Posted on
01 May 2010, under
Fatherhood; More Fatherhood articles...
Beware of blinds
Dad.ie talks to Aaron O’Connell, founder of www.windowblindsafety.ie, on the essential information for parents on blind safety available on his new site, and what we all can do to make our blinds safer in our homes.
Why Did You Decide to Set Up the Site?
The idea to set up www.windowblindsafety.ie came about following the tragic death of Arran Malley in February 2009. I had discussed the idea with Arran’s father, Shane, and had come across some websites covering window blind child safety, but none of them, in my opinion, were comprehensive, with very little practical information available. I felt I could provide a better website for the consumer/parent which could save lives.
The purpose of the website is to educate and inform parents and consumers on what steps they can take to prevent injury or death through window blinds. I have approached this website from two sides, the first being advice for those who have existing blinds and wish to make them safe. The second section gives advice on purchasing new blinds.
There are plenty of photographs on the site which are self-explanatory and language is kept as simple as possible. I have attempted to cover the most popular blinds available in this country. However, if anybody has a product which we haven’t covered I will be happy to provide advice and include that blind on the website.
Do You have Personal Experience from Working in the Industry?
I have 25 years experience in the window blind industry. I have worked in both Ireland and the United States. In 1992 I formed Direct Blinds, Cork, to manufacture service and install all types of window blinds. My company has been using safety devices since 2002.
What Are the Number of Fatalities that have Occurred Due to Window Blinds?
Since 2005 twelve children have died because of window blinds in Ireland, the most recent being 14 month old Aida Foster from Piltown, Kilkenny who lost her life in February of this year. Two hundred and sixty five children died in Europe between 2005 and 2008. An average of one child every two weeks dies because of unsafe window blinds in the United States, where it is estimated that a further 50% of accidents go unreported.
What Can Parents Do to Make their Blinds Safer?
Here are some simple guidelines for parents:
- Do not place a child’s cot, bed, playpen or high chair near a window so that they may reach a blind cord.
- Do not place furniture near a window that a child could climb on to reach a blind cord.
- Do make sure that the correct device is fitted correctly to keep the cords/chains taut or out of reach.
Safety devices are available and can be easily installed to most existing blinds. Each type of blind is treated differently from a safety point of view.
I have covered these in the website with a simple step-by-step guide to making existing blinds safe.
What is the New Safety Guideline that is Currently in Place for New Blinds?
“Complete elimination of the strangulation risk can only be achieved by keeping cords, chains, and tapes and similar out of the reach of children. Use of additional safety devices may reduce the risk of strangulation but cannot be considered foolproof ……Persons in charge of children are ultimately responsible for following the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.”
EN 13120 – Internal Blinds Performance requirements including Safety.
All blinds sold in Ireland must now meet the new safety requirements for internal window blinds. Before purchasing a blind you should ask the following questions:
- Has the blind been manufactured in accordance with the new standard?
- Check to see if a warning notice is on the blind.
- A device for keeping cords, chains, tape or similar out of reach of children should be provided with each blind, or the product should be designed so any mechanism does not pose a strangulation risk.
- Ask the supplier to demonstrate the product’s safe use.
- Ask if the documentation relating to the blind’s safe installation, use and maintenance is provided.
- Make sure the person fitting the blind follows the manufacturer’s instructions.
In my opinion the above Standard is not being enforced. To my best knowledge, no company or individual has been prosecuted for failure to adhere to the new standard. I believe no action will be taken until another poor child loses its life unnecessarily.
Aaron O’Connell
For further information please visit www.windowblindsafety.ie
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