Health and Safety: Consumer Rights

Labelling of products includes:

• Country of Origin
• Fibre Content - warning any people with allergies to certain fibres
• Fire and Safety Warning - flammability, furnishings, and choking hazards
• Care and Washing Instructions
• British and European Standard Symbols
• Trademarks to Guarantee Quality and Protect the Manufacturer from Copying by Others and from Cheaper Imitations
• Size
• Product Identification Code
• Environmental and Ethical Status

The British Standards Insitute (BSI) tests products and the process by which they are made.If the product is deemed to fit the required standard then it is given the BSI Kitemark. Consumers trust that this product will have passed rigorous certification processes and will be safe to use as well as being fit for purpose.

The CE marking is a compulsery marking in Europe in textiles products such as those for children. The symbol shows that essential health and safety requirements set out in European Directives have been met.

Companies can also add their name and logo to the label along with a cerification trademark, such as the Woolmark. This type of trade mark can be used under licence, providing the product meets agreed quality standards.

A designer must meet the critera set by the target market group as well as it being a safe product. The retailer will be reuired to abide by laws that are put in place to protect the consumer.

It is the designers responsibility to ensure that appropriate fabrics, components and textile processes are used and that the health and safety issues are taken into consideration.

New fabrics and fabric finishes might be selected by a designer to ensure that a product is safe and appealing to the consumer. Fabric that is hypoallergenic with UV protection may be chosen, such as that made from bamboo.

Bamboo's organic and natural fibre properties make it non-irritating to the skin for anyone with skin sensitivities or allergies