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Gate Testing

In the USA there are no mandatory federal child safety gate standards beyond those for toxicity of materials, small parts and sharp edges or points.  Voluntary standards have been developed by the American Society for Testing Materials (ASTM) in cooperation with the Juvenile Products Manufacturers Association (JPMA) and concentrate on size of openings, height, vertical strength, bottom spacing, configuration of the uppermost edge and label warnings.

Europe on the other hand, has more stringent requirements for their child safety gates.  These include, but are not limited to: dangerous gaps or openings, narrower slat spacing, toe or finger holds, and top edge protrusions. The gate must withstand 31.5 lbs. of force in a push/pull test for 10,000 cycles without being dislodged or destroyed and also withstand an impact simulating a 2 year old child running into the gate at 3 m.p.h. without the gate being dislodged or destroyed.

In relation to the European push/pull standards the US has added a voluntary standard of a 10 lb. push (only) test.  This additional safety test is an improvement, however more needs to be done to make sure that products designed to protect children to the fullest extent, do their job properly.

It is also very important to note that KidCo gates also meet all Canadian safety standards set forth by Health Canada. By ensuring that our gates continuously meet or exceed the everchanging standards, it solidifies our commitment to bringing quality, high performance safety products to the consumer.

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