Child Safety

Make It Safe

The safety of all children is paramount when ordering your custom made blinds.  At Blinds4UK you can rest assured as we comply by the new mandatory requirements of BS EN13120
In 2014 the standards regarding the manufacture, supply and professional installation of internal window blinds changed significantly.  It is now illegal to supply or professionally install an internal window blind which does not comply with the child safety requirements.

The new standard aims to protect babies and small children by: Installation of child safe blinds to ALL HOMES Whether children are present or not, limitations on cord and chain lengths Safety devices for preventing any cords or chains from creating a hazardous loop, The fitting of safety devices on cords and chains at the point of manufacture, the testing of all safety critical components of internal blinds Safety warnings and product instructions.

 

Child safety videos

What to consider when buying new blinds

  • In-built safety systems - In-built safety systems are those that are built into the product and so do not require additional  installation or operation in use.
  • Consider a Chain Break connector - Some window sizes or shapes may not lend themselves to cordless window blinds or you may specifically wish to co-ordinate with your existing blinds. If this is the case then choose a blind style with an in-built safety device, such as a chain break connector where the chain is designed to separate under any undue pressure. Breakaway tassels at the bottom of cords work in the same way.

     

Making your blinds safer

  • Separate safety systems  - these require additional installation and/or operation in use.  If cordless options or those with in-built safety devices are not suitable for your specific situation then the other alternative is to use a blind with a separate safety device such as a tensioning system or an accumulation device like a cleat.
  • Cleat Device - This should be securely fixed to an adjacent surface out of the reach of children and at least 1.5 metres from the floor. The cord must be secured to the cleat after each and every operation of the blind.  Make sure the device is securely fitted and always used.
 
 
 
 
 

Keeping your home safe

  • Avoid any accidents -  Young children can be strangled by loops in pull cords, chains, tapes and inner cords that operate the product. To avoid strangulation and entanglement, keep cords out of the reach of young children. Cords may become wrapped around a child’s neck
     
  • Safety In Mind - Move beds, cots, highchairs, playpens and any furniture away from window covering cords and chains as children love to climb.
 

The make it safe campaign

  • The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents - RoSPA’s mission is to save lives and reduce injuries in all areas of life and has achieved significant changes through its campaigning work over the 90 years since its inception.  www.rospa.com
     
  • Child Accident Prevention Trust -
    A leading UK charity working to reduce the number of children and young people killed, disabled or seriously injured in accidents.  www.capt.org.uk