Keep toys well displayed, clean and safe

Toy storage is a critical component in both protecting your toys and their parts within the toy library, and whilst in transit to homes, as well as presenting them in an appealing way to spark interest from children and carers.  Toy storage may in part be decided by the nature of your space, whether you have fixed shelves, mobile racks or cupboards. 

Often, toys that you identify have not been borrowed in a long time may simply need to be displayed in a different way. 

We recommend that you record the cost of the toy storage as part of your toy replacement cost, and factor this into your missing piece policy. 

Storage Options 

It is important to consider the cost of storage in the replacement cost of the toy. You may like to record this as a separate cost against your toy in the event that it needs to be replaced by a member.

Boxes 

There is no one size fits all solution to boxes, nor one single brand that would work in all situations. Things to consider when selecting boxes are:

• How well they stack together, both side by side and on top of each other.

• If your boxes can share lids - often this creates great stackability, but also allows you to more easily replace lid or box if one part is broken.

• How well the box closes - does it have handles that secure the lid on, does the lid have a secure grab when pushed on. This provides security and prevents lost pieces in library and in transit.

• How well members can view the toy inside to select it - this may be transparent boxes, or may be incorporated into large format box labels.

  
  

Raeco Bags 

These are a brand of hanging bags commonly used in toy libraries and come in a range of sizes to suit different toys.  Raeco bags are available at discount via Toy Community.

Bags with handles can be easy for borrowers to carry to their transport, or home, without damage to the toy from dropping. 

Other options 

• Garment bags for costumes 

• Zip up manchester storage bags with handles (new or donated)

• Specialised bags or boxes to fit purpose such as

  • wheeled for heavy items (such as luggage/suitcases)

  • Custom sewn fabric bags for oversize toys such as rollercoasters or soft play sets

  • Mesh or breathable bags for waterplay toys

Cleaning Toys  

Cleanliness of toys is perceived as one of the key barriers to becoming a member of a toy library. Clear cleaning expectations communicated with your members is essential.

Safety 

Know your responsibilities about toy safety – ensure that everyone in your toy library responsible for toy buying and toy assessment and maintenance has watched both the Toy Safety & Maintenance online training, and current Insurance webinar, linked in the further resources section. 

Batteries 

Toys with batteries can pose significant risks to children if they don't meet current Australian standards, and are not maintained correctly.Safety sheets (contained in Safety guidelines file) are required to go out with a toy being borrowed when it contains button batteries or lithium ion batteries, both types can be very hazardous and members need to be notified of the risks and how to reduce them.   

Bicycle helmets 

All members of a toy library covered by TLA's group insurance policy must sign a helmet waiver. The wording of the waiver can be found in Quality Standard 2.5.  Toy libraries are not required to provide helmets to members, and if they do, should consider whether they can adequately and regularly assess helmets for safety and confirm they have not been exposed to an impact.Toys where a helmet is required should have appropriate labelling and warnings in place in your catalogue system.

https://www.productsafety.gov.au/consumers/play-and-exercise-safely/use-sport-exercise-and-play-equipment-safely/bicycle-helmets-guide#toc-how-to-use-the-product-safely 

Toy Recall Alerts 

Toy Libraries Australia posts recall notices for toys that we identify are commonly found in toy libraries on the National Facebook Discussion Group. It is beneficial for the person responsible for maintaining the collection to also sign up to receive updates - https://www.productsafety.gov.au/about-us/product-safety-news/receive-email-alerts

Toy Maintenance 

A robust process for checking toy safety and wear and tear should be incorporated into your loans and returns procedure.

ACCC Choke Check – DIY safety tool 

Video - How to make the DIY Choke Check Tool

Warning Labels

Both Mibase and SETLS have both text and picture warning capability. You should ensure that you include all warnings that were included on the original packaging.