Storm Grey Faux Wood Venetian Blinds with Tapes

Child Safety Information

You may be aware that there have actually been a number of extremely unfortunate cases of children or animals perishing mistakenly because they’ve been suffocated by the inner or outer cords of a blind. You may be unaware of the legislation that was passed in February 2014 to attempt and avoid these unnecessary deaths.

It’s the Law

It’s now prohibited to install a home window blind which doesn’t adhere to the brand-new child safety requirements. Blinds must be fully compliant with BS EN 13120:2009+A1:2014 and validated as ‘safe’, and this is typical of blinds in all rooms in every house, regardless of whether youngsters are present or otherwise.

Why is this essential?

Toddlers matured 16-36 months are specifically in danger of strangulation. They’re mobile, but their muscle control and windpipes aren’t fully established. Because their heads still weigh proportionately greater than their bodies, they cannot release themselves effortlessly if they come to be tangled, and they asphyxiate more quickly compared to adults if their necks are restricted.

The brand-new regulations intends to shield babies and kids by making certain that child-safe blinds are set up in all houses now and in the future, no matter the existence or absence of kids.

Exactly what do we have to do?

We need to fit safety devices on cables and chains when they’re made, and test all the safety-critical elements carefully. There are now limits on cable and chain lengths. We need to provide security equipment for you to fit for protecting against dangerous loops being made on cables and chains, and make certain all product guidelines come with security cautions.

Exactly what do I need to do?

When you purchase a blind, follow the instructions very carefully and make sure you match the safety and security tool supplied if it’s required (for a corded blind). Several blinds we sell are now cordless, so you won’t have to fit a safety device, but if you ‘d like to convert an existing blind, spring conversion kits are available to buy for most of our ready-made roller blinds.

Alternatively, you can fit a P-clip to an alreadying existing blind to hold the cord taut and tidy, and away from little hands. We’re now giving these away free of charge for all our existing customers, please get in touch if you need some.

Where can I find out more?

Please visit the British Blinds & Shutters Association or visit the Make It Safe website.