BRITISH STANDARD BS EN

71-4:1998
+A3:2007

Safety of toys —
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Part 4: Experimental sets for chemistry

and related activities

The European Standard EN 71-4:1990, with the incorporation of

amendments A1:1998, A2:2003 and A3:2007, has the status of a
British Standard

ICS 97.200.50

12&23<,1*:,7+287%6,3(50,66,21(;&(37$63(50,77('%<&23<5,*+7/$:
 BS EN 71-4:1998+A3:2007

National foreword
This British Standard is the UK implementation of EN 71-4:1990,
incorporating amendments A1:1998, A2:2003 and A3:2007. It supersedes
BS 5665-4:1990, which is withdrawn.
The start and finish of text introduced or altered by amendment is indicated in
the text by tags !". Tags indicating changes to CEN text carry the number
of the CEN amendment. For example, text altered by CEN amendment A2 is
indicated by #$.
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The UK participation in its preparation was entrusted to Technical Committee

CW/15, Safety of toys.
A list of organizations represented on this committee can be obtained on
request to its secretary.
In particular the attention of users is drawn to the Toys (Safety)
Regulations 1989 (SI 1275).
This publication does not purport to include all the necessary provisions of a
contract. Users are responsible for its correct application.
Compliance with a British Standard cannot confer immunity from
legal obligations.

Amendments issued since publication

This British Standard was
published under the authority
of the Standards Committee Amd. No. Date Comments
and comes into effect
on 15 December 1998 14510 12 November 2003 See national foreword

17222 31 August 2007 See national foreword

© BSI 2007

ISBN 978 0 580 59560 8

 EUROPEAN STANDARD EN 71-4
May 1990
NORME EUROPÉENNE
+ A1 + A3
EUROPÄISCHE NORM April 1998 May 2007

+ A2
July 2003

ICS 97.200.50
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Descriptors: toys, games, chemical compounds, dangerous materials, approved doses, safety requirements, specifications, marking,
instructions, graphic symbol

English version

Safety of toys —
Part 4: Experimental sets for chemistry and related
activities

Sécurité des jouets — Sicherheit von Spielzeug —

Partie 4: Coffrets d’expériences chimiques et Teil 4: Experimentierkästen für chemische und
d’activitiés connexes ähnliche Versuche

This European Standard was accepted by CEN on 29 May 1990. CEN members
are bound to comply with the requirements of CEN/CENELEC Common Rules
which stipulate the conditions for giving this European Standard the status of a
national standard without any alteration.
Up-to-date lists and bibliographical references concerning such national
standards may be obtained on application to the CEN Central Secretariat or to
any CEN member.
This European Standard exists in three official versions (English, French,
German). A version in any other language made by translation under the
responsibility of a CEN member into its own language and notified to CEN
Central Secretariat has the same status as the official versions.
CEN members are the national standards organizations of Austria, Belgium,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany, Greece, Hungary,
Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Portugal,
Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

CEN
European Committee for Standardization
Comité Européen de Normalisation
Europäisches Komitee für Normung

Central Secretariat: rue de Stassart 36, B-1050 Brussels

© CEN 1990. Copyright reserved to all CEN members.

