BLINDS AND AWNINGS are proud to be members of the British Blinds and shutter Association (BBSA) and fully support the Make It Safe campaign

Since its launch in 2009 the Make It Safe campaign has pressed for safer window blinds and the promotion of safety for all window treatments

As an accredited member of the BBSA we have been closely involved in the Make It Safe campaign and the changes required in the way internal blinds are made, sold and professionally installed. The regulations place a legal responsibility on all suppliers and professional installers to

• Provide safety devices to reduce the risk of any cords or chains forming a hazardous loop
• Test all safety critical items of internal blinds
• Test blinds using safety devices
• Observe maximum cord and chain lengths
• Provide specific warnings and instructions
• Provide information on packaging and at point of sale
• Fit safety devices when professionally installing blinds

NEW BLINDS

There are extensive ranges of products that are safe by design, meaning that they do not use operating cords or chains or have concealed or tensioned cords. We strongly recommended that these products are always considered first when you are buying new blinds for homes or public buildings.

If you require blinds that have operating cords or chains please note the new regulations will mean cord and chain lengths are determined by European standard, and where a safety device is needed we will have to install the device by Law.

Making Existing Blinds Safer

There are a range of safety devices which have been tested to the new mandatory standards and can help make existing blinds safer. There are options for virtually every style of blind so you do not have to wait until you change your blind to make it safer.

General Safety Advice

• If fitting blinds yourself please make sure that you follow the installation instructions carefully and make sure SAFETY DEVICES are correctly installed.
• Do not place your Child’s cot, bed, highchair or playpen near to a window blind. (Pic1)
• Make sure all cords and chains are always out of reach of babies and young children.
• Do not tie cords or chains together. Make sure cords or chains do not twist together and create a loop.
• Do not put furniture near to a window blind as children love to climb. (Pic 2)

Pic1

Pic2