Blind Cord Safety

Internal window blind cords and chains can pose a risk to babies, small children and vulnerable people who could injure or even strangle themselves on looped operating cords and chains. It only takes seconds for a child to lose their life on a window blind cord so take steps to make sure your children are safe.

The video below aims to highlight the dangers of looped blind cords and look at ways in which blind cord injuries and deaths can be reduced.

 

• examine every blind. If they have a looped control chain or cord and do not have a safety device fitted, then you can easily install one of the many devices available;
• ensure that all operating blind cords and chains cannot be reached by children;
• move cots, beds and any furniture away from windows and blinds – remember children love to climb;
• when buying a new blind, always look for one that does not contain cords, has concealed cords or has an in-built safety device that complies with the new European Standards.

New blinds are covered by improved European safety legislation that came into force in 2014, meaning they have been rigorously tested and if appropriate, would have a chain break connector where the chain will break if any pressure is applied. However many homes have blinds fitted before this so it is important to check them all.

Making your existing blinds safer:

Simple steps such as securing cords and chains with safety devices and keeping furniture away from windows so that children cannot climb can help prevent accidents and deaths.
There are a range of safety devices available for every type of blind and these devices or cleats are available free of charge from the Council.

Further information on how to make blinds safer is also available at www.makeitsafe.org.uk
For further advice on home safety including blind cord safety or to get free cleats contact Environmental Health on 028 9034 0160 or envhealth@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk
video

Burns Safety Advice

Hot appliances, liquids and bath water are responsible for more than half of all burns and scalds, with young children being particularly vulnerable.

The video below aims to highlight how easy it is for a child to burn themselves or be scalded and that it can just take seconds for an accident to happen.


Home accidents can easily be prevented and the video encourages parents and carers to take steps to minimise the risks:

• Hot drinks can still scald 15 minutes after they’ve been made and can result in years of skin graft treatment. Ensure hot drinks are out of reach of babies and children.
• Hot water scalds in seconds. Run the cold water first and always check the temperature of bath water.
• Hair straighteners can get very hot, very quickly and cause serious burns that scar for life, keep out of the reach of children and put them away safely after use.

For further advice on home safety including preventing burns and scalds contact Environmental Health on 028 9034 0160 or envhealth@antrimandnewtownabbey.gov.uk

More useful links on child safety:
Royal Association for Accident Prevention www.rospa.com
Child Accident Prevention Trust www.capt.org.uk