I have built some internal gates in my home to restrict that areas my
dog gets to. Not having rug rats any longer, and using the gates only
in my own home, I designed a Chinese Chippendale looking gate with no
concern about the opening size. But a few people have asked for
copies, and I'm wondering what safety concerns there may be for kids
getting their heads stuck in the openings.

I can't find any publications on the CPSC web site, other than crib
slat spacing (2-3/8") or bunk beds (3-1/2"). But aren't there some
more general architectural safety guidelines I should follow?
--
Alex -- Replace "nospam" with "mail" to reply by email. Checked infrequently.

"alexy" wrote in message
...
I have built some internal gates in my home to restrict that areas my
dog gets to. Not having rug rats any longer, and using the gates only
in my own home, I designed a Chinese Chippendale looking gate with no
concern about the opening size. But a few people have asked for
copies, and I'm wondering what safety concerns there may be for kids
getting their heads stuck in the openings.

I can't find any publications on the CPSC web site, other than crib
slat spacing (2-3/8") or bunk beds (3-1/2"). But aren't there some
more general architectural safety guidelines I should follow?

Try the building codes for railings and such. Gates should not be any
different than the maximum allowed there. If you are concerned about
spacing, electrify them and the kids will soon learn to stay away and
spacing won't be a factor.

"Edwin Pawlowski" wrote:


"alexy" wrote in message
.. .
I have built some internal gates in my home to restrict that areas my
dog gets to. Not having rug rats any longer, and using the gates only
in my own home, I designed a Chinese Chippendale looking gate with no
concern about the opening size. But a few people have asked for
copies, and I'm wondering what safety concerns there may be for kids
getting their heads stuck in the openings.

I can't find any publications on the CPSC web site, other than crib
slat spacing (2-3/8") or bunk beds (3-1/2"). But aren't there some
more general architectural safety guidelines I should follow?

Try the building codes for railings and such. Gates should not be any
different than the maximum allowed there. If you are concerned about
spacing, electrify them and the kids will soon learn to stay away and
spacing won't be a factor.

LOL. I was thinking of razor wire accross the opening, since it
wouldn't require batteries or power wiring. But I'll have to
rethink--your idea would be easier on the carpets.
--
Alex -- Replace "nospam" with "mail" to reply by email. Checked infrequently.

If the kids are up and moving on their own, 4 inches should be fine for
spacing the spindles. Tom

alexy wrote:
I have built some internal gates in my home to restrict that areas my
dog gets to. Not having rug rats any longer, and using the gates only
in my own home, I designed a Chinese Chippendale looking gate with no
concern about the opening size. But a few people have asked for
copies, and I'm wondering what safety concerns there may be for kids
getting their heads stuck in the openings.

I can't find any publications on the CPSC web site, other than crib
slat spacing (2-3/8") or bunk beds (3-1/2"). But aren't there some
more general architectural safety guidelines I should follow?
--
Alex,
The Consumer Product Safety Commission publishes guidelines (not
regulations) for playground equipment. I think they would apply in
concept anyway. They state that any openings should be less than 3 1/2
inches or more than 8 inches across the smaller dimension. The idea is
that a small child's body will fit through a slot his head won't pass
through. The slot needs to be narrow enough to keep his body out or
big enough to pass the head through easily. In the case of a gate, I
guess you'd want openings less than 3 1/2 inches wide. You can find
the CPSC guidelines he
http://www.cpsc.gov/CPSCPUB/PUBS/325.pdf

DonkeyHody
"Even an old blind hog finds an acorn every now and then."

On Wed, 21 Dec 2005 16:56:57 GMT, "Edwin Pawlowski"
wrote:

SNIP

Try the building codes for railings and such. Gates should not be any
different than the maximum allowed there. If you are concerned about
spacing, electrify them and the kids will soon learn to stay away and
spacing won't be a factor.

Hi Edwin,

I was going throught the latest posts of the group, soaking up all the
knowledge I could and completely in a woodworking mindset when I came
across your post (above). It caught me so off gaurd, I nearly fell of
my chair, laughing. The family had to come see what the hell was SO
funny !

Thanks for a great chuckle,

Dave J.

"Dave Jenkens" wrote in message


Thanks for a great chuckle,

You're welcome. That is my main job here.