Safety of items offered - Revision history

Neville Reid: /* Helmets for motorcycles or bicycles */ second link is for bicycles

2026-07-31T15:21:02Z

Helmets for motorcycles or bicycles: second link is for bicycles

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:21, 31 July 2026
Line 40:		Line 40:
	==Helmets for motorcycles or bicycles==		==Helmets for motorcycles or bicycles==

	See [https://www.motorcycletesttips.uk/learn-to-ride/motorcycle-helmets-visors-law/ this] and [https://helmets.org/cracks.htm this] ~~for motorcycle helmets,~~ and [https://www.whycycle.co.uk/cycling-advice/safety-and-security/cycling-helmets/ this] for bicycles.		See [https://www.motorcycletesttips.uk/learn-to-ride/motorcycle-helmets-visors-law/ this] for motorcycle helmets, and [https://helmets.org/cracks.htm this] and [https://www.whycycle.co.uk/cycling-advice/safety-and-security/cycling-helmets/ this] for bicycles.

	==Car seats and restraints==		==Car seats and restraints==

Neville Reid: /* Car seats and restraints */ formatting

2026-07-31T15:19:36Z

Car seats and restraints: formatting

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:19, 31 July 2026
Line 45:		Line 45:

	It isn't illegal to offer or reuse car seats or booster seats, so it's a local decision to add an extra rule to cover these or not.<br>		It isn't illegal to offer or reuse car seats or booster seats, so it's a local decision to add an extra rule to cover these or not.<br>
	For more information, see [http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/ childcarseats.org.uk] and [https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/child-car-seats/article/what-should-i-do-with-my-old-baby-car-seat-aWIIP7f2jSxf this ''"Which?"'' article]. Government legal requirements can be found [https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/ here] regarding the age/height of children needing to use a car seat.		For more information, see [http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/ childcarseats.org.uk] and [https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/child-car-seats/article/what-should-i-do-with-my-old-baby-car-seat-aWIIP7f2jSxf this ''"Which?"'' article]. Government legal requirements can be found [https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/ here] regarding the age & height of children needing to use a car seat.

	The latest Discourse conversation about this was [https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/t/child-car-seats/9939 here]. The main points for users of second hand seats were:		The latest Discourse conversation about this was [https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/t/child-car-seats/9939 here]. The main points for users of second hand seats were:
	*Hidden crash damage: seats are supposed to replaced after a crash, but if the source doesn’t know this and doesn’t say, invisible hairline fractures could be present within the plastic which won’t protect a child a second time round.		*Hidden crash damage: seats are supposed to replaced after a crash, but if the source doesn’t know this and doesn’t say, invisible hairline fractures could be present within the plastic which won’t protect a child a second time round.
	*Plastic degrades over time ~~naturally~~ and ~~apparently most~~ car seats ~~expire from~~ 6 to 10 years ~~and could have their labels missing which tells the user when~~ the expiry date ~~is. Seats~~ should have a manufacturer’s stamp that states when they were made.		*Plastic degrades naturally over time, and manufacturers recommend disposing of car seats after 6 to 10 years. Labels showing the expiry date may be missing, but seats should have a manufacturer’s stamp that states when they were made.
	*It’s incredibly difficult to track if a used seat has been recalled for a safety defect, or if the previous owner washed the harness straps incorrectly (e.g. some brands say machine-washing, submerging straps in water, or using harsh chemicals can weaken the webbing fabric).		*It’s incredibly difficult to track if a used seat has been recalled for a safety defect, or if the previous owner washed the harness straps incorrectly (e.g. some brands say machine-washing, submerging straps in water, or using harsh chemicals can weaken the webbing fabric).

	Some advice for members, based on the discussion on Discourse referenced above:		Some advice for members, based on the discussion on Discourse referenced above:

	'''Important ~~Safety Notice~~: Second-~~Hand Child Car Seats~~ & ~~Restraints~~'''		'''Important safety notice: Second-hand child car seats & restraints'''

	When giving away or receiving a second-hand child car seat on Freegle, please prioritise the safety of the child. The level of caution required depends heavily on the type of restraint being offered.		When giving away or receiving a second-hand child car seat on Freegle, please prioritise the safety of the child. The level of caution required depends heavily on the type of restraint being offered.

