The BBSA has endorsed the use of child-safe blinds and safety devices for many years but in June 2009 at the BBSA AGM it launched a full campaign called ‘make it safe’ to promote blind cord safety and to highlight the options available to make your window blind safe. In December 2010 as part of this on-going campaign a video was made produced to visually show the precautions to take with young children follow the link below to view. Since then BBSA has been actively working with the CEN standards committee to improve the existing EN standard for internal blinds and introduce a test methods for safety devices.
With the assistance of other members of the European Solar Shading Association one of the fastest ever changes to an EN standard has been achieved. The changes to become law in early 2014 are mandated, that is compulsory, and it will then be an offence to supply and instal a product that requires safety devices and not fit them.
With the assistance of other members of the European Solar Shading Association one of the fastest ever changes to an EN standard has been achieved. The changes to become law in early 2014 are mandated, that is compulsory, and it will then be an offence to supply and instal a product that requires safety devices and not fit them.
As members of the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) Window Shades supports the BBSA’s ‘make it safe’ campaign’. Child safety is always of paramount concern and the BBSA is urging homeowners and building users where children are likely to be present, to ensure they consider reducing potential risks associated with looped blind operating cords on their existing blinds.
Window blind cords and chains must be kept out of reach of babies and small children and there are many solutions for new and existing blinds. Here is what you should do now if you have babies or young children living in your house or if babies or young children may visit:
Examine every blind in your home. If they have a looped control chain or cord and do not have a safety device fitted then you can easily install one of the many devices available. Ask us at Window Shades if you require any additional information on the 'Make it safe' and we will be happy to assist you.
Window blind cords and chains must be kept out of reach of babies and small children and there are many solutions for new and existing blinds. Here is what you should do now if you have babies or young children living in your house or if babies or young children may visit:
Examine every blind in your home. If they have a looped control chain or cord and do not have a safety device fitted then you can easily install one of the many devices available. Ask us at Window Shades if you require any additional information on the 'Make it safe' and we will be happy to assist you.
- Ensure that all operating blind cords and chains cannot be reached by children.
- When buying a new blind always look for one that does not contain cords, has concealed cords or has an in-built safety device.
- Move cots, beds and any furniture away from windows and blinds – remember children love to climb.
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