Issue Date:  -  Tuesday, 16 March 2004

Child Strangulation Dangers

Curtain and blind cords that form a 'loop' are potential child killers and the Department of Consumer and Employment Protection has moved to prohibit the sale of blinds that are not safe.

"Home designs have changed a lot in recent years which has led to curtain and blind cords of full length windows being close to the floor", Consumer Protection Commissioner Patrick Walker said.

"Since 1988 eleven toddlers and babies died from strangulation by blind cords in Australia whilst the USA recorded 133 child deaths between 1991 and 2001.

"A Product Safety Order restricting the supply of goods known as ‘curtain and blind cords’ has been issued to manufacturers, installers, suppliers and retailers in WA", he said.

The Order requires that window coverings operated by exposed looped cords, bead chains and other flexible looped devices shall not have hazardous loops.

The Order also requires operating and warning information be included on labels and tags.

Existing blind and curtain cords already installed in homes that have loops can be made safe by a simple procedure using either a tie-down device or cutting the bottom of loops and tying the two new ends off with a knotted tassel or toggle.

"Parents are strongly advised to check the positioning of their children’s furniture such as high chairs, playpens, beds and cots, to ensure they are not in the proximity of cords", Mr Walker said.

Call 1300 30 40 54 to obtain Consumer Protection’s Product Safety brochure on how to make blind and curtain cords safe in the home or go online at www.docep.wa.gov.au