Corded Internal Window Covering Regulation in Australia and Canada

The Australian Government has published the Trade Practices (Consumer Product Safety Standard – Corded Internal Window Coverings) Regulations 2010 declaring that from 31 Dec, 2010, corded internal window coverings (blind and curtains) shall comply with the requirements of the regulations.

The mandatory standard requires that corded internal window coverings supplied after 30 December 2010 shall be companied by:

﹥A waning label on any retail packaging:

WARNING: Curtain and blind cords have caused the death of young children and must be installed so that they are not a strangulation hazard. Follow the installation instructions

﹥A warning label or swing tag attached to the cord that highlight the strangulation hazard to children:

WARNING: Young children have died by wrapping loose curtain and blind cords or chains around their necks. Secure cords or chains with cord guides or keep them out of reach by winding them around a cleat. Move cots and furniture away from window covering cords or chains. Do not remove this label

﹥A installation instruction shall be included a statement to avoid creating a possible strangulation hazard for children, and practical suggestion on how to install the corded internal window covering;

﹥Any components specified in the installation instructions as necessary for cord safety requirement.

If a cord guide is supplied with a corded internal window covering, the cord guide must be designed:

﹥To remain firmly attached to a wall or other structure specified in the installation instructions when subjected to a tension force of 70N applied in any direction for 10 seconds;

﹥To prevent the possibility of a cord forming a loop 220 mm or longer at a height of less than 1600 mm above floor level.

Apart from Australia, Canada has also approved a similar act to regulate the safety of window covering. It was approved in 2009 with the intention of protecting children against strangulation hazards posed by interior window covering that incorporates a bean chain, cord or any type of flexible looped device in its operation.