Child Safety by Avoiding Looped Cords

22 June 2012

We have been posting news articles every day this week to mark Child Safety Week 2012 in an effort to make people more aware of the risks associated with looped cords.

Whilst there are many safety devices available for blinds that help to make looped cords less of a danger, the simplest alternative is to not buy blinds with looped cords in the first place.

More or less all blinds require looped cords somewhere in their design to make them operate. The key is to find specific blind ranges that avoid exposed looped cords, or limit their use in such a way as to completely avoid the risk of a child becoming entangled.

Because we are conservatory blinds specialists, this is where we have the most expertise. Our most popular conservatory blinds are Pure Pleated Blinds – which normally do not require any looped cords for operation, making them the conservatory blinds of choice.

Another alternative are Perfect Fit Blinds – not really designed for conservatories, but they are an excellent solution for UPVC windows as they can do away with looped cords for traditionally difficult blinds that normally have looped cords. Using the Perfect Fit Frame, both Venetian Blinds and Roller Blinds can be fitted to each pane of glass, without any exposed looped cords required for operation.

If considering Vertical Blinds then we recommend the Eos range from Hunter Douglas, incorporating a high quality operating system with a tilt wand that both opens the blinds and twists the louvres – all without the use of any looped cords.

Yet another option are Remote Control Blinds – freehanging window blinds are raised and lowered by a low-voltage motor within the headrail of the blind, requiring no operating cords whatsoever.

So, as you can see: in addition to all of the safety devices available to restrict looped operating cords, you can do away with cords altogether, helping to make your home much safer.

Please remember that there are millions of curtains and blinds fitted in the UK with looped cords, all of which pose a potential risk to young children, so you must always be vigilant when supervising young children. Despite the tragic cases of strangulation due to looped cords, bear in mind that this remains a (thankfully) rare occurrence compared to other household accidents.

With greater media exposure, more readily available technical advice and education of homeowners for greater awareness and vigilance, as well as the proposed changes in European Law, we can all help to make blinds even safer.

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