Ref. No. EN 71-4:1990 E
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007
Introduction
The Commission of the European Communities
(CEC) informed in March1985 the CEN Technical
Board (CEN BT) of the activities of the Commission
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concerning the preparation of a new proposal for an
EEC-directive within the field of safety of toys (now
published as Council Directive 88/378/EEC of
3 May1988).
On 1988-05-18 the Commission submitted a draft
standardization request to CEN. This request
charges CEN with the preparation of a European
Standard on maximum concentration limits in
chemical toys for dangerous substances and
preparations as defined in directives 67/548/EEC
and 88/379/EEC, essential to the functioning of
chemical toys.
The draft standardization request was accepted by
CEN BT on 1988-06-16/17 (resolution BT 86/1988).
A parallel draft EFTA standardization request was
submitted from EFTA on 1988-09-23.
On 1988-06-08 CEN/TC 52 set up a working group
CEN/TC 52/WG 5. The task of the working group
was to prepare two final working drafts covering the
mandate.
The working group, WG 5, convened in
November 1988 in Berlin, in March 1989 in
Salzburg and in October 1989 in Brussels.
The revised third working draft, as prepared during
the meeting in Salzburg, was approved on
1989-03-16 by CEN/TC 52 for submission as a draft
European Standard for enquiry. A revised draft
European Standard, as prepared during the
meeting of WG 5 in Brussels, was approved
on 1989-10-17.
In accordance with the Common CEN/CENELEC
Rules, the following countries are bound to
implement this European Standard: Austria,
Belgium, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and United Kingdom.
The following technical changes were introduced by
EN 71-4:1990/A3:2007:
— deletion of dangerous substances which are
suspected of having carcinogenic, mutagenic or
toxic for reproduction (CMR) properties;
— improvement in the classification of
substances.
2 © BSI 2007
Foreword
This European Standard consists of the following
parts:
Part 1: Mechanical and physical properties;
Part 2: Flammability;
Part 3: Migration of certain elements;
Part 4: Experimental sets for chemistry and
related activities.
This standard is part 4 of the European Standard
for safety of toys.
This part 4 should be read in conjunction with
part 1, particularly the foreword and Clause 1
and Clause 2 of part 1.
It is intended to reduce the risks which may present
health hazards to a child when the experimental
sets are used as intended or in a foreseeable way,
bearing in mind the normal behaviour of children.
When using these experimental sets, the possible
dangers should be kept to a minimum, by adding
appropriate information to make the experiment
recognized and controllable.
Requirements are laid down in this standard.
Differing legal requirements, e.g. for classification
of dangerous substances, Risk/Safety phrases,
labelling and limits for substances, exist in
EFTA-countries.
Technical rules for inclusion and exclusion of
substances in Table 1 are in preparation and will be
added to this standard at the earliest opportunity.
Foreword to amendment A1
This amendment EN 71-4:1990/A1:1998 to
EN 71-4:1998 has been prepared by Technical
Committee CEN/TC 52, Safety of toys, the
Secretariat of which is held by DS.
This amendment to the European Standard
EN 71-4:1990 has been prepared under a mandate
given to CEN by the European Commission, and
supports essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
NOTE Different legal requirements may exist in
non-EU countries.
This amendment to the European Standard
EN 71-4:1990 shall be given the status of a national
standard, either by publication of an identical text
or by endorsement, at the latest by October 1998,
and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by October 1998.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal
Regulations, the national standards organizations
of the following countries are bound to implement
this European Standard: Austria, Belgium, Czech
Republic, Denmark, Finland, France, Germany,
Greece, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Luxembourg,
Netherlands, Norway, Portugal, Spain, Sweden,
Switzerland and the United Kingdom.
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007

Foreword to amendment A2
This document (EN 71-4:1990/A2:2003) has been
prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 52,
Safety of toys, the Secretariat of which is held by
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DS.
This Amendment to the European Standard
EN 71-4:1990 shall be given the status of a national
standard, either by publication of an identical text
or by endorsement, at the latest by January 2004,
and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by January 2004.
This document has been prepared under a mandate
given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports
essential requirements of EU Directive(s).
For relationship with EU Directive(s), see
informative Annex ZA, which is an integral part of
this document.
According to CEN/CENELEC Internal Regulations,
the national standards organizations of the
following countries are bound to implement this
European Standard: Austria, Belgium,
Czech Republic, Denmark, Finland, France,
Germany, Greece, Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway,
Portugal, Slovakia, Spain, Sweden, Switzerland and
the United Kingdom.
Foreword to amendment A3
This document (EN 71-4:1990/A3:2007) has been
prepared by Technical Committee CEN/TC 52
“Safety of toys”, the secretariat of which is held by
DS.
This Amendment to the European Standard
EN 71-4:1990 shall be given the status of a national
standard, either by publication of an identical text
or by endorsement, at the latest by November 2007,
and conflicting national standards shall be
withdrawn at the latest by November 2007.
This document has been prepared under a mandate
given to CEN by the European Commission and the
European Free Trade Association, and supports
essential requirements of EU Directive 88/378/EEC.
For relationship with EU Directive, see informative
Annex ZA, which is an integral part of this
document.
According to the CEN/CENELEC Internal
Regulations, the national standards organizations
of the following countries are bound to implement
this European Standard: Austria, Belgium,
Bulgaria, Cyprus, Czech Republic, Denmark,
Estonia, Finland, France, Germany, Greece,
Hungary, Iceland, Ireland, Italy, Latvia, Lithuania,
Luxembourg, Malta, Netherlands, Norway, Poland,
Portugal, Romania, Slovakia, Slovenia, Spain,
Sweden, Switzerland and United Kingdom.

