Advisory

1999-20
February 9, 1999

Recliner chairs present potential entrapment hazard

Ottawa - Health Canada today issued an advisory on the risk of suffocation to young children posed by certain recliner chairs. Health Canada is aware of an incident involving a 19-month- old child who died after his head and neck became trapped between the leg rest and the seat of a recliner chair.

Children can be at risk when the chair is in the reclined position. When this occurs, there can be an open gap created between the seat of the chair and the leg rest. When the recliner closes, children can become entrapped in this gap and suffocate. This is especially true for older recliner chairs with mechanisms that are worn and require little pressure to open or close.

Health Canada suggests the following safety measures for parents and caregivers regarding recliner chairs (and recliner furniture):

• Never allow children to play on recliner furniture or to operate the reclining mechanism.

• Recliner furniture should be left in the closed position when not in use.

• Older chairs whose reclining mechanisms open and close more easily due to wear, should be repaired or discarded to avoid possible accidental death or injury to young children.

Recliner chair models with upholstery completely covering any possible gaps between the chair seat and leg rest or with a crossbar that reduces the size of open gaps when the chair is in the reclined position are less likely to pose an entrapment hazard to young children. 

Consumers may contact the nearest Health Protection Branch regional office if they have any questions concerning this matter.

-30-

Media Inquiries:
Margot Geduld
Health Canada
(613) 957-1803