Traditionally a salesman would only concentrate on the benefits of their product, this is something that is changing. Consumers are more 'savvy' and will ask many more probing questions now-a-days, equally they will want to know the upsides and downsides and moreover if there are any risks or dangers associated. This now also applies to many products and Blinds are by no means exempt. This article will concentrate on conservatory blinds in particular, and look at the dangers that some of them can pose to young children and other vulnerable persons.
Recently there has tragically been a number of deaths of young children attributed to strangulation by blind cords. Various high-profile organizations up to government level have come onboard to support a campaign called 'Make it Safe' initiated by the BBSA, the British Blind and Shutter Association, of which Blind Technique are members. This campaign aims to eliminate the risk of strangulation with looped blind cords and controls through education, keeping these cords away from children at all times or if not possible by introducing various safety designs which mitigate the risk. It is highlighted that the only sure way to totally eliminate the risk is to keep all control cords out of reach, and to otherwise fit blinds without any non-control looped tapes, cords or designs.
Starting off by looking at window blinds as they have many more options and are therefore somewhat more complicated and of course lower down, potentially within reach. Some blinds are better than others. Any blind that has a control cord is a risk. When this is unavoidable consider the option of individual non-looped controls, cleats, a cord tidy or tension pulley. To eliminate or reduce the risk some good options to bare-in-mind are, spring operated roller blinds, pleated blinds operated by a friction system, using a wand control instead of a cord control for vertical blinds, perfect-fit roller blinds, remote-controlled blinds. Beware of vertical blinds as these are connected at the bottom with a chain, and venetian blinds particularly those with a larger slat where little heads could easily fit through. Most importantly is to be aware that a danger exists and to either remove the risk or to supervise all young children at all times.
If you look at the various blinds for conservatories, we can split them into two categories, roof blinds and window blinds, already discussed in the previous paragraph. The easier, in terms of safety is roof blinds as they are fitted up high and working either with remote control or using a control wand so that there are no looped parts within reach and no control cords to worry about. Pleated roof blinds and woodweave, also known as pinoleum, blinds fit nicely into this category. The one existing style of roof Blinds that you need to be aware of are manually operated roof roller blinds, as these require looped control cords to operate them open and closed. Of course these controls can be installed out of reach and neatly organized away from young hands using either a cleat or cord tidy. When it comes to Conservatory Blinds and young children, it is important that this is done at all times necessary - when a risk exists.
Blind Technique fully supports the 'Make it Safe' campaign and will always point out the dangers to all customers. At risk also are those thousands of people who already have blinds installed before the campaign started and may not be aware of the danger. Many of the safety devices can be retrofitted and we will be happy to advise you on the various options available. More information and a downloadable brochure can be found on our website. Please 'Make it Safe' and then Keep it Safe.