© BSI 2007 3
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007

1 %Scope
This part of the European Standard EN 71 specifies requirements for the maximum amount of certain
substances and preparations used in experimental sets for chemistry and related activities.
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These substances and preparations are

— chemicals classified as dangerous by the Directives on dangerous substances [1] and dangerous
preparations [2] (including substances which have been self-classified according to the requirements of
these Directives);
— substances and preparations which in excessive amounts may harm the health of the children using
them but which are not classified as dangerous by the above mentioned Directives and
— other chemical substances and preparations delivered with the toy.
This standard applies to chemistry sets and supplementary sets. It also covers toys for experiments within
the fields of mineralogy, biology, physics, microscopy and environmental science whenever they contain one
or more chemical substances and/or preparations.
It also specifies requirements for marking, contents list, instructions for use and for equipment intended
for carrying out the experiments.&

%2 & #Normative references$

%EN ISO 8317, Child-resistant packaging — Requirements and testing procedures for reclosable packages
(ISO 8317:2003).&
%Text deleted&
#EN ISO 868, Plastics and ebonite — Determination of indentation hardness by means of a durometer
(Shorehardness) (ISO 868:2003).
ISO 7619, Rubber — Determination of indentation hardness by means of pocket hardness meters.$
%Text deleted&

%3 & Definitions
For the purpose of this part of EN 71 the following definitions apply.
%3.1 &
chemistry set
a toy consisting of one or more chemical substances and/or preparations with or without equipment
intended for carrying out chemical experiments
NOTE The definition also covers toys for experiments within the fields of mineralogy, biology, physics, microscopics and
environmental sciences whenever they contain one or more chemical substances and/or preparations.

%3.2 &
supplementary set
a chemistry set which is intended to be used with a complete chemistry set

%4 & Chemical substances

%Only chemical substances, preparations and indicators given in Table 1 and Table 2 can be supplied in
chemistry sets up to the amounts stated.&
NOTE The quality of the chemicals used should be appropriate for the experiments described. In particular the chemicals should
not contain impurities or blends which allow undefined and dangerous reactions.
Additionally, denatured methylated spirits and the reagents %referred to in Table 3& may be prescribed
for use, but shall not be provided with the toy.

%Footnotes deleted&

4 © BSI 2007
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007

Other substances shall not be supplied with the toy. However, the instructions for use may prescribe the
use of other substances, e.g.sugar, that are not considered as dangerous substances or preparations
%(see [1] and [2]).&
The chemical substances and preparations listed in Table 1, in so far as they are classified as dangerous
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within the definitions contained in the above Directives, shall have their containers labelled accordingly.

%5 & Equipment
%5.1 & General requirements
Chemistry sets shall be supplied with instructions for use, the containers necessary for carrying out the
experiments described in the instructions for use, eye protection and if required a test tube stand.
Supplementary sets shall be supplied with a contents list as specified in Clause 8 and marked in accordance
with 6.3.3.
All experiments described shall be evaluated by the manufacturer. In particular, substances shall not be
produced in amounts that are injurious to health.
NOTE Any known hazards arising from the use of the toy, especially during the experiments, should be described in detail
(e.g. handling of chemicals, handling of glassware, retarded boiling point, back-flow of barrier water into overheated glassware,
evolution of gases and handling of burners and other heating sources).

%
Table 1 — Maximum amounts of chemical substances and preparations and labelling
Chemical Max. amount Danger symbol(s) CAS EINECS
substances/ per set (see Figure 1 and number b number b
preparation a Figure 2)
Aluminium potassium 10 g — 10043-67-1 233-141-3
sulfate c
Ammonium carbonate g 5g Xn 10361-29-2 233-786-0
Ammonium chloride 30 g Xn 12125-02-9 235-186-4
Ammonium iron (III) 5g Xi 10138-04-2 233-382-4
sulfate g
Ammonium sodium 5g — 13011-54-6 235-860-8
hydrogen phosphate
Calcium carbonate g 100 g Xi 471-34-1 207-439-9
Calcium chloride 10 g Xi 10043-52-4 233-140-8
Calcium hydroxide d, g 20 g Xi 1305-62-0 215-137-3
Calcium nitrate g 5g Xi, O 10124-37-5 233-332-1
Calcium oxide d, g 10 g C 1305-78-8 215-138-9
Calcium sulfate 100 g — 7778-18-9 231-900-3
Charcoal c 100 g — 7440-44-0 231-153-3
Citric acid g 20 g Xi 77-92-9 201-069-1
Clove oil c, g, i 10 ml Xn 84961-50-2 284-638-7
Copper sheet 100 g — 7440-50-8 231-159-6
Copper (II) oxide g 10 g Xn 1317-38-0 215-269-1
Copper (II) sulfate 15 g Xn, N 7758-98-7 231-847-6

