Curtain Cords – Silent Killers ACCC safety alert This month we are delighted to present an opinion piece about blind and curtain cord safety by: Mr Peter Kell Deputy Chairman Australian Competition & Consumer Commission (ACCC) Blind and curtain cords have been responsible for 15 deaths in Australia since the early 1990s, with two fatalities as recently as August and October 2009. These are tragedies that can be easily avoided. Loose blind and curtain cords or chains - particularly those with loops - are dangerous, especially to young children. Deaths have occurred where loose cords are hanging near cots or furniture children can climb on. On these occasions the children are likely to have played with the cords as if they were a toy. Unfortunately the children become tangled amongst the cords and are strangled. The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has national responsibility for product safety in the marketplace. Our simple message is that loose blind and curtain cords can kill. Fix them out of reach so kids are out of danger. The ACCC is leading a national campaign urging people to check and fix dangerous blind and curtain cords. We’ve invited suppliers, landlords, housing providers and community groups to play their part to help us get the message out and keep Australian children safe. Here are our four key steps to ensure that blind and curtain cords do not pose a threat to children in your child care centre: Check your blind and curtain cords: They should be out of reach of children at all times. Immediately tie cords out of reach and move away any furniture children might climb on to reach them. Secure loose cords out of reach: Use cleats or tensioning devices from a hardware or curtain and blind shop. You can also cut the cords/chains and attach a tassel at the end of each strand. If you cannot fix unsafe cords/chains, get a reliable tradesperson to do it for you. Choose safe blinds and curtains: Make sure that new curtains and blinds have warning labels and provide a way to secure them out of reach. Regulations for blind and curtain cords are in place in all states and territories. You should contact your local consumer affairs office for more information. Keep children away from all cords and chains: Move anything a young child can sit in, stand in or climb on away from cords/chains. Never leave children alone in a room with cords/chains they can reach. By following these key steps, you will be doing your part in preventing tragedies related to unsafe blind and curtain cords. The ACCC's brochure, Safety alert: Blind and curtain cords, provides safety tips when buying and securing blind and curtain cords. It is available on the ACCC website

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