05 February 2010

In a bid to protect young children from being strangled to death by the cords on window blinds, the safety standard governing the types of blind cords was improved in 2009.

The new standards ensure a safer design and manufacture while also highlighting warnings and the safety devices that can be used to reduce possible dangers. However there is a risk that older products within households could still present a danger to children and Trading Standards urge parents to follow a number of simple safety guidelines. These are:

• Cords ending in a loop are a particular risk. Cut the cord to get rid of the loop. Think about using tassels instead
• Make sure cords are out of the reach of children 
• Where cords cannot be cut, a tie-down or tension device can be used to pull the cord tight and secure it to a wall or floor
• Never put beds, cots or playpens within reach of an operating cord
• Keep sofas, chairs, tables and shelves away from windows to prevent children climbing up and reaching curtain or blind cords.

Trading standards officers from Hampshire County Council have been working hard with their local manufacturers to make sure that products are made to the new standard, alongside a publicity campaign which features a factsheet, web page and graphic poster. 

The leader of Hampshire County Council, Councillor Ken Thornber, said the following at the campaign launch:

“Parents and carers need only make a few simple checks on any pull cords at home to ensure that they are not putting their children’s safety at risk.

“The deaths that have occurred are tragic for the families involved and I applaud the work of Trading Standards officers in their steps to keep it that way. The potential dangers are clear to see, and it is very encouraging that suppliers are working together with our Trading Standards officers for a safer Hampshire.”

Hampshire are now contacting Children's Services and the Fire Service to see if some checks can be done in homes in the course of their work, and have alerted the Child Accident Prevention Trust.   

Hampshire also have a business factsheet for retailers which can be obtained free by ringing 01962 833688. Councils wishing to get a copy of the poster for their own regions should contact Safety Team Manager, Kevan Morley at Hampshire County Council. Posters are available with your own logo added for £78 + VAT per 200.  If people are concerned about their own blinds, Consumer Direct on 08454 04 05 06, can provide advice.