&

© BSI 2007 5
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007

%
Table 1 — Maximum amounts of chemical substances and preparations and labelling (continued)
Chemical Max. amount Danger symbol(s) CAS EINECS
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substances/ per set (see Figure 1 and number b number b

preparation a Figure 2)
Disodium disulfite 10 g Xn 7681-57-4 231-548-0
Glycerol (containing at 25 g — 56-81-5 200-289-5
least 15 % water)
Hexamethylene- 10 g Xn, F 100-97-0 202-905-8
tetramine c (solid fuel)
Iron fillings/iron 100 g F 7439-89-6 231-096-4
powder c, g
Iron (III) chloride g 10 g Xn 7705-08-0 231-729-4
Iron (II) sulfate g 10 g Xn 7720-78-7 231-753-5
Lactose 100 g — 63-42-3 200-559-2
Lead-free solder c 100 g — — —
Magnesium strip g 3g F 7439-95-4 231-104-6
Magnesium sulfate 25 g — 7487-88-9 231-298-2
Manganese (IV) dioxide 5g Xn 1313-13-9 215-202-6
Manganese (II) sulfate 15 g Xn, N 7785-87-7 232-089-9
Ninhydrin g 1g Xn 485-47-2 207-618-1
Pepsin A 10 g Xn 9001-75-6 232-629-3
Potassium bromide g 15 g Xi 7758-02-3 231-830-3
Potassium 10 g — 13746-66-2 237-323-3
hexacyanoferrate (III) c
Potassium 10 g — 13943-58-3 237-722-2
hexacyanoferrate (II) c
Potassium iodide 10 g — 7681-11-0 231-659-4
Potassium 15 g Xn, O, N 7722-64-7 231-760-3
permanganate e
Potassium 10 g Xn, O, N — —
permanganate:
sodium sulphate
mixture (1:2 m/m)
Silver nitrate (1 % m/V 10 ml Xi, N 7761-88-8 231-853-9
aqueous solution) g
Sodium acetate 20 g — 127-09-3 204-823-8
Sodium carbonate 50 g Xi 497-19-8 207-838-8
Sodium chloride 100 g — 7647-14-5 231-598-3
Sodium hydrogen 50 g — 144-55-8 205-633-8
carbonate

&

6 © BSI 2007
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007

%
Table 1 — Maximum amounts of chemical substances and preparations and labelling (continued)
Chemical Max. amount Danger symbol(s) CAS EINECS
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substances/ per set (see Figure 1 and number b number b

preparation a Figure 2)
Sodium hydrogen 30 g Xi 7681-38-1 231-665-7
sulphate
Sodium silicate solution 100 ml C — —
(SiO2:Na2O > 2) g
Sodium sulfate 100 g — 7757-82-6 231-820-9
Sodium thiosulfate 50 g — 7772-98-7 231-867-5
Sulfur g 15 g F 7704-34-9 231-722-6
Tannin c 15 g — 1401-55-4 215-753-2
Tartaric acid g 20 g Xi 87-69-4 201-766-0
Tin (II) chloride g 15 g C 7772-99-8 231-868-0
Tincture of iodine c 10 ml Xnf, Nf, F — —
(2,5 % m/V ethanolic
solution) h
Urea c 10 g — 57-13-6 200-315-5
Zinc powder/zinc pellets 20 g F, N 7440-66-6 231-175-3
Zinc sulfate 20 g Xn, N 7446-20-0 231-793-3
(heptahydrate)
a The substances and preparations in Table 1 are listed in alphabetical order and may therefore be placed in different positions
in the national translations.
b Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry number and European Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances (EINECS)
number are provided for information purposes only.
c The chemical nomenclature is mainly based on IUPAC with the exceptions of the substances marked.
d Only one of these substances shall be provided per set.
e Only to be provided in sets intended for children over the age of 12 years.
f Xn and N apply to iodine, not to its ethanolic solution.
g The classifications of the substances correspond to the most stringent self-classifications according to manufacturer's
literature.
h Denaturated alcohol (ethanol).
i The following R- and S-phrases shall be given:
Clove oil Risk phrase: R43 may cause sensitization by skin contact
Safety advice phrase: S24 Avoid contact with skin.

If indicators are supplied as solutions, their solid contents shall not exceed the amounts specified in
Table 2.
NOTE Non-bleeding indicators in books, pads or rolls are far below toxicological levels of concern and may be supplied without any
amount-limitations for indicators.&

