British Blinds on board with 'make it safe' campaign
As a member of the British Blind & Shutter Association (BBSA), British Blinds fully supports, and will comply with, the guidance advice of the make it safe campaign, which is designed to reduce injuries and fatalities to children caused by blind cords and chains. In the last eighteen months, five children in the UK and Eire have tragically lost their lives due to strangulation with blind cords.
The campaign, which promotes child safety, is primarily directed at the trade but will also be expanded to communicate the message to a wider audience. In line with government expectations the BBSA Managing Committee have voted to change the BBSA Code of Conduct which now requires all members to comply with the child safety elements of EN 13120 - Internal Blinds - Performance requirements including safety which states under Section 8.1 Safety in use that;
"Where there is a risk of strangulation to children, the manufacturer shall provide a warning notice."
As a manufacturer and supplier of cord- and chain-operated blind products British Blinds will:
- attach warning notices with the make it safe logo, where possible, to continuous loop cords and/or chains;
- where possible, incorporate chain-break connectors or safety tassels designed to break when undue pressure is applied;
- offer appropriate devices to secure the cord or chain to a wall or floor;
- reduce cord or chain lengths if requested;
- promote and offer alternative methods of blind operation which remove the need for continuous loop cords and chains, eg. wand controls, motorisation; and
- make available the informational material provided by the BBSA to its franchisees and direct customers.
Partner and founder of British Blinds, Karen Hudson, said, "Any initiative that aims to reduce the possible risks associated with cord blinds or chains is obviously worthwhile and British Blinds fully supports its aims."
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