Make It Safe |
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| Make it Safe is the BBSA’s child safety campaign for the safe supply, installation and use of window blinds which have a continuous loop cord or chain | ||
Window blind and curtain continuous loop cords and chains can pose a danger of strangulation to young children.
As members of the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA), Marla Custom Blinds fully support the BBSA’s make it safe campaign.
We will supply and install safety devices or offer alternative operating methods where children or vulnerable people may be present.
The BBSA’s recommendations to parents and carers are:
- Do not place a child’s cot, bed, playpen or high chair near a window so they may reach a blind cord
- Do not place furniture near a window that a child could climb on to reach a blind cord
- Do make sure that a safety device is fitted to keep the cords taut or out of reach
For a copy of the BBSA's brochure "Make It Safe" click here
Marla Custom Blinds comply with the standard EN 13120 – Internal Blinds Performance requirements including Safety.
The key safety requirements of this standard are:
- Warning notices should be attached in a conspicuous position
- To provide or incorporate a device for keeping cords, chains, tape or similar out of reach
- Where practical operating cords, chains, tapes or similar should be kept as short as possible
The standard further states:
“Complete elimination of the strangulation risk can only be achieved by keeping cords, chains, and tapes and similar out of the reach of children. Use of additional safety devices may reduce the risk of strangulation but cannot be considered foolproof ……Persons in charge of children are ultimately responsible for following the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.”
Marla Custom Blinds commitment to safety
Where products have a continuous loop cord or chain Marla Custom Blinds will
- Attach warning notices to continuous loop cords/chains
- Where possible, incorporate connectors designed to break under excessive pressure
- Reduce cord/chain lengths if requested
- Offer cord/chain devices to secure the cord/chain to a wall or floor
- Offer alternative methods of blind operation which remove the need for continuous loop cord/chains
If children or vulnerable people may be present where blinds are to be fitted, please ensure you are aware and discuss the various safety devices and methods of operation to reduce as much as possible, the risk of strangulation by continuous loop cords and chains.