Simple steps help Norfolk families protect children from cleaning product injuries
Take Action Today campaign guides households to safer practices
Families in Norfolk are being encouraged to adopt safer storage practices for cleaning products to prevent injuries to young children.
The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (RoSPA) and the UK Cleaning Products Industry Association (UKCPI) are leading the 'Take Action Today, Put Them Away campaign', launching on 22nd September 2026.
With 165 emergency admissions for children under four attributed to accidental poisonings between 2018 and 2021, the campaign emphasises the importance of keeping cleaning products out of reach.
The campaign advises parents to store cleaning products in locked cupboards, maintain original packaging, fasten lids after use, and follow packaging instructions during incidents.
Jim Oram, RoSPA’s home safety policy officer said:
"Accidental poisonings is the third most common cause of emergency admissions to children in hospital.
most people keep their chemicals nder the sink because it's easy access for them. They're keeping things like bleach, low down near like the toilet areas. But of course, if it's easy access for you, it's also easy access for children"
He stressed the importance of keeping things in their original packaging :
"But it's also important that we do keep it in our original containers, not to take it out, do not put it into fancy glass jars or to mix it,
Because on that packaging, it's got that vital information about what to do. If the child does accidentally swallow the products or what to do in an emergency."
Kelly Semper, Assistant Director at Norfolk County Council, highlighted collaboration with local organisations to share safety information, aiming to reduce hospital admissions and make homes safer:
“Norfolk Best Start Family Hubs, Action for Children, East of England Community Health and Care NHS Trust and Norfolk County Council Children's Services will combine their expertise and trusted relationships with families to deliver consistent safety messages across communities."