Safety Issues

Buyers and users of blinds and window furnishings should be aware of the potential hazard that can be posed by unrestrained cords, braids, loop chains and wires which may be hazardous to young children. Looped cords of all sorts are a strangulation hazard and should be kept out of reach of children.

The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA) recommends that "pull cords on curtains and blinds should be kept short and kept out of reach" of children.

The following are recommended:

• Ensure that cord /chain lengths are appropriate to the circumstances.
• Have cords adjusted to keep them out of reach of children.
• Use one of the many proprietary cleats, cord tidys , clips or tie-downs that are available
• Use an alternative blind operating system that does not have cords or chains that can cause a potential hazard.

More information regarding cord safety can be found in the latest CEN Standard and Cord Safety Openings Article.