Children’s Cot: Are the Manufacturers Aware of the Safety Requirements? A Case Study of Furniture Quality Control in the Greek Market

Konstantinos Ninikas1, Georgios Ntalos1, Andromahi Mitani1, and Stamatia Chroni2
1. Department of Forestry, Wood Science & Design, University of Thessaly, Greece 
2. Ministry of Economy and Development, General Secretariat for Trade, Greece

Abstract: This research is addressing the knowledge of wooden furniture manufacturing companies in Greece with regard to the children’s cot as a final product. Ten different cots (from five manufacturers) were examined and tested according to the European Norms EN 716-1:2008+A1:2013 & EN 716-2:2008+A1:2013. The aim of the testing was to identify the design and construction principles of the manufacturers related to the guidelines set by the European authorities and to what extend these tested cots met all the requirements and the standards for safe use as concerns to the Greek market of wooden furniture. This was undertaken at the first stage of production, prior to releasing the product to the end-users. The results of the current research indicate that 100% of the samples which were studied did not comply with the specific standards. Consequently, these products are assessed as inadequate and inappropriate which is a cause for significant concern.