It’s vital that you know how to make blind cords child safe. The safety of blinds and their cords or chains has much improved since legislation governing their design was introduced in 2014. Now blinds are designed and built with additional standards that include child safety devices to prevent accidents.
However, blinds fitted before April 2014 may not have such safety features included. With that in mind, we take a look at how to make blind cords child safe. There are a number of different ways to make your blinds safe.
Cleats
Cleats are basically double-ended hooks that fix to the wall or window frame which allow you to tie the cord or chain around them, preferably in a figure-eight pattern for extra security. This is a simple solution that keeps the cords tight and high enough away from the reach of small children.
Tensioners
Tensioning devices remove the slack from the cord or chain so there is nothing to get tangled up in. These tensioners must be attached securely to an adjacent surface, usually the inner side of the wall encasing the window frame. They should be fixed at the maximum distance from the top of the blind so the cord or chain will be held taut.
Chain Break Connectors
A chain break connector is used to ‘loop’ a chain without the ends actually being joined, especially useful on the likes of Roller blinds. The connector joins the ends enough for them to operate the blinds, but any additional force will disconnect them and break the loop.
General Blind Tips on How to Make Blind Cords Child Safe
The simplest advice is to keep the cords as high up as possible to avoid a small child being able to reach them. At least five feet from the ground and away from any furniture that a child could climb on.
Additionally, many looped cords like you see on some roller blinds can be cut at their lowest point and still operate just fine. Tie a knot in each end to tidy them up, though it is still a good idea to keep them as far out of reach of small children’s hands as possible.
Cordless Blinds
If you are buying a new blind and child safety is a concern, then you can now buy cordless blinds that eliminate the danger entirely. Always ensure the company you buy your new blinds from are registered with Make it Safe.
Make it Safe
White Rose Blinds are Make it Safe registered so you can rest assured that our high quality blinds feature all the necessary child safety to comply with legislation.
Make it Safe is a campaign organised by the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) that promotes window blind safety in all homes and public buildings frequented by young children.
If you have any questions about how to make blind cords child safe or you have any concerns about your blinds, please contact our friendly team on 01484 863188 or michael@whiteroseblinds.com. Alternatively, complete the form on our contact page and a member of our team will contact you.
Recent Comments