Where children are involved, even basic household products can become a potential hazard. Blinds are no exception. All blinds supplied by Bespoke Blinds & Poles conform to an EU Safety Regulation and standard.

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However, here are some further, general guidelines:

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• Move beds, cots, highchairs and playpens away from window covering cords and chains

• Make sure all cords and chains are secured out of reach of babies and children.

• Do not tie cords or chains together.

• Make sure cords and chains do not twist together to make a loop.

• Move furniture away from window covering cords and chains- children just love to climb!

 

We are members of the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA). This is an industry body committed to ensuring that their members operate to the highest standards of quality and workmanship for window blinds, awnings and shutters. 

 

As members, we actively support and pass on knowledge regarding the "Make It Safe" Campaign. The BBSA have led the way in improving the safety aspects of blinds over the years, working with several safety bodies (RoSPA, CAPT, etc). European Directive- EN13120 - Internal Blinds Performance Requirements Including Safety is now  standard which ties up with the mandatory regulation General Product safety Regulation 2005. This has a direct effect of the minimum distance a looped cord control can be from the floor, and must (in most cases) be fixed to a wall/frame if installed by us.

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Safe By Design

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A blind which is safe by design has no cords or chains, or the cords are concealed or tensioned. A simple example of this is a spring control roller blind, rather than a chain control roller blind. Motorising a product produces the same result, and some products have no cords at all- plantation shutters, awnings etc. Where possible, we will always guide you towards these products.

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In-Built Safety Systems

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These are control options which are built into the product and do not need additional installation. All our suppliers are actively seeking ways to improve the control options available for blinds. For example, Luxaflex offer two options on their Duette blinds- LightRise and SmartCord. We have examples of both on display at our showroom.

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Separate Safety Systems

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This is a system which needs an additional installation over and above the blind installation. For example, a cleat or a chain tensioner. We will always install these as part of our installation service.

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Measuring and Installing Yourself? 

 

You will be provided with the appropriate safety system (if required by the Standard), and it is up to you whether or not you use it. We would always advise that you use the device. Also, if you do not provide the fixing height of the blind you wish to install, the control length cannot be dictated by yourself- it will come at a pre-determined length. We can talk you through this in our showroom.

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The standard is not applied retrospectively; you may have older, imported or ready-made blinds and are not sure what to do- we can help. 

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If you have any questions regarding child safety and blinds, or want advice on how to improve a current blind, please do not hesitate to contact the showroom. We can talk you through the types of safety devices on offer, and even supply you with free ones to fit to your existing blinds. We offer a free inspection service for local schools, public buildings and offices, and also visit school groups, parent/ toddler groups etc to discuss aspects of child safety.

 

Meanwhile, please feel free to download the Make It Safe Leaflet courtesy of the BBSA.

 

Or visit the BBSA website for more information 

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