Child safety blinds are currently in high demand, with parents across the UK eager to replace their old corded blinds with the new cordless models. Blinds free of accessible cords not only offer complete safety for children, but they are also compliant with the latest legislation. Keep reading to discover the importance of child safety blinds.
Mitigating the Risk of Strangulation
Traditional blinds equipped with cords or chains pose a significant strangulation risk, especially for young children. Children can become entangled in the cords while playing near blinds, which can lead to serious injury or, tragically, death. According to RoSPA (The Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents), approximately 35 children have lost their lives due to entanglement in blind cords since 2001, which equates to one or two deaths per year. Investing in cordless child safety blinds, readily available from reputable suppliers, can significantly reduce the risk of blind cord-related injuries. Be sure to do your research when choosing a blind supplier by checking online reviews and customer recommendations.
Understanding the Risks of Blind Cords
Corded blinds pose a considerable threat, particularly in households with young children. The cords can form loops large enough to encircle a child’s neck, and their rapid tightening can lead to entanglement, preventing escape before it is too late. This can result in strangulation and, in severe cases, death. Infants and toddlers, due to their limited motor skills and coordination, struggle to free themselves from blind cords, increasing the risk of injury or fatality. RoSPA research indicates that blind cord-related deaths are more likely to occur in very young children, particularly those aged 16 to 36 months, with more than half of incidents involving children around 23 months old.
Blind Cords: A Silent and Deadly Threat
A silent danger of blind cords is their quietness when they tighten. In the event of a child becoming entangled, the absence of immediate noise increases the likelihood of fatal consequences. Young children can be strangled within seconds without making a sound, even when parents are nearby. Given that many blind cord-related injuries and deaths occur in bedrooms, where children often spend time alone, parents may not be able to intervene quickly. To avoid potential tragedies, it is strongly recommended to replace old corded blinds with high-quality child safety blinds.
What Are Child Safety Blinds and How Do They Work?
Child safety blinds are manufactured without cords, thereby eliminating the risk of children becoming entangled and injured. These blinds incorporate various mechanisms to facilitate opening and closing without the need for dangerous cords. For example, some use wands that can be rotated or twisted to adjust the position of the blinds. Others feature a spring-loaded system where pushing up on the bottom rail raises the blinds, and pulling down lowers them. While some blinds still use cords, tensioners are often used to keep cords taut and out of children’s reach, while breakaway devices ensure separation in the event of entanglement.
Compliance with the Latest Safety Legislation
Corded blinds without safety mechanisms are no longer permitted for manufacture in the United States. In 2014, the government established legislation stipulating safety standards for interior blinds, requiring their construction without accessible cords. The relevant law is European Standard EN 13120, which requires corded blinds to incorporate safety devices such as tensioners or breakaway components to ensure child safety. The “Make It Safe” campaign by the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA), launched in 2009, aims to raise awareness of safer blinds and the importance of cord safety. The campaign promotes the use of cordless blinds or corded blinds with built-in safety features.
Buying Child Safety Blinds for Your Home
Corded blinds are no longer available for purchase in the UK unless they include safety features such as tensioners or breakaway components. If your existing blinds have reached the end of their lifespan, you will need to explore child safety blind options. Reputable suppliers offer a wide selection of child safety blinds in various styles, designs, colours, and fabrics suitable for every room in your home. Consider choosing a company that offers free fitting services to ensure a perfect fit to your windows, guaranteeing a flawless finish and a safe environment for young children.
