Child Safety...

Child safety is always of paramount concern and The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) is urging homeowners and building users where children are present, to ensure they consider reducing potential risks associated with blind operating cords.

Consequently, the BBSA and its members have been very active in developing simple, effective, low-cost safety features that are suitable for all blinds. They include a safe way of securing the cords by tension devices as well as connectors which simply pull apart should undue pressure be applied but that can simply be connected again. There are also different operating methods and even window blinds which do not have looped cords, so there are lots of different options available.

To increase awareness and to offer support, the BBSA has launched a campaign called 'make it safe' to provide practical advice regarding blind cord safety and to highlight to options available to make your window blind safe. Their simple guidelines include:

• 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.

 Please note, parents and carers are reminded that:

 “Complete elimination of the strangulation risk can only be achieved by keeping cords, chains, and tapes and similar out of the reach of children. Use of additional safety devices may reduce the risk of strangulation but cannot be considered foolproof ……Persons in charge of children are ultimately responsible for following the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.”
EN 13120 – Internal Blinds Performance requirements including Safety.

 All BBSA members, including Barton Blinds, offer safety devices or alternative operating methods on new blinds.  In addition, we can retrofit safety devices to most existing blinds. For more information, call Barton Blinds on 01302 881743.