New Window Blind Safety Standards for 2018
By Nikki Hummel, Blindsgalore
While window treatments often add the finishing touch to many areas of the house, any room where a child may sleep or play deserves critical attention to safety. A recent article published in Pediatrics, the official journal of the American Academy of Pediatrics, helped shed light on the dangers of corded blinds and shades in the home. According to the article, there were approximately 16,827 window-blind related injuries in the United States among children younger than six years old between 1990 and 2015. That's almost two incidents per day. As a result, the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) and the U.S. Consumer Products Safety Commission (CPSC) have decided to set new safety standards for corded window coverings. This official update to the American National Standard for Safety of Corded Window Covering Products will take effect before the end of 2018.
Starting December 15, 2018, all pre-made window treatments sold in stores will no longer feature a corded option. This includes both cut down/sized products and packaged products sold exclusively in retail stores. Please note that stock products manufactured before the cut-off date may still be sold in stores, but not without specific warning labels and tags on the packaging. Custom products, on the other hand, may still include a corded option by customer request. However, the standard lift control cord length will be limited to 40% of the overall product height. Longer cord lengths may still be specified where needed for accessibility, but will not be a default option. Wand tilts will now come standard on horizontal and vertical blinds as opposed to a corded tilt option. A new, bolder warning label will also be attached to all custom products and packaging. Some specific custom products featuring multiple blinds on a single headrail will be discontinued, as there is no way to mount the operating cords in the center of the window. This will affect 2 on 1 corded products, with a top-down-bottom-up lift, and 3 on 1 standard corded blinds and shades. It is important to note that their motorized or cordless counterparts will still be available.
Blindsgalore also supports the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) and the WCMA in providing window treatments that meet the highest standards in cord safety to avoid any unwanted injuries or mishaps. The WCMA has created the Best for Kids™ certification program to help identify products that are both suitable and strongly recommended in homes with young children. This certification program is the first of its kind and products with this label have undergone rigorous third-party testing to ensure they meet stringent safety criteria. This criteria requires that the product either has no cords, no operating cords, or the inner cords cannot be accessible or form a loop, as defined by the industry's safety standard. Products that meet this criteria will be eligible to list and label packaging and materials as "certified," and companies can use this designation on their marketing materials. All certified Best for Kids™ products can also be upgraded to include a motorized lift for an added layer of safety and convenience.
For parents looking for an alternative to corded window coverings, Blindsgalore suggests a cellular, roller, or solar shade. These products are flat and simple, as opposed to something with multiple slats or an open structure. Motorized products are also an option as they are naturally cordless and easier to use, which will help eliminate all worry. Customers are also encouraged to look for the Best for Kids™ label on certified safe products. Because strangulation is silent, most parents and caregivers will have a hard time being alerted during an incident. For absolute peace of mind, Blindsgalore recommends upgrading all current window treatments to a cordless option immediately and keeping all cribs, beds, and furniture away from windows. If upgrading your window treatments isn't an immediate possibility, keep all blind cords out of reach and out of sight. However, this should never be considered as a permanent solution.
Protect children from harm as the unthinkable can happen when you least expect it. Don't be tricked by seemingly harmless blinds and shades and outfit your home with updated window treatments as soon as possible. Blindsgalore is committed to keeping your family safe. We make many simple and stylish window coverings that are also safe to create a worry-free haven for kids and pets. Family friendly blinds and shades come in a variety of options, ensuring that you don't have to sacrifice style or function for security. By adhering to the new standards in cordless window treatments, you can be content knowing your children are secure in your home.
Please call Precious Baby Protectors at 281-438-4670 to learn about how we can make your home safe for your children, and babies.