Safety Alert!

New Safety Cord Stops Mandated By 

Consumer Product Safety Commission

Acting in cooperation with the window coverings industry and the Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC), Beginning August 15, 2000, Designer Blinds and all other window covering manufacturers will include Safety Cord Stops (pictured at left) on all horizontal blinds using a corded lift control.   In accordance with the CPSC mandate, this will include ALL wood, faux wood, aluminum and vinyl horizontal blinds fabricated by Designer Blinds. 

The Consumer Product Safety Commission has identified this potential safety problem for horizontal blind lift cords. Their concern is the possibility of a child reaching in between the slats and pulling a lift cord back through the cord lock. This would create a loop and potential strangulation hazard.

To prevent this potential risk, the window coverings industry is adopting measures mandated by the CPSC,. The first step is to quickly implement an interim solution —the Safety Cord Stops.

The safety cord stop is a small plastic washer tied to the lift cord, which prevents the lift cord from being pulled through the cord lock.  A full description of how it is applied is below. 

This is considered an interim solution for this potential risk. Hunter Douglas has worked very with the CPSC and is the window covering industry's recognized leader in product safety. This interim method is a viable and manageable solution. In coming months, Hunter Douglas has promised to continue to work diligently to develop a permanent solution/design.

How Safety Stops Are Applied

Be sure Safety Cord Stops are 1 to 2 inches below the headrail when the blind is in the fully lowered position.  If they are, further adjustment will not be necessary.  If the Safety Cord Stops are not 1 to 2 inches below the headrail, loosen, but do not untie the knot and move the washer into the correct position.

The knot may be loosened to adjust to even up the cord lengths on Break-Thru™ Safety Tassels.

After moving the Safety Cord Stops to the the correct position, pull firmly on the cord to re-tighten the knot.  This particular type of knot is relatively easy to loosen should further adjustment be needed.

 For More Information About Safety Issues:

             Go to The Consumer Product Safety Commission Home Page
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