WORLDWIDE, MORE than 200 infants and young children have died by accidently strangling in windowblind cords, according to one estimate by US consumer authorities.
Arran Malley’s tragic death is just one of a number of such deaths of Irish children.
Some blinds can be made safe by cutting the loop and installing tassels.
Where the cords cannot be cut because of the mechanism of the blind, a simple tie-down or tensioning device can be bought for a few euro to pull the cord tight and secure it to the floor or wall.
Where new blinds are being installed, cordless models should be used.
Earlier this year, the National Consumer Agency issued a warning to parents and carers to protect young children from the possibility of being injured or strangled by window-blind cords.
The NCA and the National Standards Authority of Ireland also reminded blinds manufacturers and sellers of the European safety standards applying to their products. These require the manufacturer to incorporate risk prevention in the design or supply an appropriate safety device with the product.
Cords should be at least 1.6m above the ground so children cannot reach them.
The agencies say parents should never put a cot, bed, high chair or playpen near a window or patio door where a child could reach the curtain or blind cord.
Sofas, chairs and tables should be kept away from windows to prevent children climbing up to reach cords.
Under EU law, the onus is on manufacturers, importers and retailers to ensure that products placed on the market do not pose a safety risk to consumers.
