Child Safety Blinds: Make It Safe
Starlight Blinds are advocates of the Make it Safe campaign, we only stock and supply child safety blinds. The British Blinds and Shutters Association (BBSA) launched this campaign in 2009 to promote the safety of children and vulnerable people in both homes and businesses. We are members of the BBSA and consider the safety of our customers an absolute priority.
Due to the work of the BBSA, all blinds manufactured and sold after February 2014 have to be compliant with BS EN 13120:2009+A1:2014. Starlight Blinds ensure that our blinds meet this requirement without exception.
If you have blinds that were made and sold before February 2014, they could pose a risk to children or vulnerable people who move through your property. Loose cords or chains were previously used to operate blinds, but were hazardous to people and children who could get caught in the loops. If you’re concerned or have questions, we would love to chat with you.
Home Safety Blinds
It’s not just parents who need to be aware of the risks associated with older blinds; anyone could be visited by children or vulnerable adults in the future. The loose loops can also pose a risk to pets, such as cats who are likely to jump onto window sills. It is always worth checking your blinds and ensuring your home is safe and risk-free as possible.
Public Building Safety Blinds
If you manage a public building, it’s even more vital to consider the safety of your blinds and window coverings. With a large number of people using your space, it’s important to ensure their safety — as well as protecting yourself from potential liability problems.
How to Make Blinds Child Safe
If you’re not ready to replace your current blinds, yet want to improve their safety, you can use safety devices to upgrade them to child safety blinds until you get new ones.
Shorten Cords
A simple step could be reducing the length of your cords, minimises the risk of children catching themselves on the blinds.
Cleats
Cleats are a simple way to pull a loose cord to the side and hold it out of the way. They can be screwed into walls and the cord is wrapped around them.
Chain Tensioners
Chain tensioners fasten the cord at the bottom of the hanging, creating a tense cord that doesn’t hang loose. It’s still easy to operate, yet minimises the risk of children catching themselves in the blinds.
Breakaway Devices
An easy-break connector can be retro-fitted to some looped chain situations with roller and roman blinds, so that the loop is broken easily should any strain be placed on it.
If you’re looking for a fantastic blind or shutter for your space, get in touch today on 0800 7310726
Find Out More About Make It Safe…
To discover more about how to make your current blinds safer, visit the Make It Safe website. They have informational videos that demonstrate how to fit chain tensioners, cleats and other cord safety devices to make blinds safe. They also have advice on what to look for when buying new child safe blinds.
If you want to upgrade your blinds, get in touch with Starlight Blinds or browse our website to discover your options. We have everything including roller blinds, Perfect Fit and Venetian and each one is guaranteed to comply with the Make It Safe regulations.