	1. Seats with ~~Built~~-in ~~Harnesses~~ (~~Infants~~ & ~~Younger Children~~)		'''1. Seats with built-in harnesses (infants & younger children)'''

	Please exercise strict caution with these items. We strongly advise both parties to review these critical safety checks before completing the handover:		Please exercise strict caution with these items. We strongly advise both parties to review these critical safety checks before completing the handover:

	Accident ~~History~~: Never pass on a harnessed car seat if it has been involved in any kind of collision, even a minor one. Unseen structural damage can completely compromise its safety. Receivers should only accept the seat if they completely trust the history provided.		* '''Accident history: Never''' pass on a harnessed car seat if it has been involved in any kind of collision, even a minor one. Unseen structural damage can completely compromise its safety. Receivers should only accept the seat if they completely trust the history provided.
			* '''Completeness:''' Ensure the seat has all its original parts, including the harness, chest pads, and the manufacturer’s instruction manual.
			* '''Visual inspection:''' Before using, thoroughly inspect the seat under the fabric cover for cracks in the plastic shell, frayed harness straps, or weakened buckles.
			* '''Age and lifespan:''' Check the date of manufacture, which is usually embossed onto the plastic on the back of the seat. Most plastics degrade over time, and safety experts recommend retiring these car seats after 6 to 10 years.
			* '''Size & vehicle limits:''' Ensure the seat is strictly appropriate for the child’s weight and height. Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the seat can be installed securely in the specific vehicle.

	~~Completeness: Ensure the seat has all its original parts, including the harness, chest pads, and the manufacturer’s instruction manual.~~		'''2. Booster seats & cushions (typically ages 6–12)'''

	~~Visual Inspection: Before using, thoroughly inspect the seat under the fabric cover for cracks in the plastic shell, frayed harness straps, or weakened buckles.~~

	Age and Lifespan: Check the date of manufacture, which is usually embossed onto the plastic on the back of the seat. Most plastics degrade over time, and safety experts recommend retiring these car seats after 6 to 10 years.
	Size & Vehicle Limits: Ensure the seat is strictly appropriate for the child’s weight (in kg) and height (in cm). Check the manufacturer’s guidelines to ensure the seat can be installed securely in the specific vehicle.

	2. Booster ~~Seats~~ & ~~Cushions~~ (~~Typically Ages~~ 6–12)

	While these are generally considered lower risk than harnessed seats because they rely on the vehicle’s built-in seat belts, they are still vital safety devices. Structural integrity remains very important.		While these are generally considered lower risk than harnessed seats because they rely on the vehicle’s built-in seat belts, they are still vital safety devices. Structural integrity remains very important.

	Visual ~~Inspection~~: Check thoroughly for any cracks in the plastic base or backrest, and ensure the plastic seat belt routing guides are fully intact and not weakened.		* '''Visual inspection:''' Check thoroughly for any cracks in the plastic base or backrest, and ensure the plastic seat belt routing guides are fully intact and not weakened.
			* '''Accident history:''' As with all car seats, it is highly recommended not to pass on a booster that has been in a collision.
	Accident ~~History~~: As with all car seats, it is highly recommended not to pass on a booster that has been in a collision.		* '''Regulations & sizing:''' Ensure the seat still clearly displays an approved UK/European safety label (ECE R44/04 or R129). Please note that backless booster cushions are legally restricted to children weighing more than 22 kg and taller than 125 cm.

	Regulations & ~~Sizing~~: Ensure the seat still clearly displays an approved UK/European safety label (ECE R44/04 or R129). Please note that backless booster cushions are legally restricted to children weighing more than 22 kg and taller than 125 cm.

	~~Note to all Freegle members:~~ If there is any doubt about the history, structural integrity, or safety standard of a car seat or booster, it is always safer to dispose of the item at a local household waste recycling centre rather than passing it on.		'''N.B.''' If there is any doubt about the history, structural integrity, or safety standard of a car seat or booster, it is always safer to dispose of the item at a local household waste recycling centre rather than passing it on.

	==Used car tyres==		==Used car tyres==

Neville Reid: car seats: fix duplicate link; indicate sources re damage to webbing

2026-07-31T15:07:27Z

car seats: fix duplicate link; indicate sources re damage to webbing

← Older revision		Revision as of 15:07, 31 July 2026
Line 45:		Line 45:

	It isn't illegal to offer or reuse car seats or booster seats, so it's a local decision to add an extra rule to cover these or not.<br>		It isn't illegal to offer or reuse car seats or booster seats, so it's a local decision to add an extra rule to cover these or not.<br>
	For more information, see [http://www.childcarseats.org.uk~~/ this], [http:/~~/childcarseats.org.uk~~/ this~~] and [https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/child-car-seats/article/what-should-i-do-with-my-old-baby-car-seat-aWIIP7f2jSxf this Which? article]. Government legal requirements can be found [https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/ here] regarding the age/height of children needing to use a car seat.		For more information, see [http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/ childcarseats.org.uk] and [https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/child-car-seats/article/what-should-i-do-with-my-old-baby-car-seat-aWIIP7f2jSxf this ''"Which?"'' article]. Government legal requirements can be found [https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/ here] regarding the age/height of children needing to use a car seat.

