Entry into force of amendments to regulations on the safety of children's car seats
Graco is recalling its seats for children
Last week, the Honourable Leona Aglukkaq, Minister of Health, announced on behalf of the Honourable Denis Lebel, Minister of Transport, Infrastructure and Communities, the entry into force on 1 January 2012, changes to the regulations on the safety of car seats for children.
"As a mother, I want my child to be protected by the car the safest seat possible," noted Minister Aglukkaq. "When the new regulations come into force on January 1, car seats for children to be sold in Canada will meet the most rigorous testing standards in the country and will be as safe as possible. "
Changes to regulations will form part of a regular review process standards relating to the safety of children using the most recent technologies for making the test. The updates made to serve among others has certain elements harmonize with those of the regulations of the United States and add Particular requirements in Canada in a matter of setting the test. The main changes are:
a new requirement for making the test using seat belts has three anchor points to hold the child car seats in vehicles;
changes to dynamic test methods to be adopted for most of the parameters tested in the United States;
increasing the weight determination of a baby from 9 kg to 10 kg;
increasing the limit of maximum permissible weight of the occupant of a child car seat from 22 kg to 30 kg;
the introduction of requirements for dynamic testing of the booster seats are subject;
authorization to certify harnesses to be used on school buses to keep children with special needs.
"Today's presentation was a good reminder for Canadian parents of the importance of ensuring that the a car seat for their child to be installed in accordance with manufacturer's instructions and that their child will be attached at any time properly, "added Royal Galipeau, MP for Ottawa-Orleans.
Parents should know the guidelines for auto seats and ensure that the seat fits their child's size. In short, they must be sure to install and use the seats correctly. Parents can learn about it on the web page "Help protect our children," Transport Canada www.tc.gc.ca/fra/securiteroutiere/conducteurssecuritaires-securitedesenfants-inserttitle-1083.htm address.
It is not necessary to replace the car seats for children because of the new standards. However, the seats installed in vehicles having been involved in a collision must be replaced. A car seat for children must also be replaced if the coating or material which is factory is torn or damaged. Parents should check the expiration date on car seats and replace them before that date.
The new regulation was published in Part II of the Canada Gazette on 12 May 2010. He gave manufacturers enough time to avoid a depletion of stocks while they brought the necessary changes to the products so that they conform the new regulations on 1 January 2012. Applying the earlier regulation allows for several years to provide a high level of safety for children, and self seats continue to provide excellent protection throughout their term of useful life.
