS/NZS 1754 standard sets rigorous criteria for the design and manufacture of child car seats. It covers everything from the materials used to the manufacturing methods and performance under crash conditions, making it globally recognised for its stringency.
A key aspect of AS/NZS 1754 is its focus on age and size categories. This ensures that each child restraint provides optimal protection at various stages of a child’s growth—from rear-facing seats for infants to booster seats for older children. The guidelines help caregivers transition between stages safely and effectively.
The NEW AS/NZS 1754:2024
Key Changes
The latest revision of AS/NZS 1754 introduces important changes to accommodate children with disabilities. These variations include:
- Preventing the child from releasing restraint buckles or slackening straps.
- Adding torso straps, vests, footrests, or removable supports for postural or respiratory needs.
In addition to the above changes to cater for specific disabilities, there are several other changes in this standard, including:
- Revision of cross-chest device requirements to allow use on harnessed child restraints.
- Booster Seat Type (E10): Introduction of a new booster seat type suitable for children approximately 4 to 10 years old.
- Mass limit of ISOFIX compatible child restraints have changed from 10 kg in the previous edition to 15 kg for type A and 12 kg for type B.
- Lap-Belt Positioning Devices: Now mandatory on booster seats to enhance safety.
The Importance of Child Restraints
Proper use of child restraints dramatically reduces the risk of injury or casualties in car accidents. Choosing the right restraint based on your child’s size and age and ensuring correct installation is essential. Regular checks and adjustments as your child grows, further enhances safety.
Choosing and Installing Child Restraints
When selecting a child car seat, compliance with AS/NZS 1754 is crucial. Consider the following tips:
Certification and Compliance
Look for the certification label indicating compliance with the AS/NZS 1754 standard. Certification with Intertek SAI Global helps demonstrate that your product fulfils the requirements of AS/NZS 1754. This assurance is crucial for manufacturers and retailers, providing peace of mind to parents and caretakers.
Selecting and Installation Tips
Fit for Vehicle: Ensure the car seat fits well in your vehicle. Some stores allow testing the fit before purchasing.
Correct Installation: Proper installation is vital for effectiveness. Consider having the seat installed or checked by an authorised fitting service and always follow the manufacturer’s instructions.
Second-Hand Seats: If using a second-hand seat, verify it meets AS/NZS 1754 standards, is less than 10 years old, and shows no signs of damage or wear.
By understanding and implementing the AS/NZS 1754 standards, child product manufacturers and retailers can ensure their products meet the highest safety benchmarks. Parents and caretakers, in turn, can have confidence in the effectiveness of these safety measures, ensuring peace of mind every time their child is on the road.
For more information on how to certify your products, visit the Children’s Products Certification page.
Why Intertek SAI Global
With over 25 years of experience and a global reputation built on first-class delivery and technical support. Intertek SAI Global has partnered with the food industry for decades, engaging with hundreds of food and beverage suppliers, manufacturers and contractors throughout their assessment and certification process – while making the process as seamless and simple as possible.
Adding value is at the core of our business and our processes. Let us show you how assessment and certification can add value to your business. Australia-wide, delivering over 60,000 audits each year, your local Intertek SAI Global team is equipped to support your unique requirements.