Blind cords, while seemingly innocuous, can pose major dangers to young children and pets. From entanglement leading to strangulation, and other serious, permanent injuries, the hazards associated with blind cords underscore the importance of implementing rigorous safety measures.
In 2024, news standards from the Window Coverings Manufacturers Association (WCMA) and American National Standards Institute (ANSI) are bringing changes that promote blind cord safety. The majority of window coverings sold in the United States will now be required to have short or inaccessible cords, or be manufactured with approved safety devices built into the system.
These new standards are working to eliminate free hanging operating and other cord connectors for all custom window coverings. Let’s explore some of the specific dangers that hanging blind cords have been found to pose, as well as new developments in safety devices and technology that can help lessen these risks.
Risks Posed by Hanging Blind Cords
Ensuring blind cord safety requires much effort and awareness. By addressing potential risks and implementing appropriate safety measures, you can alleviate the dangers associated with blind cords effectively.
Entanglement
One of the biggest risks posed by blind cords is entanglement. Children and pets can easily become caught in dangling cords, leading to accidents and injuries. To prevent entanglement, it’s important to ensure that blind cords are secured and out of reach.
Strangulation
Entanglement leading to strangulation is another serious concern associated with blind cords. Loose or dangling cords pose a strangulation hazard, especially to young children who may inadvertently wrap cords around their necks while playing, or get tangled in blind cords and are unable to set themselves free.
Permanent Brain Damage
In severe cases, incidents involving blind cords can lead to permanent brain damage as a result of prolonged lack of oxygen. Children and pets may suffer from oxygen deprivation if cords become wrapped around their necks, highlighting the critical need for vigilance and proactive safety measures.
Scars and Other Serious Injuries
Other risks posed by blind cords include scars, bruises, cuts, and falls. By keeping blind cords properly secured and away from accessible areas, you can reduce the risk of such injuries significantly.
Blind Cord Safety Devices & Technology
To mitigate the risks of hanging blind cords, solutions like cord tensioners, cordless window coverings such as spring rollers, and shade motorization have emerged as effective safety devices or alternatives.
Cord Tensioners
Cord tensioners, as the name suggests, are devices designed to maintain constant tension on blind cords, securing them against walls or window frames. This keeps the cords out of reach, preventing accidental entanglement.
Tensioners are specifically designed to ensure that the user (or a small child) will not be able to pull the cord away from the wall to create a loop, which can potentially pose a risk to their safety. Some tensioners will even lock onto the cord, completely preventing use until the device is properly installed.
Cord tensioners are a simple yet effective solution that eliminates the hazards associated with loose hanging cords, ensuring a safer environment without compromising on functionality.
Cordless Window Coverings
Cordless window coverings, including spring rollers, operate without traditional cords. Instead, they consist of a spring mechanism that allows users to adjust the shade or blind simply by pulling or pushing on the bottom rail. This eliminates exposed blind cords, reducing the risk of accidents.
Shade Motorization
A cordless solution, shade motorization revolutionizes window covering operation with the use of electric motors. This advanced technology completely replaces manual cords with a motor-driven system that allows users to control shades remotely via a switch or smart device. By eliminating hanging cords altogether, motorized shades enhance safety by minimizing the risk of entanglement and creating a cleaner, more streamlined aesthetic in any space.
Skyco specializes in custom cordless and corded window coverings – all of the safety devices that we use in products like our Manual Roller Shade are from Rollease, an approved and certified safe product. To learn more about Rollease and child safety regulations, click here.
Skyco Prioritizes Blind Cord Safety
At Skyco, we prioritize the safety of children and pets by designing shading solutions that adhere to the latest safety standards, and use approved safety devices. Additionally, by raising awareness about blind cord safety and offering practical tips for securing blind cords, we aim to protect your loved ones from potential hazards.
Contact Skyco today to learn more about how our shading solutions can enhance safety and comfort, all while keeping children and pets safe. Together, we can create a safer environment for everyone.
