FAQ's
Child Safety: What are the current requirements of EN standards?
Below are some extracts from the relevant sections from the European Standard 13120 for Internal Blinds.
Clause 8.2
Risk of strangulation arises where products are operated by cords, chains, tapes and similar that can form a loop or where the operating mechanism is of a loop design.
Where there is a risk of strangulation to children or other vulnerable persons from cords, chains, tapes and similar, the manufacturer shall attach a warning notice to the product in a conspicuous position. The warning notice shall be specified in clause 15.2.2.
In addition, the manufacturer shall either provide within the product package a device for keeping cords, chains tape or similar out of reach of children or an appropriate safety device (with instructions for it’s proper installation and use) or include in the product design a mechanism that shall achieve the same result.
Where the design requires a looped operating mechanism, the manufacturer shall provide the means to limit the risk, either by incorporating this into the product design, or by supplying an appropriate safety device with the product.
Where practicable, operating cords, chains, tapes or similar should be kept short as possible.
NOTE: Complete elimination of the strangulation risk can only be achieved by keeping cords, chains, tapes and similar out of the reach of children. Use of additional safety devices may reduce the risk of strangulation but cannot be considered foolproof (see Annex C). Motorisation eliminates the risk associated with looped and pull-cord operating mechanisms but the risk relating to inner tapes and cords remains. Persons in charge of children are ultimately responsible for following the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer (see clause 15.2.2).
15.2.2. Additional warning for cord, chain and tape operated products.
The warning notice as referred to in clause 8.2 shall include the following:
WARNING
· Young children can strangle in the loop of pull cords, chains and tapes, and cords that operate window coverings. They can also wrap cords around their necks.
· To avoid strangulation and entanglement, keep cords out of the reach of young children.
· Move beds, cots and furniture away from the window covering cords.
The word “WARNING” shall be in upper case and not less than 8mm high. The rest of the text shall be in no less than 3mm high letters.
The text on the warning notice shall be repeated in the instructions for use.
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