How can you prevent poisoning?

Dishwasher safety

Although dishwashing tablets are easy to use, they don’t come in child-resistant packaging and they can look like lollies to young children. If a child swallows the tablet, detergent or any of the leftover residue in the dishwasher dispenser, it can cause serious injuries.

• Store dishwasher detergent and tablets out of reach of children, at least 1.5 metres above the floor or in a locked cupboard
• Put the tablet or detergent in the dishwasher just before use
• Clean out any residue that is left in the dishwasher dispenser after use.

Storing chemicals

• Store all poisons including cleaning products and chemicals in their original containers that are clearly labelled
• Put containers in a child-resistant locked cupboard that is at least 1.5 metres above the floor
• If you don’t have a high cupboard where you can store medicines and other poisons, use child-resistant locks on cupboards or cabinets that store them instead. You can buy these at hardware stores
• Keep children away from areas where poisons are kept (for example by using child safety gates).

Medicine safety

• Buy products in child-resistant containers but remember that child-resistant does not mean childproof. Children might still be able to open these containers
• Always make sure that the child-resistant lid is on properly after each use
• Store medicines in a child-resistant locked cupboard that is at least 1.5 metres above the floor, separate from cleaners and chemicals
• Store all poisons including medicines, cleaning products and chemicals in their original containers that are clearly labelled
• Return medicines to their safe storage area immediately after use. Don’t leave them out on a bench or counter
• Keep handbags out of a child’s reach if storing medicine or other poisons in your handbag. Tell grandparents and your visitors to do the same
• When giving medicine to children, always follow the instructions on the label
• Don’t call medicines ‘lollies’ and, if possible, avoid children watching you take, or give, medicines to others.

If your child has been poisoned, call the Poisons Information Centre on 13 11 26.