© BSI 2007 7
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007

%
Table 2 — Maximum amounts of indicators and labelling
Chemical Max. amount Danger symbol(s) CAS EINECS
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substances/ per set (see Figure 1 and number b number b

preparation a Figure 2)
Eosin c,e 1g Xi 17372-87-1 241-409-6
Iodine (2,5 % m/V) in 10 ml Xn d, N d 7553-56-2 231-442-4
potassium iodide
(2,5 % m/V aqueous
solution)
Litmus blue c 1g — — —
Litmus red c 1g — 1393-92-6 215-739-6
Luminol (5 % (m/m) 3g Xn 521-31-3 208-309-4
mixture with sodium
sulfate) c, e
Methyl orange c, e 3g T 547-58-0 208-925-3
(20 % m/m sodium
sulfate mixture)
Methylene blue c, e 1g Xn 61-73-4 200-515-2
Phenol red e 1g Xi 143-74-8 205-609-7
Thymol blue 1g — 76-61-9 200-973-3
Bleeding universal 1 pad — — —
indicator paper c
a The substances and preparations in Table 2 are listed in alphabetical order and may therefore be placed in different positions
in the national translations.
b Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry number and European Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances (EINECS) number
are provided for information purposes only.
c The chemical nomenclature is mainly based on IUPAC with the exceptions of the substances marked.
d Xn and N apply to iodine, not to its aqueous solution.
e The classifications of the substances correspond to the most stringent self-classifications according to manufacturer’s
literature.

&

8 © BSI 2007
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007
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Toxic

NOTE These symbols are extracts from the European Council Directive (83/467/EEC) adapting for the fifth time
Directive 67/548/EEC to take into account technical progress. Their dimensions and colours should correspond to those prescribed
by that directive.
Figure 1 — Danger symbols

NOTE These symbols are extracts from the European Council Directive (83/467/EEC) adapting for the fifth time
Directive 67/548/EEC to take into account technical progress. Their dimensions and colours should correspond to those prescribed
by that directive.
Figure 2 — Hazardous to environment (see [3])

&
%5.2 & Containers and glassware
%5.2.1 & Test tubes
%5.2.1.1 & Sets in which test tubes are heated
In sets where the instructions for use include chemical experiments in which test tubes are heated, all test
tubes shall be made of borosilicate glass in order to be heat-resistant. %Borosilicate glass shall be tested
in accordance with 5.2.6.&
Glass test tubes intended to be heated shall have dimensions greater than 110 mm in length and 15 mm
in internal diameter.
Glass test tubes not intended to be heated, e.g. not for chemical experiments, shall have dimensions not
greater than 90 mm in length and 12 mm in internal diameter.

© BSI 2007 9
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007

%5.2.1.2 & Sets in which test tubes are not heated

In sets, where the instructions for use do not include chemical experiments in which test tubes are heated
and the glass tubes are not made of borosilicate glass, all test tubes shall be labelled in accordance with 7.2.
%5.2.2 & Other glassware
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In sets, where the instructions for use include experiments in which glassware is heated, all glassware
intended to be heated shall be made of borosilicate glass in order to be heat-resistant. %Borosilicate glass
shall be tested in accordance with 5.2.6.&
The above requirement does not apply to glass pipes intended to be heated for the purpose of bending.
Other glassware which is not intended to be heated but which by its appearance or shape could be
construed as being suitable for heating shall be labelled in accordance with 6.2.
%5.2.3 & Reagent containers
Containers for reagents shall differ in size and shape from laboratory glassware to avoid them being
mistaken as glassware for use in experiments.
All containers shall be shock-resistant. They shall withstand the drop test specified in EN 71-1.
%5.2.4 & #Closures
Closures shall comply with one of the following requirements.
— They shall comply with %EN ISO 8317&.
— They shall require two independent movements to be opened: a vertical force downwards and a torque
in the clockwise or anticlockwise direction (bayonet joint). When tested in accordance with A.1 (closure
test A), the closure shall not have opened.
— They shall consist of a snap-in stopper and shall require an external tool to be opened. The closure
shall be able to be opened only by a specifically designed tool. When tested in accordance with A.2
(closure test B), the closure shall not have opened.
In addition, closures for containers intended to be used for liquids shall not break, crack or leak when tested
in accordance with A.3 (closure test C).
NOTE It is the intention of the test to prevent younger children accessing materials contained in such products.$

%5.2.5 & Empty containers

Empty containers intended for storage of reagents %shall have a maximum volume of 50 ml and 100 ml,
respectively, in accordance with Table 4.&
%5.2.6 Test method for borosilicate glass
5.2.6.1 General
Several methods exist to distinguish borosilicate glass, e. g. determination of density and refractive index.
The density method is given here:
5.2.6.2 Apparatus and reagent
— 25 ml pycnometer;
— water bath, capable of maintaining a temperature of (20 ± 1) °C;
— deionized water;
— analytical balance, precision 0,1 mg.
5.2.6.3 Procedure
Weigh pycnometer (m0). Make sure that the fraction from the glass sample is clean. Place it in the
pycnometer and weigh the pycnometer (m2). Then fill up the pycnometer with water and place in water
bath until the contents equilibrate at 20 °C. Top up the pycnometer with water. Remove the pycnometer
from water bath, dry exterior and weigh (m3). Empty the pycnometer. Fill up the pycnometer with water
and place in water bath until the contents equilibrate at 20 °C. Top up the pycnometer with water, dry and
weigh. Record the weight (m1).

