Child Safety
Things you need to know about the new window covering safety standard, past safety issues and how you can prevent them from happening.
New Window Covering Safety Standard
The Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) has announced the The new safety standard, ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2018 with compliance date December, 15, 2018. It strengthens window-covering safety by requiring that all stock products sold in stores and online in the U.S. and Canada—to be cordless or have inaccessible cords. Corded window coverings will only be available on custom-order products.
Other updates on the new safety standard include:
- Custom-order products such as requiring operating cords to have a default length of 40% of the blind height [currently it is unlimited] and a default to a tilt wand instead of a tilt cord.
- The new safety standard also includes a change in warning tags to more graphically depict the strangulation hazard.
- Furthermore, a consumer is required to interact with a salesperson or installation specialist, who provides window covering safety information, specifically regarding the fact that consumers should not use corded products in homes with young children. It should also be noted that there are many cordless options already exist for custom products. They are easily identifiable by the ‘Best for Kids’ label. WCMA created the “Best for Kids” certification program in 2015 to make it easier for consumers shopping for window coverings to identify cordless products.
How are window covers dangerous to your little ones?
Window coverings are essential for any home or office decoration and they usually play a key part of our fashion statement. They can help us save money and energy by preventing heat from coming in during the summer and escape during the winter.They also aid in protecting our floors, art and furniture from the damaging UV solar rays.
Infants, toddlers and young children can become entangled in hanging and looped cords. Cords can also pose a safety hazard to many pets as well. The hidden dangers that lie in the cords of your old mini-blinds may not always be obvious.
Improving the Safety of your Window Coverings
A cord cleat is a plastic or metal safety device that allows you to wrap dangling cords so they’re out of the reach of children.
A cord tensioner is used with continuous cord, it will keep the cord tight, so a child can’t put their head through and spin.
The breakaway safety tassel is designed to break apart to protect children and pets and avoid strangulation and much more.
Ensure that cord stops are properly installed and adjusted to limit movement of inner lift cords that can be pulled.
New Innovative Child-Safe Options Available That Meet the New Safety Standards
Cordless
Blinds/Shades
Motorized Wand
Control
Retractable Cord
Shade
Motorized Remote
Control
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- 251-929-2577
- tony@smoothtransitionsgulfcoast.com
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