Sewing Needle and Metal Detection Safety Policy

Needle policy

Sewing Needle and Metal Detection -Product Safety inspection procedures and general  instructions to suppliers regarding samples. It is essential that all suppliers comply and meet with our requirements for product safety inspection

These requirements fall into five categories.

1. Needle policy.
2. Metal Detection.
3. Component Testing.
4. Physical Examination.
5. Physical Design.

Needle policy:

A clear policy must exist within the factory for the issue of needles and there must be a procedure to deal with broken needles and needle recovery from garments. (see details section D safety manual.)

• Sewing needles should only be installed by trained personnel and it should have sewing replacement policy
• Sewing needles should suit the fabric type and speed of the sewing operation.
• Sewing needles should be replaced at regular intervals and disposed of carefully.

Metal Detection:

We actively request that factories operate metal detection machinery, which is set up to detect the presence of “foreign metal” fragments . (ref. details in section D safety manual).

• 100% off production must be passed through an approved metal detector –hand held detectors are not acceptable for use for production stock.
• Detectors must be capable of detecting ferrous metal.
• The detector should be set at a sensitivity level which will always detect the approved 1.2mm ferrous standard.
• Records of all metal contamination should be kept, using a contamination record, stating time, date and location.
• The location of the detector in the factory should be approved by the metal detector supplier – this ensures there will be no interference which may upset the machines settings.
• Metal detection should be seen as a last resort and not as a replacement for a well maintained needle policy.

Component Testing:

These should be made from a non-ferrous metal and be nickel free. It is a further requirement that all poppers and studs are applied with an automated machine and that the correct prong length and correct crimping force is used. All components must be non toxic and must comply with EN 71 part, 1, 2, 3 for the preceding and general product safety.

Physical Examination:

All garments contracted for Dunne’s are to be subjected to a 100% examination for dangerous items. These items include blades, scissors, pins or metal objects that may have come into contact with the garment during the manufacturing process. It is our requirement that all pockets, reversed hems, enclosed foot or similar garment features are checked for dangerous objects that may be concealed therein.

Physical Design:

The physical design of a garment will be reviewed and modified accordingly, so that it may better conform for enhanced product safety.

• This deals with such things as to the length of draw-strings and loops, trims, appliqués etc…
• Functional draw cords are not permitted for use on children’s garments up to & inc.age 9 years. It is a legal requirement that garments with a chest size smaller than 44 cms, do not have a functioning hood draw cord. No cords functional / decorative to be used up to and including age 9 yrs.
• Draw cords fastening to the back are not permitted on any garment within the Children’s division.
• The use of cut coil zips is not permitted. All zip s should have permanent plastic cob stops, which are free from sharp edges or protrusions & of one solid piece. Open ends zips to have ‘E’ shape top cob stop.
• Garments must comply with all regulations pertaining to ‘Safety of Children’s Cl othing’ –

Minimum neck stretch measurement:

The following general requirements apply . All samples should be submitted with

(1) a sample card

(2) a size spec

(3) the garments must be pre-measured by the factor y and where applicable checked by agent / importer & findings indicated on the accompanying spec.

Normally the requirement for samples will be as follows:

(1) a buying sample/ an approval sample.

(2) a fit samples (sizes as per manual )

(3) a sealing sample before production.

(4) a production sample prior to shipment.

Written By - Engineer Amanullah, Kansai Sewing Machine Specialist, Ava Garments Ltd. Dhaka