Making Window Blinds Safe

Did you know that if there is an accident in your property that involves window blinds that do not conform to the latest safety regulations then you could be held liable?

It is estimated that there are have been 27 deaths involving blind cords since 1999. Research indicates that most accidental deaths involving blind cords happen in the bedroom and occur in children between 16 months and 36 months old, with the majority (more than half) happening at around 23 months. (RoSPA).

Since 2014 when the European standard EN13120:2009+A1:2014 was published all blinds are to be safe by design (designed to be operated without cords or chains that can form a loop) or to be supplied with child safety devices already fitted. Blinds bought and installed before 2014 are not affected by this legislation however if an accident occurs that involves an older blind you may still be liable.

If you have pre-2014 blinds hanging in your property you can easily and quickly make them safe.

• Cord tensioners can be secured to an adjoining wall at the maximum distance from the top of the blind so that the cord or chain is permanently held taut.
• Cleats can also be secured to an adjoining surface and the cord is wound round it in a figure of eight every time the blind is opened or closed.

When looking for new blinds there are a number of options to consider.

• Venetian and vertical blinds can be operated by a wand that can be twisted to open or close the lattices.
• Blinds can be fitted with retractable cords or cords inside a slider that is pushed up and down in order to open or close the blind.
• Roller, Venetian or folded blinds can be fitted within the beading of a window with no operating mechanism at all.
• Roller and honeycomb blinds can be fitted with hidden cords so that they can be easily opened and closed by gently pushing or pulling it by hand.
• Crank arms can be fitted to blinds in hard to reach areas.
• All types of blinds can be motorised and some can be battery operated so that expensive wiring is not needed. These can also be combined with timers or light sensors to open and close automatically, which also improves security.

These are all options that you might consider before installing window blinds, particularly in houses where babies and children live or visit. We recommend that you use a professional to install new blinds. If you choose to install new blinds yourself, read the fitting instructions carefully and make sure that the safety devices are installed properly.