The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) has been promoting blind safety in relation to looped blind cords for a number of years. The availability of safety devices for looped blind cords is now widespread but the use in homes is less so.

Looped blind cords can pose a hazard for babies and small children and the BBSA has played an active role in ensuring safety recommendations are incorporated in the relevant European Standard* affecting the blinds industry. In essence this standard states that:
– warning notices should be attached to the product in a prominent position
– to limit the risk of strangulation a device shall be incorporated into the product or provided to keep cords, chains and tapes out of the reach of children

The standard goes on to state that: “Persons in charge of children are ultimately responsible for following the safety instructions supplied by the manufacturer”, so it is imperative that these instructions are always provided.

In June the BBSA launched its child safety campaign under the banner ‘make it safe’. This had a clear and unequivocal message to its members that they have an absolute responsibility to ensure child safety issues are discussed with prospective clients at each and every survey. In addition it is strongly recommended that BBSA members should review installations of existing shading products and discuss retrofit devices that can improve their safety.

Although the promotional material associated with this campaign is exclusively for BBSA members this safety advice is applicable to all involved in the blind industry. Given that those in charge of children are ultimately responsible for their safety, the BBSA has also issued this simple advice for parents and carers:
– Do not place a child’s cot, bed, playpen or high chair near a window so they may reach a blind cord
– Do not place furniture near a window that a child could climb on to reach a blind cord
– Do make sure that a safety device is fitted to keep the cords taut or out of reach

This advice applies to all blinds in homes and buildings where children and vulnerable people may be present.

The Sheriff involved in the case of the tragic death of a young girl in Scotland in February 2008 has just published his findings. His report states that every year a child dies by strangulation by blind cords and he estimates there are also some 20 “near misses” per annum. He alludes to the very substantial number of blinds that are already installed which do not have safety features or devices and highlights the need for nationwide campaign to raise awareness of the possible hazard associated with looped blind cords. To this end the BBSA will continue to represent the industry and will work with Government and safety organisations.

Whilst the risks posed by blinds cords are extremely slight this recent case proves that the consequences of an accident are devastating and the BBSA’s message to the blind industry is to always make it safe and to make sure your customers do the same.

• EN 13120 Internal blinds – Performance requirements including safety