Emily Rivers
Blinds sold in the UK have to meet regulations for safety. These regulations make sure that blinds are safe for children. They are part of an EU initiative on child safety. These regulations were published by British Standards in 2014 and became effective in the UK. All new blinds sold in the UK must meet these regulations. Blinds installed before 2014 do not have to meet the regulations, but it’s still important to make sure your blinds are child safe.
If you’re considering a new set of blinds, it’s worth looking at blinds which are safe by design. These blinds function without accessible cords or chains. They will usually use concealed or tensioned cords. They could be either operated by use of handles or motorised, or even use a crank handle. Most blinds can be designed in any of these child safe styles. If you cannot fit safe by design blinds, you can use older style blinds with cords or chains, but they must be fitted with safety devices to meet the regulations.
The regulations
The regulations cover several different aspects of blind safety. There are restrictions on the length of cords and chains as well as requirements to display visible warning notices.
The regulations apply to all blinds installed in homes and in public buildings. They also apply to blinds in accessible areas of commercial buildings, such as reception areas.
The regulations work differently for different types of blinds. There are four different types of blinds covered by the regulations.
Blinds with pull cords
Blinds with pull cords must meet the following regulations:
- Name of manufacturer or trademark must be visible on the blind.
- A general warning notice must be visible on the blind.
- Instructions on how to operate the blind and its safety features should be left with the customer.
- An accumulation device must be securely fitted at least 1.5 metres from the floor, and as near to the headrail as possible.
- The blind must feature non-tangle tassels. If these extend below 1.5 metres from the floor, they must also use an accumulation device.
- Cord stops must be fitted as close to the headrail as possible. These can be no further than 50mm away when the blind is fully extended.
- If there are more than 2 pull cords, the cords must have a breakaway system.
Blinds with looped cords and chains
Blinds with looped cords or chains will need to follow these regulations:
- Name or trademark must be visible on the blind.
- A general warning notice should be displayed on the blind.
- The customer should have clear product instructions.
- A tensioning device must be fitted to the cord. This should be securely fitted at the maximum distance from the headrail. This must be at least 1.5 metres from the floor.
Blinds with breakaway devices
Blinds with breakaway devices on the cord or chain will need to meet the following regulations:
- Blind must display the name of the manufacturer or trademark.
- A general warning notice must be visible on the blind.
- The customer must have product instructions.
- Breakaway connectors must be installed, and the end of the cord or chain must be higher than 0.6 metres from the floor.
Roman blind lift cords
With this last type of blind, the blinds attach to consecutive points to cords which run vertically. A head probe is a testing device used for these types of blinds. If the maximum distance between two attachment points is less than 200mm and the head probe cannot fit into the gap, then a breakaway system is not required. However, if the blind does not meet either of these criteria, it will need to be fitted with a safety system such as a breakaway.
The easiest way to make sure your blinds meet these regulations is to choose a safe by design blind. These blinds use safe methods of operation such as concealed cords or motor systems. If you use a blind with visible cords or chains, make sure it features appropriate safety devices. Check with the manufacturer or seller that the blind meets the British Standards for blind safety. The British Blind and Shutter Association run the Make It Safe scheme. Their website has lots of advice on blind safety.
