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FAQ's

Child Safety: What is the future requirement likely to be?

An update of the EN standard is currently being formulated and discussions are ongoing with the EU General Products Safety Directorate and other relevant parties.  In March 2012 the final draft of changes to the standard and new standards for safety device product testing were circulated to member states for approval. Whilst there may be some changes it is anticipated that the revised standards will be approved by the end of 2012. It is virtually certain that those requirements will be mandated (compulsory). The requirement for labelling as described in the existing standard was mandated in July 2011.

The proposed changes to the standard will not ban cords in blinds. For most blind types safety devices will have to have the added function that the blind would be inoperable if the device was not fitted where looped cords are necessary. Safety products are currently in use and improvements are being developed to meet the requirements.

As the incidents have concerned toddlers mostly under 3 years of age, it is intended that the requirement should only apply in commercial buildings used by children in that age range such as nurseries.

We will be providing updates as changes occur. 

What should I do if I am specifying blinds on a project that may be built after changes occur?

The simple answer is to specify a product that does not use LOOPED cord or chain. In our product section we highlight the options that you should consider. Perhaps think about external shading that is not only safe but is also more energy efficient

 What about existing blinds?

There are simple cleats that can be used to tie cords out of the reach of young children and other retrofit devices available. At Hallmark we realise awareness is the big problem and whilst recent features on Breakfast TV and the One Show have helped there are many millions of blinds installed before anyone was aware that a problem existed that could easily be made safe by a simple cleat. At Hallmark we will supply cleats and advice leaflets that can be collected FREE OF CHARGE from our showroom for retro-fitting whether or not the blinds were supplied by us to help promote the BBSA Make it Safe campaign