(m 2 – m 0 ) g
-. 0,9882 -----------
@ Glass = ------------------------------------------------------
(m 1 – m 3 + m 2 – m 0 ) cm
3
&

10 © BSI 2007
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007

%where:
ÔGlass is the density of the glass sample
g is the density of water 20 °C
ÔWater (20 °C) = 0,9882 ----------
-
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3
cm
m0 = mass of the empty pycnometer, in g
m1 = mass of the pycnometer filled with water, in g
m2 = mass of the pycnometer with the glass sample, in g
m3 = mass of the pycnometer with glass sample and water, in g
NOTE Reference density for glass are:
g
(2,40 ± 0,05) ----------- sheet window;
3
cm
g
(2,48 ± 0,05) ----------- soft soda;
3
cm
g
(2,25 ± 0,05) ----------- borosilicate;
3
cm
g
(2,21 ± 0,05) ----------- fused silica.&
3
cm

%5.3 & Equipment for the transfer of liquid

Transfer of liquid shall not be by mouth actuated pipettes. Where the transfer of liquid is required, a
mechanical means which does not allow any aspiration by the mouth shall be provided (e.g. dropper with
a permanently fitted teat).
%5.4 & Test tube stand and test tube holder
The test tube stand shall not overturn when a test tube positioned in an outermost hole is filled with 5 ml
of water and tilted to an angle of 15°.
The experimental set shall contain a functional test tube holder when heating is required for carrying out
the experiments.
%
Table 3 — Maximum concentration of reagents not supplied with the set and labelling
Reagenta Maximum Danger CAS EINECS
concentration symbol number c number c
Ammonia solution 2 mol/l Xi 1336-21-6 215-647-6
Hydrochloric acid 2 mol/l Xi 7647-01-0 231-595-7
Hydrogen peroxide b 1 mol/l — 7722-84-1 231-765-0
Sodium hydroxide solution 1 mol/l C 1310-73-2 215-185-5
a The reagents in Table 3 are listed in alphabetical order and may therefore be placed in different positions in the national
translations.
b The concentration of hydrogen peroxide is equivalent to a 3 % (V/V) solution.
c Chemical Abstract Service (CAS) registry number and European Inventory of Existing Chemical Substances (EINECS)
number are provided for information purposes only.

&

© BSI 2007 11
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007

%
Table 4 — Maximum volume of the empty containers for reagents (see Table 3)
Reagent Maximum volume of the empty container
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Ammonia solution, 2 mol/l 50 ml

Hydrochloric acid, 2 mol/l 100 ml
Hydrogen peroxide, 1 mol/l 100 ml
Sodium hydroxide solution, 1 mol/l 100 ml

&
%5.5 & Eye protection
The eye protection shall be of such nature or design that the eyes are protected to a maximum extent.
NOTE The requirement of EN 71-1 for imitations of protective masks and helmets does not apply to eye protection of experimental
sets.
Transparent materials of eye protection shall not crack when tested in accordance with the following test
method.
Separate the transparent material from the eye protection. Place the material in the apparatus as shown
in %Figure 3& , so that it is supported all along its periphery. The support shall be made of rigid material
adapted to the sample.
Carry out the test at a temperature of (20 ± 5) °C. Drop, in free fall, a mass of 1 kg through a distance
of 100 mm on to the top of the cylinder.
If the experimental set does not contain eye protection for the supervising adult the outer packaging shall
be marked in accordance with 6.3.2.

All dimensions in mm

Key
1 Copper cylinder
2 Guide
3 Sample
4 Support
Figure 3 — Apparatus for test on eye protection

