Home | News & Blog | New EU Regulations for blinds and shutter safety
The EU issued three now regulations which now require all existing blinds to be made safe using a retrofit safety device, and all cords and chains to be fitted with a safety device at the point of manufacture.
In addition, the new regulations ban the use of cords and chains that “could create a hazardous loop” from being installed on premises “where children 0-42 months are likely to have access or be present.” Where cords and chains are installed, they must come with visible warnings. Office spaces being converted into residences are subject to these new regulations.
The new standards will mandate:
- safety devices for preventing any cords or chains from forming a hazard
- the testing of all safety critical items of internal blinds
- the testing of blinds using safety devices
- the installation of safety devices on the product at the point of manufacture
- maximum cord and chain lengths
- warnings and instructions
- packaging and point-of-sale information.
Who needs these new standards?
The new standards do not apply to blinds already installed in prople's homes. However as landlords you have a duty of care towards our tenants. None of is would want to live with the death of a child on our conscence.
You may well not rent to families, However, you may well rent to a young couple, who just happen to have a baby during their tenancy.
It really is simple to make blinds safe, with the use of clips and chain breakers and cord tensioners.
