Warning about risks to children of window-blind cords

The National Consumer Agency urges parents, guardians and carers of young children to take all necessary measures to protect young children from the possibility of being injured or strangled by window-blind cords.

In particular we advise the following:

Blind cords ending in loops are particularly risky

Cut the cord to get rid of the loop and install tassels

Cords should end at least 1.6 metres (5 feet 3 inches) above the ground so children cannot reach them

Replace cords with curtain or blind wands but make sure (in order to avoid possible eye injuries) that children cannot get near these wands

Where the cords cannot be cut, a tie down or tension device may be used to pull the cord tight and secure it to the floor or wall

Never put a cot, bed, high-chair or playpen near a window or patio door where a child can reach a curtain or blind cord

Keep sofas, chairs, tables, shelves or bookcases away from windows to prevent children climbing up and reaching curtains or blind cords

Hooks or cord tensioning wheels may be purchased from hardware stores or curtain shops and are relatively cheap.  

New safety standard

A new European standard has been in place since February 2009, which has been adopted as "Irish Standard I.S. EN13120 - Internal blinds - Performance requirements including safety". 

As well as specifying the requirements for the fitting of internal blinds, the new standard deals with the construction, transport, installation operation and maintenance of window blinds.

This standard, which amends the standard that has been in place since 2004, specifies stricter requirements on looped widow-blind cords.

Manufacturers and suppliers

Manufacturers can limit the risk by either incorporating risk preventions into the design or by supplying an appropriate safety device with the product.  In addition, where cords or chains on blinds pose a risk, a warning notice must come with the blind.

The General Product Safety Directive (GPSD) places the onus on manufacturers, importers and all operators in the supply chain, to take appropriate measure to ensure that products placed on the market would not pose a safety risk to consumers. 

The NCA, as the body responsible for the implementation of the requirements of the Directive, in cooperation with the National Standards Authority of Ireland, will be alerting businesses of the new blind standard in the context of complying with the safety requirements of the GPSD.

Be safe

The NCA wishes to warn consumers however, that the new safety measures on their own cannot totally remove the risk of strangulation or injury to children.

Parents and guardians are therefore urged to take all necessary safety measures to enhance their children’s safety.