Understanding Child Safety Legislation In Soft Furnishings

Window blinds are always a popular choice for controlling light and providing privacy in homes and workplaces due to their cost effectiveness and simplicity to install and operate. However, they have potential safety hazards, especially for children and pets.

The operating cords and chains that can hang down from blinds, could cause a strangulation hazard for anyone who may get caught up in them. Every year accidents involving blind cords and chains result in injuries and in some cases, fatalities. In 2014 The British Standards Institute published the BS EN 13120 standard which, in conjunction with The General Product Safety Regulations 2005, requires all suppliers and installer in the industry to manufacture, sell and install compliant products.

The main objective of BS EN 13120 is to prevent accidents involving young children by regulating internal window blinds with cord or chains. It applies to all home, public building and workplaces.

This is to be achieved by stipulating cord and chain lengths, the use of safety devices and safe control systems and ensuring correct installation to reduce the risk of strangulation and entanglement. The standard also promotes consumer awareness with the mandatory inclusion of warning labels and instruction manuals including details of the safety features of the blind, this ensures that consumers are well informed of the potential risks associated with blind installations.

Manufacturers, suppliers and installers must, by law, adhere to the requirements within the standard.

What are the key components of BS EN 13120?

1. Length and Strength - The cords and chains used in window blinds should be designed with appropriate length and strength to minimise the risk of entanglement and strangulation, especially for young children.

2. Control systems - Control systems should be designed to be easy to use and so as not to present any risk of injury. There should be built in features to allow the release of cords and chains if required.

3. Warning labels and instructions - Communications should be included with the blind to provide the user with essential information of the safe operation and maintenance of the blind.

4. Testing - Window blinds and all their components must undergo rigorous testing procedures to ensure component strength, durability, and safe operation of both individual components and the complete system.

Compliance

Compliance is not optional for manufactures, suppliers and installers of window blinds. You should be advised of any safety features and devices at the point of sale and at any survey that is carried out in your home or workplace. You should also be made aware of how and where any safety drives will be installed. Installation of safety devices is mandatory by law, even if there are no children or pets currently residing in your home. If you are installing blinds yourself, follow the provided instructions to ensure proper installation of these safety devices.

If the blinds are installed by a professional, all safety devices must be securely fitted to a solid surface, all warnings should be left attached to the blind, and any supplied instructions must be left with the customer. The use of the blind and safety devices should always be demonstrated to the customer after installation.

There are several ways a blind can be compliant with the standard, the best option is to choose a blind which is safe by design. This means that there are no exposed cords or chains to pose a risk, these blinds will either operate under tension or may incorporate a motor for convenience. If there are exposed cords or chains then you should consider built in safety devices or supplementary safety devices. Supplementary devices either incorporate some form of break away component or allow the cord or chain to be retained at least 150cm from the floor. You should also consider whether children can access the cords or chains by climbing on furniture, window seats or other architectural features.

Existing blinds can often be made safe with the addition of supplementary safety devices such as cord cleats, chain break away devices and even by adding battery powered motors to some blinds. This brings you the peace of mind of knowing you have minimised the risk without having to incur the expense of replacing blinds which may also match existing decor. This can be a cost effective solution and the components required can be easily be sourced online or via a local reputable installation company.

It is also worth noting that landlords and agents have additional responsibilities where blinds are installed in properties to ensure that they are safe.

Benefits of BS EN 131120

By choosing blinds compliant with BS EN 13120, you can rest assured that they minimise safety risks for children and pets in your home, workplace or in public spaces. Compliant blinds are designed to withstand daily use, ensuring they remain functional throughout their lifespan.

By having blinds professionally installed by a reputable company (look for a BBSA member here) you can be sure that your blinds will be installed correctly. If you have any concerns you can contact the BBSA and they will advise and assist you.

Conclusion

BS EN 13120 has played a key role in ensuring that all new window blinds (and many existing ones) now significantly reduce the risk to young children and pets in both homes and public spaces. Its stringent requirements for cord and chain safety, safe control systems, inclusion of warning labels, and thorough testing ensure that you can confidently choose a safe product from a reputable supplier. Professional installation further guarantees correct setup, providing reassurance that the blinds will remain safe and functional for years to come.

More information on the implementation of BS EN 13120 can be found here or download useful guidance notes here.

At Cotswold Curtains, we are proud to be an accredited member of the BBSA.