Solar Sunshades are proud to be members of the British Blinds and Shutters Association (BBSA) Make it Safe campaign, promoting safer window blinds and safety for all window treatments. We know how important it is to make sure every stylish item in your home is also safe when you have little ones around.
Read below to learn more about the Make It Safe Campaign and get our tips on making your blinds child safe.
What is the make it safe campaign?
The Make it Safe is a campaign from the British Blind and Shutter Association (BBSA) to promote window blind safety in all homes, public buildings and other environments where babies and young children may be present.
It promotes the production and use of ever-safer blinds within the industry, and it’s members commit to the early adoption of safety regulations and improvements in manufacturing and installation techniques. Their website provides a number of helpful resources for homeowners, manufacturers, and suppliers on how to make blinds safer for children.
Tips for Selecting Safer Blinds
- Automation is the safest method of operating your blinds. Cord-free, and often totally hands-free a smart blinds solution removes the need for any wands, cords, and chains and offers a fully flexible solution for your home.
- There are multiple types of blinds that can be operated by hand, without a need for a cord or chain. Spring-assisted methods can be used for Venetian blinds- where the blinds can be pulled by hand.
- Instead of using a cord or chain, opt for wand control for your vertical blinds or Venetian blinds for a safer mode of operation.
- If you are choosing blinds with a cord or chain, check safety devices such as break chains or tassels that will snap off the blinds under undue pressure – to ensure if anyone gets tangled, they can be released quickly and safely.
- If your blinds are being professionally fitted, the fitter should fit safety devices as standard, if not, ensure you abide by all installation instructions and fit any provided safety devices.
- Shutters can also be a child-safe option, as they require no chains or cords for operation.
How to Make Existing Blinds Safer
If you already have blinds with loops or cords, you can make them safer for children with a few simple changes.
- Applying a safety device such as a chain loop or cleat, so the cord for the blinds can be tucked out of the way, away from tiny hands.
- Ensure cords are stored out of the way in rooms where children may be present, and move furniture and cots away from window blinds to prevent the risk of climbing.
- Don’t store toys or playthings near the blinds, to prevent the likelihood of a cord being mistaken for a toy.
- Keep an eye out for any signs of wear and tear on your blinds, frayed and broken cords can cause a safety hazard.
Our commitments to safety
We manufacture and install all our blinds as per the regulations outlined in European Law BS EN13120. As members of the Make it Safe campaign, we are committed to the early adoptions of child safety innovations and take part in the promotion of safe products and installation techniques.