Parents and carers are being reminded by B&NES Council to ensure that window blind cords are kept out of the reach of children as part of the national “Make it Safe” child safety campaign.
There have been a number of fatalities in the UK and Europe as a result of children being strangled by blind cords. A toddler from Hertfordshire was recently left paralysed after her neck became trapped in the looped cord of a window blind.
The two-year-old girl was put to bed by her parents but got up and was climbing across her window sill when the accident happened. She was found hanging unconscious by her father when he walked past her bedroom.
A revised European Standard for window blinds requires that blinds sold since 2009 must be supplied with adequate warnings about the risks of looped cords and be packaged with a “cleat” device which can be fitted to keep the cord out of reach. Alternatively the blinds should be designed with a mechanism which prevents any loose cord from looping.
Councillor David Dixon (Lib-Dem, Oldfield), Cabinet Member for Neighbourhoods, said: “We would like all householders to be aware of the dangers of loose blind cords, in order to prevent any other families suffering such a terrible tragedy.
“If there are blinds which were fitted in your home before the new standard came into effect and which have looped cords or tapes, you should consider fitting a device such as a cleat to keep the cord out of reach of babies, children and vulnerable people. Bath & North East Somerset Council is offering free cord safety packs which include the cleat device on request.
“Other simple precautions can also be taken to prevent access to the cords such as making sure children’s beds or cots and other furniture is not next to any window blinds with looped cords.
“Local traders who supply and fit blinds have been contacted about the ‘Make it Safe’ campaign and will be happy to advise on how to make blinds safe if you already have blinds with looped cords in your home.”
Further information on the ‘Make it Safe’ campaign can be found at http://www.makeitsafe.org.uk or by calling Bath & North East Somerset Council’s Public Protection Team on 01225 396753. This number can also be used to request a free cord safety pack which includes the cleat device.
