There are specific products covered under the Hazardous Products Act that must meet safety standards if they're going to be resold. If garage sale organizers do sell a faulty product that eventually causes injury, they can face stiff penalties.

"The maximum fines are up to $1 million or two years imprisonment," said Cecylia Bilous, Health Canada safety inspector for Alberta and the NWT.

Common garage sale finds that are covered under the Hazardous Products Act include baby gates and walkers, car and booster seats, children's sleep wear, cribs and cradles, hockey helmets and face protectors, playpens, strollers and toys.

Baby gates that have large diamond-shaped openings and large Vs at the top can no longer be sold in Canada. Children can get caught in these openings and strangle.

Baby walkers are dangerous items and parents should take care if they use this product. They must be designed not to go through a doorway of 90 centimetres and the seat should have a lap belt. Currently, there are no baby walkers available that meet standards.

Car seats must meet Canadian Motor Vehicle Safety Standards. All straps must be present and the seat should have no cracks or broken pieces. The Yellowknife Fire Department will check your car seat to make sure it meets safety standards.

Children's sleep wear can be flammable if made of cotton or cotton blends. These garments should be made from polyester/nylon blends to meet flammability requirements.

Cribs and cradles manufactured after 1987 and in good condition meet safety standards. A mattress support system that is bolted or secured into the end panel should not become dislodged as a result of normal use.

"If there is no date of manufacture, it is most likely an old, unsafe crib. If there's no date, it's not worth taking a risk," said Bilous.

Hockey helmets and face protectors must meet CSA standards and have no cracked or broken parts.

Mesh-sided playpens should be made of mosquito-type netting and the sides should be at least 48 centimetres high. Playpens should have no sharp edges or loose or torn parts. Safe playpens do not have more than two wheels.

Strollers must be equipped with a working lap belt or other safety restraint. There should be a secondary safety latch on the stroller to prevent the product from accidentally folding. The brakes must be in working order and the wheels fixed tightly.

Broken toys or toys with sharp edges, points or loose buttons are unsafe. Toys with small parts are not suitable for children under three. Lawn darts with elongated tips are illegal to sell in Canada.

Other products that can be unsafe but not covered under the Hazardous Products Act are jolly jumpers and old high chairs.