Blind Cord Safety - How do I know that my blinds are safe?
Reduce the risk from looped blind cords and chains with advice from the British Blind & Shutter Association.
Blind cords and chains can pose a potential risk for babies, small children and vulnerable people who could injure or even strangle themselves on hanging looped cords.
You can take a number of practical and simple precautions to significantly reduce the risk:
- Select blinds that do not have looped cords
- Leave the warning labels on the cords to act as a reminder
- Make sure all cords are out of reach by careful positioning or shortening the cords
- Do not place your child’s cot, bed, highchair or playpen near to a window blind
- Do not put sofas, chairs, table, shelves or bookcases near to a window blind, as children love to climb
- By securing looped cords or chains with one of the many safety devices available
Tie-Back or Cleat
A Tie-Back or Cleat can be attached to an adjacent wall with cords wrapped around it to put it out of reach of children.
Chain-Break & Safety Tassel
A Chain-Break or Safety Tassel breaks apart when excessive force is applied to the operating chain or cord.
Spring Tensioner
A Spring Tensioner feeds the cords through a pulley which tensions the cord as if it was weighted.
Individual Tassel
Each cord can have an Individual Tassel so that there is no loop.
Selecting Suitable Blinds
You can select alternative blind types and models that do not incorporate rigid looped cords, such as cord-tensioned pleated window blinds and motorised window blinds. If you have specific safety concerns then ensure that you confirm all aspects in writing with your order and again with the installer at survey. Any advice that we offer is always confirmed in writing.
Important
No form of corded blinds can ever be made completely safe and so there is no substitute for vigilance at all times. If you are in any doubt over the potential safety risk DO NOT buy blinds with looped cords.
“Persons in charge of children are ultimately responsible for following the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer” BBSA-CEN Standard
03 July 2009
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