CURTAIN & BLIND CORD SAFETY
Loose blind and curtain cords/chains – particularly those with loops – pose a significant strangulation hazard for children.
NAVIGATION
As children grow and become more mobile, they can form a fascination with a number of items in and around our homes – one of the items they do like to explore and play with are curtain and blind cords.
Loose blind and curtain cords/chains, particularly those with loops, pose a significant strangulation hazard for children as they can place the loop over their head and/or become tangled in the loose cords.
One or two Australian children die every year due to an injury involving curtain and blind cords – at least 21 young children have died as a result since 2001.
WHAT CAN I DO TO MAKE MY CURTAIN AND BLIND CORDS SAFE?
The mandatory standard for blinds, curtains and window fittings (in place from 30th December 2010) requires all new window furnishings to come with warning labels and to be installed with tensioning devices. However, as this standard is not retrospective, curtain and blinds that were installed prior to 2010 still need to be made safe.
Depending on the types of curtains/blinds that you have in your home, there are various kits and devices purchased from your local hardware store or curtain and blind retailer that can help you to make them safe.
Kits to secure curtain and blind cords can be ordered for free from the Consumer Affairs Victoria website.
Safety tips
The good news is there are some quick and simple actions you can take today to help ensure your curtain and blind cords are safe:
- • Check all rooms in your house for any blinds or curtains with long cords that are either loose or looped. This includes any cords that are within children’s reach at floor level or near furniture they can climb on.
- • Secure any loose or looped cords with cleats or tension devices – these can be purchased from your local curtain and blind retailer or hardware store.
- • Do not put furniture such as cots, beds, highchairs, playpens, couches, chairs, tables or bookshelves near a window where children can reach the blind or curtain cord.
- • When installing new blinds and curtains, make sure you or the installer secures any loose or looped cords immediately.
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