	The latest Discourse conversation about this was [https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/t/child-car-seats/9939 here]. The main points for users of second hand seats were:		The latest Discourse conversation about this was [https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/t/child-car-seats/9939 here]. The main points for users of second hand seats were:
	*Hidden crash damage: seats are supposed to replaced after a crash, but if the source doesn’t know this and doesn’t say, invisible hairline fractures could be present within the plastic which won’t protect a child a second time round.		*Hidden crash damage: seats are supposed to replaced after a crash, but if the source doesn’t know this and doesn’t say, invisible hairline fractures could be present within the plastic which won’t protect a child a second time round.
	*Plastic degrades over time naturally and apparently most car seats expire from 6 to 10 years and could have their labels missing which tells the user when the expiry date is. Seats should have a manufacturer’s stamp that states when they were made.		*Plastic degrades over time naturally and apparently most car seats expire from 6 to 10 years and could have their labels missing which tells the user when the expiry date is. Seats should have a manufacturer’s stamp that states when they were made.
	*It’s incredibly difficult to track if a used seat has been recalled for a safety defect, or if the previous owner washed the harness straps incorrectly (i.e. by submerging straps in water or using harsh chemicals can ~~actually~~ weaken the webbing fabric).		*It’s incredibly difficult to track if a used seat has been recalled for a safety defect, or if the previous owner washed the harness straps incorrectly (e.g. some brands say machine-washing, submerging straps in water, or using harsh chemicals can weaken the webbing fabric).

	Some advice for members, based on the discussion on Discourse referenced above:		Some advice for members, based on the discussion on Discourse referenced above:

Jacky: /* Car seats and restraints */

2026-07-30T19:54:53Z

Car seats and restraints

← Older revision		Revision as of 19:54, 30 July 2026
Line 44:		Line 44:
	==Car seats and restraints==		==Car seats and restraints==

	~~See~~ [http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/ this] and [https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/child-car-seats/article/what-should-i-do-with-my-old-baby-car-seat-aWIIP7f2jSxf this Which? article]. Government legal requirements can be found [https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/ here] regarding the age/height of children needing to use a car seat~~. It isn't illegal to offer or reuse car seats or booster seats, so it's a local decision to add an extra rule to cover these or not~~.		It isn't illegal to offer or reuse car seats or booster seats, so it's a local decision to add an extra rule to cover these or not.<br>
			For more information, see [http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/ this], [http://childcarseats.org.uk/ this] and [https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/child-car-seats/article/what-should-i-do-with-my-old-baby-car-seat-aWIIP7f2jSxf this Which? article]. Government legal requirements can be found [https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/ here] regarding the age/height of children needing to use a car seat.

	The latest Discourse conversation about this was [https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/t/child-car-seats/9939 here]. The main points for users of second hand seats were:		The latest Discourse conversation about this was [https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/t/child-car-seats/9939 here]. The main points for users of second hand seats were:

Jacky: /* Car seats and restraints */

2026-07-30T13:30:21Z

Car seats and restraints

← Older revision		Revision as of 13:30, 30 July 2026
Line 44:		Line 44:
	==Car seats and restraints==		==Car seats and restraints==

	See [http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/ this] and [https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/child-car-seats/article/what-should-i-do-with-my-old-baby-car-seat-aWIIP7f2jSxf this Which? article]. Government legal requirements can be found [https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/ here] regarding the age/height of children needing to use a car seat. It isn't illegal to offer or reuse car seats or booster seats		See [http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/ this] and [https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/child-car-seats/article/what-should-i-do-with-my-old-baby-car-seat-aWIIP7f2jSxf this Which? article]. Government legal requirements can be found [https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/ here] regarding the age/height of children needing to use a car seat. It isn't illegal to offer or reuse car seats or booster seats, so it's a local decision to add an extra rule to cover these or not.

	The latest Discourse conversation about this was [https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/t/child-car-seats/9939 here]. The main points for users of second hand seats were:		The latest Discourse conversation about this was [https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/t/child-car-seats/9939 here]. The main points for users of second hand seats were:

Jacky: /* Car seats and restraints */

2026-07-30T13:26:01Z

Car seats and restraints

@@ Line 44: / Line 44: @@
 ==Car seats and restraints==
-See [http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/ this] and [https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/child-car-seats/article/what-should-i-do-with-my-old-baby-car-seat-aWIIP7f2jSxf this Which? article].  Government legal requirements can be found [https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/ here] regarding the age/height of children needing to use a car seat.  It isn't illegal to offer or reuse car seats or booster seats.
+See [http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/ this] and [https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/child-car-seats/article/what-should-i-do-with-my-old-baby-car-seat-aWIIP7f2jSxf this Which? article].  Government legal requirements can be found [https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/ here] regarding the age/height of children needing to use a car seat.  It isn't illegal to offer or reuse car seats or booster seats
 The latest Discourse conversation about this was [https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/t/child-car-seats/9939 here]. The main points for users of second hand seats were:
@@ Line 57: / Line 50: @@
 *Plastic degrades over time naturally and apparently most car seats expire from 6 to 10 years and could have their labels missing which tells the user when the expiry date is. Seats should have a manufacturer’s stamp that states when they were made.
 *It’s incredibly difficult to track if a used seat has been recalled for a safety defect, or if the previous owner washed the harness straps incorrectly (i.e. by submerging straps in water or using harsh chemicals can actually weaken the webbing fabric).
 ==Used car tyres==

Jacky: /* Car seats and restraints */ added extra information after a discussion on Discourse.

