Parents are being advised to check the safety labels on their children's Halloween costumes.

According to the National Standards Authority of Ireland (NSAI), all costumes, props and toys should be checked to ensure that they are ‘flame resistant' and carry the CE mark, which shows that that they reach Irish and European safety standards.

"Don't let Halloween be more frightening this year than it should be. Consumers should look out for safety standard labels such as ‘flame resistant' and the CE mark. Both of these labels show that the manufacturer has complied with national and international standards.

"The label doesn't mean that these items won't catch fire, but it does indicate that they will resist burning and they should extinguish quickly once you get them away from the fire source," explained NSAI chief executive, Maurice Buckley.

He pointed out that while costumes should be flame resistant, costume props, such as masks and brooms, should also have a visible CE mark. This shows that the manufacturer has complied with Irish and European toy safety standards and the product has undergone safety testing in both the design and manufacturing process.

Mr Buckley also warned that some costumes and accessories carry fake CE marks.

"It's difficult but one way to spot fraudulent CE markings is to check the logo. Sometimes the wrong logo is used entirely, but if it looks correct, check the middle line of the ‘E', as it should be shorter than the other parts," he noted.

He pointed to the case of Strictly Come Dancing presenter, Claudia Winkelman's eight-year-old daughter, who suffered horrific burns after her witch's costume when on fire when she brushed against a candle.
Ms Winkleman said that they had struggled to put the fire out and the tights of the outfit had ‘melted into her skin'.

The NSAI offers the following safety tips for Halloween:

-Look for the CE mark and flame-resistant labels on costumes. While this does not mean that the outfit will not go on fire, it indicates that the costume will resist burning and should extinguish quickly once removed from the source of ignition

-Look for the CE mark on Halloween toys. Any props, such as brooms and pitch forks, should have this mark
-Ensure Halloween novelty lights are safe. All electrical products, including lights, must carry a CE mark if sold in the EU

-Avoid glitter and capes. Costumes with glitter tends to be more flammable, while capes, trains and dangling sleeves can come into contact with a naked flame more easily

-Parents should avoid using candles or naked flames. Battery-operated candles can be used instead

-Choose a costume that is made of one single material, such as 100% polyester or nylon. These tend to catch fire more slowly than costumes made of lots of different materials

-Check that face paints have the CE mark and that the ingredients are clearly displayed in English

-Ensure your children are visible to motorists when trick or treating. If they are in a dark costume, you could give them glow sticks to carry or attach reflective tape to their costume

-If the worst happens and their costume does go on fire, make sure they know how to ‘stop, drop and roll'. They should stop, drop to the ground and roll around, as this will suffocate the flames

-Make sure Halloween toys and props are age appropriate. For example, toddlers may be at risk of choking on certain toys or props that are meant for older children.

For more information on the NSAI, click here