In recent years the British Blinds and Shutter Association has led the way in the development of the child safety aspects of the European standard for internal blinds (EN 13120). The ‘Make it Safe’ campaign, organised by the BBSA, and supported by its members aims to reduce the risks to children associated with the use of hazardous looped operating cords, chains and tapes in the manufacture and installation of window blinds.
Making your blinds safe:
- Ensure that all window blind cords and chains are secured using a safety device.
- Move all cots, beds, highchairs and playpens away from window blinds.
- Do not place sofas, chairs, tables, shelves or bookcases near a window blind.
Our suppliers have worked to develop child safety into all of their products; with a number having their own safety devices and mechanisms. The Safety Devices section of our website includes a number of these products including:
- Cord Lock Away Child Safety Wand from Speedy: This wand allows parents to ‘lock away’ hanging cords; allowing for the blinds to be easily opened and closed as usual, while concealing looped cords from children.
- P Clips: One of the simplest safety solutions on the market. Whilst the chain or cord is accessible, the ‘P clip’ ensures that it remains taught.
- Draw rod from Integra: Draw rods are attached to your blinds and eliminate the need for a cord or chain.
- Tension pulley: Another device that helps to keep cords and chains taught, reducing the risks to children.
- Cleats: Mounted onto the wall, or in the recess of your window, simply tie off the cord in a figure of eight style around the cleat.
At Loveless Cook Blinds we take our customer's safety very seriously and for that reason, as a BBSA member, we are pleased to support their ‘Make it Safe’ campaign. If you would like more information on how to make your existing window blinds safer, or how to install new safety devices, please visit www.makeitsafe.org.uk for advice and videos.
