Cords and chains are used to raise or lower some blinds or adjust the angle of slats. Some of these may form a loop which, if precautions aren’t taken, could cause a hazard to young children and babies.

Since February 2014 all blinds sold in the UK must comply with child safety standards. This means they must not contain cords or chains or, if they do, they must be fitted with safety devices.

 

For many years there have been blinds which do not contain operating cords or chains, or have concealed or tensioned cords. The BBSA recommends these styles are chosen, especially in homes where young children live or may visit.

Whether you require a roller, Roman, Venetian, vertical or pleated blind, there is an inherently safe option. Let’s take a look at some examples.

Motorisation: All blind styles can be operated by motors. This can be via mains voltage, low voltage, battery or rechargeable and allow for a whole range of operating modes from handsets to sensors or smart devices.

Wand operation: For vertical blinds the operating cords and chains are replaced by a wand fitted to the leading louvre. This wand is used to move the louvres to cover the window or move them back out of the way. With the blind covering the window twisting the wand will rotate the louvres so you can adjust them for privacy and light control.

Gear/crank operation: This can be used for most blind styles but is most commonly used on roller blinds. The operating cord or chain is replaced with a winding handle fitted to one side of the blind which when rotated raises and lowers the blind. This is a popular option for schools. The operating handle can be made so it is detachable to prevent unauthorised use of the blinds.

Constant tension operation: This mode of operation involves gently pushing or pulling the blind into position. The blind stays in position thank to springs which allows the blind to work in all positions but also remove the risk of any loose cords. On large and heavy blinds, a counter-balancing spring supports the weight of the blind and allows effortless operation.

 

 

If you chose an option which is not safe by design it will be provided with safety devices and the lengths of any operating cords or chains will be restricted by child safety requirements.

Typical examples of safety devices are breakaways which part the cord or chain under a light load or tension devices which hold the chains or cords taut. Cleats are used on cord operated products like Venetian blinds to store the cord after each and every use of the blind.