Simple solutions for saving young lives!
THE RISK
Children have died from becoming entangled in cords on blinds and
curtains. They’re gone before you know it & are creative climbers!
The Legislation
In July 2010 the Federal Government introduced Mandatory
Standards under the Trade Practices Act 1974, to reduce the
incidence of, and potential for, death and injuries to young children.
(a link to the full regulation is at the bottom of this page)
Although the legislation states that ‘These Regulations apply to
corded internal window coverings supplied after 30 December 2010.’
(page 2, regulation 4), many Healthcare practices have existing blinds
with cords that may cause potential danger for young children.
THE SOLUTION
Affordable solutions are available to ensure that your blinds, tracks or
curtains comply with the current standards. If installed correctly they
may save a young life.
Child Safety Devices
A cord is defined as ‘a rope, strap, string, chain, line or wire used to
manipulate a corded internal window covering’.
There are two main types of Child Safety Devices available to
secure cords:
Cleat “a device that has a bar with arms, around which a
cord can be wound, and that can be attached to a
wall or other structure”
Cord Guide “a device designed to retract, tension or secure a
cord”
Installation
When installing these products, there are a few things you should
know.
- The cord on the internal window covering must not be
able to form a loop of 22cm or longer, at a height of less
than 160cm above the ground. - A cord guide may be installed lower than 160cm above
floor level if the cord is sufficiently secured or tensioned
to prevent a loop 22cm or longer from being formed. - If a cord guide is installed lower than 160cm above floor
level it must be designed to prevent a child from being
able to remove the cord. - If a cleat is used to secure the cord it must be at least
160cm above floor level because a child is capable of
unwinding a cord from a cleat. - Always install cord guides or cleats with screws.
Screws must be of the type that is recommended for the
surface that you are fixing into (masonry [eg. brick],
Gyprock, wood or metal) and may require the addition of
an appropriate wall plug or fitting. - Never use products that may fail when a load is placed
on them (ie double-sided tape or glue).
These items are available for purchase from Medical Privacy
Curtains. Installation is also available in metropolitan Adelaide.
References
1. Trade Practices (Consumer Product Safety Standard – Corded Internal
Window Coverings) Regulations 2010
See http://www.frli.gov.au and type F2010L01930 into the search bar at the top
2. Australian Competition and Consumer Commission – Product Safety
Australia
Refer http://www.productsafety.gov.au & select ‘Furniture, Homewares &
Window Furnishings’, then ‘blinds & curtains’ under Products
