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Standards to Protect Children From Window Blind Cords

www.windowblindsafety.ie

Cords ending in a loop are particularly risky. If possible, cut the cord to get rid of the loop and install tassels;
Cords should end at least 1.6 metres above the ground so children cannot reach them. Replace cords with curtain or blind wands;
Where cords cannot be cut, a tie-down or tension device should be used to pull the cord tight and secure it to the floor or wall.
Never place a child’s cot, bed, playpen or high chair near a window or patio door where a child could reach a curtain or blind cord;
Keep sofas, chairs, tables, shelves or bookcases away from windows to prevent children climbing up and reaching curtain or blind cords.

NSAI published two Irish Standards in response to safety concerns about window blinds in homes and places where children frequent. Many blinds and other window coverings have cords that are used to raise or lower the product or to connect its different parts. Loop cords and chains on window blinds pose a strangulation risk for young children and there have been a number of tragic accidents involving children in Ireland.

Maurice Buckley, CEO, NSAI, said: “Product standards are developed to protect and benefit the consumer and safety is a key priority. Window blind cords that can form loops pose an extremely serious risk to young children, who can become entangled in the cords when playing near windows or climbing on window sills or furniture. It’s important that everyone is aware of the dangers and precautions that need to be taken with window blind cords in homes and businesses to ensure children’s safety.”

NSAI National Standards to Protect Children From Window Blind Cords

The two standards that have been published are:

I.S. 386: Safety of corded window products; Guidance for procurement, measuring, manufacturing, installation and retrofitting. This standard provides guidance to those that may be involved in the purchasing of internal window blinds, such as government agencies, childcare centres, schools, libraries, wholesalers, retailers, installers and consumers. It provides guidance on the safe use of the products and also for retrofitting to make existing blinds safe.
I.S. 387: Internal Corded Window Products – Safety Requirements. This standard specifies the safety requirements for internal corded window products (blinds and draperies with accessible cord, chain, ball-chain or similar). It applies to honeycomb and pleated blinds, free hanging, guided and laterally moving; roman shades; Austrian blinds / festoon blinds; panel blinds; plantation shutters; roll-up blinds and draperies.

National Standards provide broader requirements

A European Standard EN 13120: Internal blinds; Performance requirements including safety has existed since 2004 and specifies the requirements for the fitting of internal window blinds. However, NSAI responded to the demand for broader requirements in relation to safety aspects of corded window products in Ireland that are not currently covered by the European Standard. The Irish Standard, I.S. 387 sets out those additional safety requirements that are not currently specified in EN 13120. The European Standard is currently being revised and I.S. 387 will be withdrawn once the revised European wide standard is published and adopted as an Irish Standard.

“NSAI is currently undertaking a number of proactive steps to ensure that Irish manufacturers and suppliers of window blinds are made aware of the current revised standard.” Mr Buckley said.

For further information, please contact: NSAI Standards

Buy Standards from NSAI Standard Sales or call 01 857 6730

Standards can also be viewed for free in the NSAI reception by making an appointment. To make an appointment call 01 807 3868 (Reception 01 807 3800) or email mary.hickey@nsai.ie

For advice on how to make your existing window blinds safe please visit www.windowblindsafety.ie

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