The efficacy of safety barriers for children: absolute efficacy, time to cross and action modes in children between 19 and 75 months

Abstract

We examined the efficacy of safety barriers by testing their capabilities to prevent or delay crossing. Children between 19 and 75 months tried to climb different barriers selected for their age group, which represented the most common types of panel and horizontal bars barriers available on the market. Success or failure in crossing, time to cross and crossing techniques were analysed. Barrier characteristics' influenced its restraining efficacy. Children's success rate varied between 10% and 95.3%. None of the barriers assured a considerable protective delay. Three major action modes were identified: head over waist (HOW), head and waist (HAW) and head under waist (HUW). Generally, children adopted the safer action mode, HOW, to cross most barriers. Younger children often adopted unstable action mode in barriers with crossable gaps. Although some standards might need to be re-evaluated, there are no childproof barriers. Barriers are time-delaying devices that cannot substitute supervision and education.

Keywords:

• child safety
• climbing
• motor skills
• protective devices
• design

Acknowledgements

This research was supported by a grant from ANEC – The European Consumer Voice in Standardization: ANEC-ML-2007-0069.