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blind safetyIn early 2014 the standards regarding the manufacture, supply and installation of internal blinds changed. It is now illegal to supply or professionally install any internal window blind which does not comply with child safety requirements of BS EN 13120:2009+A1:2014.
These requirements have to be fulfilled whether children are present or not. There are a number of ways to achieve a ‘child safe’ blind. at Holme Blinds we are fully trained on the child safety options available and are more than happy to discuss the best options for your home or workplace. Here are some points to consider:.... |
Safe by design |
Some blinds will naturally be safe by design. These will be blinds that are cordless, with hidden cords or cords under tension. Usually these blinds are a push, pull or twist control.
Electric or motorised blinds are also naturally child safe as the use of operating cords has been removed. |
in built safety systems
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These are systems that have built into the blind at the point of manufacture. Not every window is suitable to have a cordless blind for example a landing window, so here we can add devices to make the blinds child safe.
On chain operated roller blinds we can add a breakaway link and roman blinds can have a series of links on the back of each raise and lower cord. These breakaway links are designed to break a loop or cord connection when a certain amount of pressure is applied. These are devices that can be added to blinds at point of installation. These devices can also be used as cord tidies and can be fitted to keep a cord or chain loop taught and secure to the wall and are ideal for roller and vertical blinds. There are also accumulation devices or 'cleat hooks' that can be fitted to wrap excess cord around and keep them out of a child’s reach. These options have to be fitted at 1.5 metres from the floor. |