Looped cords and chains from blinds and curtains are a serious safety risk for children. Sadly children have died from strangulation by a loose cord.

Follow the simple steps to keep loops out of reach and keep children safe.

Keep cords out of reach 

Keep curtain and blind cords away from children. If a child can reach the cords, they can quickly become entangled in them. 

• Do not put children’s cots, beds, highchairs or playpens near a window where children can reach a cord.
• Do not place sofas, chairs, tables, shelves or bookcases near windows with a cord.
• Keep cots away from products with electrical cords, such as lamps and monitors.

Cord safety while renting a home

If you are living in a rental property, ask your landlord to secure cords and chains. Landlords have an obligation to make them safe as a part of WA rental laws.

Buying curtains and blinds

Choose blinds and curtains with the following safety features:

• warning labels about dangers to children,
• operate with a twist-wand or
• a way to secure cord/chain loops, or
• or without exposed cords/chains.

Installing cords and chains

When installing window coverings, keep all loose or looped cords secure.

• Correctly installed supplied cord restraints - do not leave loose cord handing down. 
• If possible, get rid of looped cords by cutting the cord and installing tassels.

​Some blinds can't operate properly without looped cords. Secure these cords with either:

• tie-downs (cleats) 1600mm above the ground, or
• tension devices which cannot form a loop of more than 220mm.

Tie-downs and tension devices are available from hardware or window furnishing stores. Always fix tie-downs and tension devices firmly to the wall or window-frame so a child is not able to remove it.

Product Safety Australia’s window covering installation guide shows how to keep loose cords secure using cleats or cord guides.

Mandatory standards

Blind, curtains and window fittings explains the mandatory standards for the supply and installation of window coverings.

The standards apply to anyone who contacted to supply or install corded internal window coverings. There are penalties if the standards are not followed. 

The key requirements of these standards include:

• supplying a cord guide to keep cords secure
• warning labels
• installation instructions

Further information is available from:

1. Competition and Consumer (Corded Internal Window Coverings) Safety Standard 2014 covers the installation services of window coverings. 
2. Trade Practices (Consumer Product Safety Standard - Corded Internal Window Coverings) Regulations 2010 relates to the supply of all corded internal window coverings. 

More information 

More information is available from Product Safety Australia's website:

• Blind and curtain cord safety - safety tips, related news and recalls.
• Blinds, curtains and window fitting - information about the standards
• Corded internal window coverings installation guide
• Window covering cords can kill poster - covers tips on preventing child strangulation.