12 © BSI 2007
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007

%6 & Marking
%6.1 & General requirement
Markings shall be visible, easily legible, indelible and in the national language(s) of the country of sale.
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Letters of a minimum height of 7 mm shall be used for the terms “WARNING” and “CAUTION”.
Letters of a minimum height of 3 mm shall be used for the “WARNING” phrases. The “WARNING” phrases
shall be clearly legible.
%6.2 & Marking of individual containers and glassware
Individual containers shall be marked with the following information:
a) %name of the chemical substance or preparation as given in Table 1, Table 2 or Table 3;
b) if specified, the danger symbol(s) and environmental symbol appropriate to the chemical substance or
preparation as given in Table 1, Table 2 or Table 3.&
NOTE In addition common names of the chemical substances and preparations in the containers may be given.
Glassware not intended for heating shall be marked with:
— “Not to be heated”.
%6.3 & Marking of the outer packaging
%6.3.1 & The outer packaging shall bear the name and/or trade name and/or mark, the address and
telephone number of the manufacturer or his authorized representative or the importer.
The name and address may be abbreviated provided that the abbreviation enables the manufacturer, his
authorized representative or the importer to be identified.
%6.3.2 & The outer packaging shall additionally bear the following warnings.
— “WARNING! Only for use by children over 10 years old. To be used solely under the strict supervision
of adults that have studied the precautions given in the experimental set.”
— “CAUTION! contains some chemicals which are classified a safety hazard.
Read the instructions before use, follow them and keep them for reference.
Do not allow chemicals to come into contact with any part of the body, particularly the mouth and eyes.
Keep small children and animals away from experiments.
Store the chemistry set out of reach of small children.”
Where appropriate (see 5.4):
“Eye protection for supervising adults is not included.”
NOTE If appropriate, ages greater than 10 years in the first warning can be fixed by the manufacturer.
For sets containing potassium permanganate the age given in the first warning shall be 12 years.
%6.3.3 & Supplementary sets shall additionally be marked with the following warning on the outer
package.
— “CAUTION! This supplementary set does not contain all equipment and chemicals necessary for
performing tests.
For carrying out experiments a complete chemistry set is required.”

© BSI 2007 13
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007

%7 & Contents list with warnings and first aid information

The contents list shall contain the following information.
a) A list of the chemicals supplied.
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b) The Risk/Safety phrases specified in Directive 67/548/EEC (with subsequent amendments and
adaptations) as appropriate to each particular substance.
c) The manufacturer provides an empty space in which the telephone number of the local poison centre
(central office for first aid information) or hospital in case of intake by accident of dangerous substances
should be entered.
d) General first aid information as follows.
“In case of eye contact: Wash out eye with plenty of water, holding eye open if necessary. Seek
immediate medical advice.
If swallowed: Wash out mouth with water, drink some fresh water. Do not induce vomiting. Seek
immediate medical advice.
In case of inhalation: Remove person to fresh air.
In case of skin contact and burns: Wash affected area with plenty of water for 5 minutes.
In case of doubt seek medical advice without delay. Take the chemical together with the container with
you.
In case of injury always seek medical advice.
NOTE First aid information may also be found in the instructions for carrying out the experiment.”
e) Specific first aid information when appropriate.

%8 & Instructions for use

%8.1 & General instructions
The instructions for use shall be given in the national language(s) of the country of sale.
The marking specified in 6.3 shall be repeated on the cover of the instructions for use.
The first page(s) of the instructions for use shall contain a list of its contents. This list shall refer to the
information required in 8.2 and 8.3.
Detailed information on how to perform each experiment shall be given.
When appropriate, danger symbols and Risk/Safety phrases as specified in Directive 67/548/EEC (with
subsequent amendments and adaptations) and information on first aid in the event of foreseeable accidents
shall be given with the description of the experiment.
Information on disposal of used chemicals including substances and preparations not supplied with the toy,
but needed for the described experiments, shall be given. The necessity of disposing of, e.g. foodstuffs used
for experimenting, shall be underlined.
The instructions for disposal shall take account of national regulations for the disposal of such chemicals.
The opening pages of the instructions for use shall provide the following information:
a) advice for supervising adults (see 8.2);
b) the information required in Clause 7;
c) safety rules (see 8.3).

14 © BSI 2007
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007

%8.2 & Advice for supervising adults

The advice for adults shall contain the following information.
“ a) Read and follow these instructions, the safety rules and the first aid information and keep them for
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reference.
b) The incorrect use of chemicals can cause injury and damage to health. Only carry out those
experiments which are listed in the instructions.
c) This chemistry set is for use only by children over 10 years (or over 12 years where appropriate).
d) Because children’s abilities vary so much, even within age groups, supervising adults should exercise
discretion as to which experiments are suitable and safe for them. The instructions should enable
supervisors to assess any experiment to establish its suitability for a particular child.
e) The supervising adult should discuss the warnings and safety information with the child or children
before commencing the experiments. Particular attention should be paid to the safe handling of acid,
alkalies and flammable liquids.
f) The area surrounding the experiment should be kept clear of any obstructions and away from the
storage of food. It should be well lit and ventilated and close to a water supply. A solid table with a
heat-resistant top should be provided.
g) Instructions for the use of the burner.”
%8.3 & Safety rules
The following safety rules shall be given.
— “Do read these instructions before use, follow them and keep them for reference.
Do keep young children, animals and those not wearing eye protection away from the experimental
area.
Do always wear eye protection.
Do store experimental sets out of reach of young children.
Do clean all equipment after use.
Do make sure that all containers are fully closed and properly stored after use.
Do wash hands after carrying out experiments.
Do not use equipment which has not been supplied with the set.
Do not eat, drink or smoke in the experimental area.
Do not allow chemicals to come into contact with the eyes or mouth.
Do not replace foodstuffs in original container.
Dispose of immediately.”

