Blinds are a common window covering in homes and commercial spaces, providing privacy, light control, and aesthetic appeal. However, while blinds offer numerous benefits, older blinds can also pose potential safety hazards, especially to young children. Since the introduction of the 2014 bs en 13120 regulations, blinds must now have no accessible cords and if they do, must be fitted with appropriate child safety devices. However, some older people, particularly grandparents may still have the traditional long-cord- variety in their homes.
Blind cord safety is paramount to us here at All Kinds Of Blinds, and all of our products have been approved as child safe, but it’s always good to be in-the-know about the different types of blinds that still exist in homes and the potential threat they can pose.
Blinds have been around for many years, however, their initial design, which often includes cords and pull mechanisms, can still present a risk to children. With most people changing their blinds every 6-8 years, it’s unlikely there will be these style of blinds in newer homes, however it's essential to recognise the potential dangers associated with older blinds, such as cord strangulation and entanglement, which have tragically resulted in accidents and even fatalities.
By ordering with All Kinds Of Blinds, you can rest assured that we will fit the blind, leaving the government regulated length behind. Unfortunately, this becomes tricky if you order products online, which, if not a perfect fit for the window, can leave behind excess cord when fitting.
One of the most straightforward ways to ensure child safety is by opting for cordless blinds. These blinds are designed with no external cords, making them an excellent choice to prevent entanglement hazards.
Motorised blinds, controlled by a remote or a smartphone app, eliminate the need for cords and offer the convenience of raising and lowering blinds at the touch of a button. They are not only safer but also more accessible for everyone, including children.
As anyone in charge of little ones will know, keeping them away from anything accessible gets much more difficult as they get older. With the new regulations stating that blinds with pull cords must have 150cm between the bottom of the cord and the floor, we ensure that no excess is left behind. In addition to choosing child-safe blinds and a reputable provider, there are several safety tips that parents and caregivers can follow to further reduce the risk of accidents:
Keep Cords Out of Reach: Ensure that cords are inaccessible to children by using cord tensioners, cord covers, or simply securing them well out of reach.
Supervision: Never leave young children unattended in a room with accessible blinds cords. Close supervision is essential to prevent accidents.
Check Existing Blinds: If you have older blinds with cords, consider retrofitting them with cord safety devices or replacing them with cordless alternatives.
Educate Children: Teach children about the potential dangers of blinds cords and the importance of not playing with them.
Regularly Inspect Blinds: Periodically check blinds for any damaged or frayed cords, and replace or repair them as needed.
Child safety should always be a top priority when selecting window coverings for your home or space. Child-safe blinds not only reduce the risk of accidents but also offer peace of mind to parents and caregivers. With the availability of cordless blinds, motorised options, and various safety devices, it's possible to enjoy the benefits of blinds while ensuring a secure environment for children.
If you have blinds in your home that do not meet the 2014 regulations, or blinds that have been bought online and do not fit correctly, ie have a cord that could be a potential hazard, we highly recommend you looking at replacing these ASAP.
By being informed, proactive, and following safety guidelines, we can create safer and more comfortable living spaces for the youngest members of our families.
