Halloween Safety: What a Certification Body Sees Behind the Costumes and Decorations
Halloween Safety: What a Certification Body Sees Behind the Costumes and Decorations
Halloween is a night of creativity, fun, and spooky excitement, but behind the costumes, flashing decorations, and fog machines, there are very real safety risks that often go unnoticed. At LabTest Certification, we spend our days testing products to ensure they comply with safety and performance standards. So, naturally, we can’t help but see Halloween a little differently.
Here’s a peek into Halloween through the eyes of a Certification Body, and some tips to keep your night safe.
Costumes: More Than Just Dress-Up
What we see: Flammable fabrics, loose accessories that pose tripping hazards, and battery-powered lights that might not be built to safety standards.
- Look for flame-resistant materials on costumes, especially for children. Candles in pumpkins and decorative torches are common this time of year.
- Avoid loose strings or oversized masks that can obstruct vision or cause trips.
- Check battery packs and wiring on light-up costumes or accessories. Non-certified products can overheat or short-circuit.
Decorations: Not Just Spooky, Sometimes Shocking
What we see: Extension cords tangled across walkways, indoor-only lighting used outside, and decorative items without proper certification marks.
- Use certified lights and extension cords (look for a certification mark) for both indoor and outdoor decorations.
- Don’t overload circuits — those inflatable ghosts and strobe lights can add up.
- Inspect before plugging in. Frayed cords or cracked plugs are a serious fire hazard.
Candles and Fog Machines: Atmosphere with a Side of Risk
What we see: Open flames near costumes, fog machines without proper ventilation, and electrical devices that may not meet safety requirements.
- Swap candles for battery-operated LED lights in pumpkins and lanterns.
- Use fog machines in well-ventilated areas and check if the fluid is intended for safe indoor use.
- Never leave electrical decorations unattended.
Trick-or-Treating Gear: Safety On the Move
What we see: Flashlights with cheap batteries that leak, light-up wands without proper wiring, and reflective gear missing altogether.
- Choose certified flashlights or wearable LED gear for better reliability.
- Add reflective tape to costumes and bags to make kids visible to drivers.
Check batteries for corrosion or overheating before heading out.
Why Certification Matters on Halloween (and Every Day)
Most families don’t think twice about plugging in a string of orange lights or buying a glowing wand at the dollar store. But as a certification body, we know that uncertified products can bring risks, from fire to electric shock to chemical exposure.
When you see a certification mark, it means the product has been tested against recognized standards and found compliant. It’s your best assurance that the “scariest” part of Halloween won’t be an unsafe product.
Final Thoughts
Halloween should be full of fun frights, not real ones. Taking a few extra moments and choosing certified products, inspecting decorations, and wearing safe costume materials can make all the difference.
From all of us at LabTest Certification: stay safe, and have a happy (and compliant!) Halloween. 🎃
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About the Author:
LabTest Certification Inc. is an accredited Testing, Inspection, and Certification Body providing global product approvals for a vast range of product categories. For more information, please visit https://labtestcert.com
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