Safety Issues

If an item is not illegal then it's OK to be offered or requested on Freegle. But there are some items that members should be careful about if they are intending to use them for their original purpose, as opposed to upcycling or repurposing. It is up to each group to decide if they want to disallow certain items through their own safety concerns or to leave it to their members to decide on whether or not they wish to take the possible risks.

Freegle's disclaimer - https://www.ilovefreegle.org/disclaimer - is clear about the responsibility of Freegle and members.

Here is some information about specific items

• Furniture and upholstered items used indoors: See page 4 of government advice:
  In the Department's view, the simple distribution of second-hand furniture by a charity in pursuance of its charitable objectives to needy persons, either free of charge or at a nominal amount only, would be unlikely to constitute a supply in the course of business. On the other hand, shops selling furniture to raise funds for charitable purposes would constitute a business activity and the Regulations will apply to the furniture sold in this case. Individual charities should take legal advice.

• Cot mattresses - https://www.nct.org.uk/baby-toddler/sleep/cot-safety-features-sleeping-safely-cot:
  The Lullaby Trust recommends you buy a new cot mattress, or - if using a second-hand mattress - carefully check that it's clean, dry and free from cracks or tears. Your cot mattress should be firm, with no sagging and fit the cot snugly, with no gaps.

• Helmets for motorcycles or bicycles - http://www.worcsregservices.gov.uk/media/439257/139-Selling-second-hand-crash-helmets-visors-and-other-safety-helmets.pdf and https://www.whycycle.co.uk/cycling-advice/safety-and-security/cycling-helmets/

• Car seats and restraints - http://www.childcarseats.org.uk/

Tip: If a post is in pending, you could add a 'mod edit' pointing out the risks of using some items.

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