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A breakaway device on the cords of a roman blind. The blind raises and lowers normally but cords will separate under undue loads
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Chain break connector will part under any undue load but after inspection can be clipped back together again
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Cord and chain tensioner for vertical blinds to hold cord and chain taut
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Chain tensioner to hold a single chain or cord taut
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Blinds which do not contain cords or chains, such as motorised products, those operated by a gearbox with crank handle or blinds that are simply moved into position by hand do not need any action.
Blinds which are operated by cords or chains which could form a hazardous loop must be made safer.
Just take these three easy steps:
When choosing new blinds, consider one which does not contain cords or chains to operate the blind as these blinds require no additional safety devices as they are inherently safe.
Some examples are gear operated blinds where a gearbox is fitted at one end of the blind and this is then operated by a crank
handle which can be permanently affixed or detachable – the latter is useful to prevent unauthorised use of the blind. Often gear operation is used for roller blinds in schools and other high use environments but gear operation is also available for other blind styles such as vertical blinds and venetian blinds.
Motorisation also removes operating cords and chains and allows for the blinds to be automated by linking to sensors and timers. With rapid advances in battery technology some blinds styles and sizes can be operated using rechargeable batteries meaning there is no need to have mains wiring to the blind.
External shading is inherently safe as it is fitted outside of the building and typically this form of shading is far more effective at reducing unwanted heat gain.
If your window size, position or shape does not lend itself to an inherently safe blind it is still possible to have operating cords and chains but they must be supplied and fitted with a compliant safety device.
In-built safety devices
These devices are built into the blind and typically involve a breakaway system where the cord or chain will part under undue pressure. The requirements of the standard are that the breakaway pressure is less than 6kg so these systems may not be ideal for high use areas.
Supplementary safety devices
Safety devices such as tensioning devices for looped cords and chains and cleats for cords can also be used and must be fitted in accordance with the instructions.
Cord and chain lengths
The child safety requirements determine the cord and chain lengths depending on the safety device used as can be seen in the chart below:
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