Consumers

CHILD SAFETY

The BMAA promotes window blind safety in all homes, public buildings and other environments where babies and young children may be present.

If you have a window blind which has an operating cord or chain that forms a loop it needs to be kept out of the reach of babies and young children.

All blinds, curtains and fittings must comply with the mandatory standard set out by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) to reduce the incidence of, and potential for death and injuries to young children. This includes the need for a warning label on retail packaging, a warning label on the corded product, installation instructions, and more.

Mandatory Standard

The Trade Practices (Consumer Product Safety Standard – Corded Internal Window Coverings) Regulations 2010 sets out the mandatory requirements for corded internal window coverings.

The mandatory standard applies to all corded internal window coverings supplied from 30 December 2010.

For complete information about the mandatory requirements for corded internal window coverings installation services, it is recommended that you read the Competition and Consumer (Corded Internal Window Coverings) Safety Standard 2014. The information in this standard sets the requirements of this mandatory standard from 1 January 2015.

ACCC Safety Publications

ACCC warns of dangers of loose blind and curtain cords
Staying safe with blind and curtain cords
Cots & cords don’t mix: Keep cots away from blind, curtain and electrical cords
Think Safety First – Blinds and Curtain Cords
Corded internal window coverings – Installation guide
Blind and curtain cords

State Government Advice (Blind and Cord Safety)
Consumer Affairs Victoria
Fair Trading NSW
WA Dept of Energy, Mines, Industry Regulation & Safety
QLD Office of Fair Training