What Makes Your Blinds Child Safe?

What Makes Your Blinds Child Safe?

 

At Direct Order Blinds, we guarantee that all of our blinds meet the government child safety guidelines, but you may be wondering what this actually means. Whether you’re a young family, expecting great-grandchildren or repulsed by the mere sight of a baby, this is information that you need to know. Since 2014, every single home is required to comply to this legislation, including public buildings and commercial premises. Blinds must fit into one of the three categories outlined below:

 

  • Safe by design – these blinds don’t include any loose or free-hanging cords that could pose a threat to children or pets. Wand operated, spring operated and tensioned blinds are all examples of systems that are safe by design.
  • In-built safety systems – these blinds don’t require the extra installation of any safety systems. Features such as a chain break connector or breakaway device are apt examples.
  • Separate safety systems – these must be installed separately before use. We provide these with your order and usually come in the form of cord or chain tensioners.

 

Vertical blinds

If you’re investing in a new blind, it will make sense to choose a Vertical with a safe by design wand operated system. However, if you already own a cord and chain system, it is essential that you have a separate system installed and in working order. You can purchase these easily online or ask a member of our team for advice.

 

Roller blinds

As one of our most versatile styles, Roller blinds are available with two varieties of safe by design options: spring-loaded or motorised. Chain versions have built-in safety chain break connectors that come apart under any excessive weight, designed to instantly release if a child or pet gets caught up in the mechanism. These connectors simply clip back together again if broken.

 

Venetian blinds

Venetian blinds always operate with a cord and thus require a cleat as a separate safety system. This is secured to an adjacent surface, usually the wall of a recess, at least 1.5m from the floor. The cord of your blind must be wrapped around this fixture after use so that it is always out of the reach of children.

 

Roman blinds

Roman blinds are raised and lowered by a continuous metal chain and therefore, need the same cleat as a Venetian blind to keep this potential danger away from children.

 

Perfect Fit blinds

Our Perfect Fit styles are inherently child safe as they use an ergonomic tensioned system that allows you to move the bottom bar by hand. The Perfect Fit Rollers that can be chosen with chain operations are delivered with a pre-attached cord tidy that keeps the finish sleek and clean.

 

Pleated blinds

Pleated blinds are similar to Romans with their continuous chain mechanism that must be installed with a cleat to raise the chain out of the reach of children.

 

Elavate blinds

The Elavate blinds are another of the innovative styles that enjoy an inherently child safe design. No loose cords, simply move the bottom rail to your chosen position.

 

Allusion blinds

Our stunning Allusion slats are opened, closed and tilted via a wand and therefore, are also fully safe by design.

 

Mirage blinds

Due to the nature of the Mirage blinds, they typically use a continuous chain system made safe by the addition of a chain tensioner bracket on the nearby wall. To increase safety and ease of use, you can motorise your blinds and relax with complete peace of mind.

 

Additional measures you can take with all kinds of blinds:

  • Position beds and cots away from windows with cords and chains
  • Ensure that separate safety systems are always used properly
  • Move all furniture away from windows to prevent even the most curious of kids from climbing onto windowsills and risking harm.

 

Even if you fall into the category of the ‘fun aunt or uncle’ who never wants children of their own, these measures still must be in place, firstly, so that you are obeying the law, and secondly, should any little ones come to visit. Imagine the horror should your neighbour invite themselves and their toddler round, only to find loose cords and chains dangling beside your window. Be mindful, responsible and lawful by following the guidance above and visiting the BBSA website (hyperlink) for any further information.

 



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