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Prevention of Poisoning
As most cases of accidental poisoning involve children, it’s important to make sure all poisonous substances are safely stored out of the reach of children.
Cleaning products:
Household cleaning products are often stored in a low cupboard in the sink area. This is easily accessible to children, so make sure the cupboard is locked, or move the products out of reach. Keep all chemicals and cleaning fluids in their original containers – don’t transfer them to food or drink containers. Always read the instructions before using any cleaning product.
Other household items:
Keep alcohol in a locked cabinet – even drinking a small amount can be dangerous to children, and simply screwing the lid on tightly may not be enough of a deterrent. Also keep tobacco and cigarettes out of reach and avoid smoking in front of children.
Small mercury batteries inside remote controls can be easily swallowed so keep these out of children’s reach as well.
Medicines:
Store all medicines, whether tablets, inhalers, or syrup, out of reach of children, and preferably in a locked cupboard, even if they have child resistant lids. Don’t use out-of-date medicines or those that have prescribed for somebody else. Read the label carefully before taking medicines yourself or giving them to other people. Encourage children to take their medicines, but don’t refer to them as sweets.
Remember that herbal medicines and vitamin pills can also be dangerous if taken if large doses, so store these out of reach too.
Household appliances:
Make sure all fuel-burning appliances are well maintained and serviced regularly to prevent carbon monoxide poisoning. Keep rooms containing appliances well ventilated and consider putting carbon monoxide detectors or alarms in your home. Don’t block air vents, flues or chimneys and don't have indoor fires in rooms without ventilation.
In the garden:
Check what plants you have growing in the garden – the leaves, berries, flowers or fruit of certain plants are poisonous. If you have young children, you may want to consider removing such plants from the garden. Most importantly, make sure your child knows not to put things from the garden into their mouth. It’s a good idea to know what the plants in your garden are called so you can give the correct information if needed.
It’s also important not to keep houseplants with poisonous parts indoors – even if you put them put of reach, leaves can still fall to the floor.
Keep items like barbeque lighters, weed killers, fertilisers and methylated spirits in the garden shed or garage and make sure it’s locked at all times.
Burning rubbish:
If you have to burn any rubbish always do so in an open area, and be careful not to allow the smoke to blow towards your family or neighbours. It isn’t safe to burn certain plants, treated wood, plastics and old chemical containers because they produce poisonous gases.
Try to recycle wherever possible – get in touch with your local council to find out what facilities they offer for recycling hazardous household and garden waste, such as pesticides, battery acid and weed killers. Never pour hazardous chemicals down the sink, drain or toilet.