© BSI 2007 15
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007

#Annex A (normative)
Test methods for closures of reagent containers
A.1 Closure test A
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Open the closure and re-close it 10 times. Apply a force of (70 ± 2) N vertically up on the cap. Examine
whether the cap is still closed.
Apply a force of (30 ± 2) N vertically down on the cap. Apply a maximum torque of (0,5 ± 0,05) Nm in the
clockwise and the anticlockwise direction. Examine whether the cap is still closed.
A.2 Closure test B
Open the closure by using the external tool and re-close it 10 times. Remove the external tool. The stopper
shall be in the locked position. Apply a force of (30 ± 2) N vertically down on the cap. Rotate the cap in the
clockwise and anticlockwise direction with a maximum of (0,5 ± 0,05) Nm for a maximum of a full turn each
way. Examine whether the cap is still closed.
Apply a force of (70 ± 2) N vertically up on the cap. Examine whether the cap is still closed. Attach the
external tool and apply a force of 10 N on the tool in the most onerous direction. Examine whether the cap
is still closed.
A.3 Closure test C
Fill the container with water. The filling volume shall be ¾ of the container volume. Attach the closure.
Drop the filled container including its closure with its closure facing downwards five times from a height
of (850 ± 50) mm on to a 4 mm thick steel plate, which has a 2 mm thick coating of Shore A hardness 75 ± 5
as measured according to EN ISO 868 or ISO 7619 and which is placed on a non-flexible horizontal surface.
Check visually for any breaks, cracks or leakages of the closure.$

16 © BSI 2007
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007

%Annex B (informative)
Rationale on classification of substances and preparations
Substances and preparations in the various tables are classified according to the relevant directives
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67/548/EEC and 1999/45/EC, where appropriate.

The standard generally specifies the most stringent classification found in the market for substances which
are classified and labelled according to manufacturer’s self-classification (e. g. substances in Table 1
marked with footnote g).
The classification of most of the preparations is more stringent than required according to the relevant
directive 1999/45/EC. Even in the case of the iodine tincture (the described preparation is of low iodine
content), the more stringent classification for the substance itself — iodine — is specified.
This was reasonably done because of educational considerations for learning basic chemical operations
during use of the experimental kit and to ensure a harmonized product spectrum with harmonized safety
requirements.
In principle R and S phrases are required for all dangerous substances with respect to their amount
handled or their classification. Additional R and S phrases are required specifically for clove oil (in spite of
the small amount of substance).&

© BSI 2007 17
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007

%Annex ZA (informative)
Relationship between this European Standard and the Essential Requirements
of EU Directive 88/378/EEC
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This European Standard has been prepared under a mandate given to CEN by the European Commission
and the European Free Trade Association to provide a means of conforming to Essential Requirements of
the New Approach Directive 88/378/EEC.
Once this standard is cited in the Official Journal of the European Communities under that Directive and
has been implemented as a national standard in at least one Member State, compliance with the clauses
of this standard given in Table ZA confers, within the limits of the scope of this standard, a presumption of
conformity with the corresponding Essential Requirements of that Directive and associated EFTA
regulations.
Table ZA — Correspondence between this European Standard and Directive 88/378/EEC
“COUNCIL DIRECTIVE of 3 May 1988 on the approximation of the laws of the Member States
concerning the safety of toys”
Clause(s)/sub-clause(s) of Essential Requirements (ERs) of Qualifying remarks/Notes
amendment A3 to EN 71-4 Directive 88/378/EEC, Annex II

5.2.1.1, 5.2.2 and 5.2.6 II. 1. a) (Particular risk)

Clause 4, 5.2.5, Table 1, Table 2, II. 3. 3 (Particular risk)
Table 3 and Table 4

WARNING — Other requirements and other EU Directives may be applicable to the product(s) falling
within the scope of this standard.&

18 © BSI 2007
 EN 71-4:1990+A3:2007

Bibliography

[1]67/548/EEC Council Directive of 27 June 1967 on the approximation of laws, regulations and
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administrative provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances
[2]99/45/EC Directive 1999/45/EC of the European Parliament and of the Council of 31 May 1999
concerning the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative provisions of the Member
States relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous preparations
[3]2001/59/EC Commission Directive of 6 August 2001 adapting to technical progress for the 28th time
Council Directive 67/548/EEC on the approximation of the laws, regulations and administrative
provisions relating to the classification, packaging and labelling of dangerous substances

© BSI 2007 19
 BS EN
71-4:1998
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