2026-07-20T09:39:25Z

Car seats and restraints: added extra information after a discussion on Discourse.

← Older revision		Revision as of 09:39, 20 July 2026
Line 44:		Line 44:
	==Car seats and restraints==		==Car seats and restraints==

	See [http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/ this] and [https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/child-car-seats/article/what-should-i-do-with-my-old-baby-car-seat-aWIIP7f2jSxf this Which? article]. Government legal requirements can be found [https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/ here] regarding the age/height of children needing to use a car seat.		See [http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/ this] and [https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/child-car-seats/article/what-should-i-do-with-my-old-baby-car-seat-aWIIP7f2jSxf this Which? article]. Government legal requirements can be found [https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/ here] regarding the age/height of children needing to use a car seat. It isn't illegal to offer or reuse car seats or booster seats.

	Some advice for members, based on the Which? article:		Some advice for members, based on the Which? article:
Line 51:		Line 51:
	*All car seats must meet the R44.04 or R129 regulations and be labelled as such. Seats labelled 44.03 are still legal to use, but this is an older labelling standard, meaning the seat was made with less modern materials.		*All car seats must meet the R44.04 or R129 regulations and be labelled as such. Seats labelled 44.03 are still legal to use, but this is an older labelling standard, meaning the seat was made with less modern materials.
	*If you have any doubts about the car seat's history, don't buy or use it. Better safe than sorry.		*If you have any doubts about the car seat's history, don't buy or use it. Better safe than sorry.


			The latest Discourse conversation about this was [https://discourse.ilovefreegle.org/t/child-car-seats/9939 here]. The main points for users of second hand seats were:
			*Hidden crash damage: seats are supposed to replaced after a crash, but if the source doesn’t know this and doesn’t say, invisible hairline fractures could be present within the plastic which won’t protect a child a second time round.
			*Plastic degrades over time naturally and apparently most car seats expire from 6 to 10 years and could have their labels missing which tells the user when the expiry date is. Seats should have a manufacturer’s stamp that states when they were made.
			*It’s incredibly difficult to track if a used seat has been recalled for a safety defect, or if the previous owner washed the harness straps incorrectly (i.e. by submerging straps in water or using harsh chemicals can actually weaken the webbing fabric).

	==Used car tyres==		==Used car tyres==

Jacky: /* Car seats and restraints */

2026-07-18T17:13:45Z

Car seats and restraints

← Older revision		Revision as of 17:13, 18 July 2026
Line 44:		Line 44:
	==Car seats and restraints==		==Car seats and restraints==

	See [http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/ this] and [https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/child-car-seats/article/what-should-i-do-with-my-old-baby-car-seat-aWIIP7f2jSxf this Which? article].		See [http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/ this] and [https://www.which.co.uk/reviews/child-car-seats/article/what-should-i-do-with-my-old-baby-car-seat-aWIIP7f2jSxf this Which? article]. Government legal requirements can be found [https://www.gov.uk/child-car-seats-the-rules/ here] regarding the age/height of children needing to use a car seat.

	Some advice for members, based on the Which? article:		Some advice for members, based on the Which? article:

RevampBot: Wiki revamp: restructure & modernise

2026-07-17T12:00:00Z

Wiki revamp: restructure & modernise

Show changes

Neville Reid: update link

2025-11-24T00:00:20Z

update link

← Older revision		Revision as of 00:00, 24 November 2025
Line 1:		Line 1:
	:''This page is about safety of items offered. For personal safety see [[Keep ~~Safe~~]]''		:''This page is about safety of items offered. For personal safety see [[Sample Admin: Keep safe]]''

	If an item is not illegal then it's OK to be offered or requested on Freegle. But there are some items that members should be careful about if they are intending to use them for their original purpose, as opposed to upcycling or repurposing. It is up to each group to decide if they want to disallow certain items through their own safety concerns or to leave it to their members to decide on whether or not they wish to take the possible risks.		If an item is not illegal then it's OK to be offered or requested on Freegle. But there are some items that members should be careful about if they are intending to use them for their original purpose, as opposed to upcycling or repurposing. It is up to each group to decide if they want to disallow certain items through their own safety concerns or to leave it to their members to decide on whether or not they wish to take the possible risks.