Child safety blinds are currently in high demand, with parents across the UK eager to replace their old corded blinds with the newer cordless models. Blinds devoid of accessible cords not only provide complete child safety but also comply with the latest legislation. Continue reading to discover the importance of child safety blinds.
Mitigate the Risk of Strangulation
Traditional window blinds equipped with cords or chains pose a significant strangulation risk, especially for young children. Tangling in cords during play near the blinds can lead to severe injuries 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, equating to one or two fatalities annually. Investing in cordless child safety blinds, readily available from reputable suppliers, can significantly diminish the risk of injuries related to blind cords. Ensure thorough research when selecting a blinds supplier by checking online reviews and customer recommendations.
Understanding the Hazards of Blind Cords
Corded blinds pose a considerable threat, particularly in households with young children. The cords can form loops that are large enough to encircle a child’s neck, and their rapid tightening can lead to entanglement, preventing escape before it’s 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 death. Research by RoSPA indicates that deaths related to blind cords are more likely to occur in very young children, particularly those aged between 16 and 36 months, with over half of the incidents involving children around 23 months old.
Blind Cords: A Silent Deadly Threat
One silent danger of blind cords is their noiselessness when tightening. In the event a child becomes entangled, the lack of immediate noise increases the likelihood of fatal consequences. Young children can be strangled within seconds without making a sound, even when parents are in close proximity. Since many injuries and deaths involving blind cords occur in bedrooms, where children often spend time alone, parents may not be able to intervene quickly. To avert potential tragedies, it is highly 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 crafted without cords, eliminating the risk of children getting entangled and sustaining injuries. These blinds incorporate various mechanisms to facilitate opening and closing without the need for hazardous cords. For example, some use wands that can be turned or twisted to adjust the blinds’ position. Others feature a spring-loaded system where pushing upward on the bottom rail raises the blinds, and pulling downward lowers them. Although some blinds still utilize cords, tensioners are often employed to keep the cords taut and out of children’s reach, while breakaway devices ensure separation in case of entanglement.
Adherence to the Latest Safety Legislation
Corded blinds without safety mechanisms are no longer permitted for manufacture in the USA. In 2014, the government established legislation stipulating safety standards for internal blinds, mandating their construction without accessible cords. The pertinent law is the European Standard EN 13120, which mandates that corded blinds must incorporate safety devices such as tensioners or breakaway components to ensure child safety. The British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA)’s “Make It Safe” campaign, initiated 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 incorporated safety features.
Purchasing 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’ll need to explore options for child safety blinds. Reputable suppliers offer a wide selection of child safety blinds in various styles, designs, colors, and fabrics suitable for all rooms in your home. Consider choosing a company that provides free fitting services to ensure a perfect fit for your windows, guaranteeing a flawless finish and a safe environment for young children.
