Important safety notice for backpacks in accordance with Regulation (EU) 2023/988 on general product safety (GPSR)
This is a targeted safety notice for the proper and safe use of backpacks (textile, leather, synthetic, waterproof; urban, school, hiking, sports, cycling, with laptop compartment, with chest/waist strap, with drawstring, roll-top closure, magnetic or metal clasps, reflective elements, possibly with hydration bladder). Since they may contain long straps, cords, and small metal/magnetic parts, have zippers and hard parts, and increase back/shoulder load when overloaded, please follow the instructions below.
Basic safety and handling principles
- Keep out of reach of small children: Carabiners, buckles, zipper pulls, magnets, and decorations pose a choking/inhalation hazard; the product is not a toy.
- Check before use: Inspect seams, straps, buckles, drawstrings, zippers, and the backpack bottom; replace any loose, torn, or rusty parts.
- Fire and heat: Most materials are flammable or heat-sensitive; avoid open flames, sparks, and hot surfaces.
- Magnetic/metal parts: Keep away from payment cards and sensitive electronics; follow staff instructions during security checks/MRI.
- Sharp/rigid elements: Fittings, zippers, and reinforcements may have sharp edges; avoid scratching skin and clothing when handling.
Proper and safe use
- Adjusting straps: Set the length of shoulder, chest, and waist straps so the backpack fits snugly against the back without excessive pressure; tuck in loose ends.
- Load and weight distribution: Do not overload the backpack; place heavier items close to the back and centered, wrap sharp edges to prevent fabric damage.
- Catching and movement: On escalators, bicycles/scooters, and when working with machinery, avoid hanging loose straps/cords; if necessary, wear the backpack in front.
- Laptop and electronics: Store devices in a padded compartment; the backpack is not a protective work case against impacts unless specified by the manufacturer.
- Visibility: Use reflective elements or lights in dusk/darkness; dark colors reduce pedestrian/cyclist visibility.
- Purpose: The backpack is not intended for lifting loads, securing, child carrying, or as personal protective equipment.
Cleaning, maintenance, and storage
- According to the label: Follow care symbols; not all backpacks are suitable for washing machines/dryers (risk of delamination, deformation of reinforcements).
- Textile/synthetic: Clean with a damp cloth or mild solution; avoid bleach and aggressive cleaners (damage to prints and glued seams).
- Leather/suede: Use appropriate products and impregnation; protect from water and prolonged sun exposure.
- Zippers and fittings: After contact with salt water/sweat, wipe dry and occasionally lubricate sliders; this reduces corrosion and jamming risk.
- Storage: Store empty, lightly stuffed, in a dry and dark place; do not hang long-term by one strap (deformation), avoid moisture (mold, odor).
Specific health warnings
- Back and shoulders: Long-term carrying of a heavy backpack may cause back/neck pain; alternate shoulders with single-strap models and adjust padding/tension of straps.
- Pressure and chafing: Hard parts and narrow straps may cause pressure marks; use wider straps or additional padding.
- Allergies and sensitive skin: Some metals (e.g., nickel in fittings), dyes, and impregnations may cause reactions; if redness or itching occurs, limit contact or choose hypoallergenic options.
Disposal
- Sorted waste and textile collection: Textile/leather parts should be handed over for textile collection or reuse; separate metal/magnetic parts if possible. If the backpack contains electronic accessories (LED/power bank, cables), dispose of according to electronic waste rules.
Incidents and contact
- In case of an incident (strap entanglement, fall due to load, skin reaction), stop using the product immediately. Keep the product and proof of purchase for complaint processing.
