Window Blinds_small

SAFETY TESTING FOR
WINDOW BLINDS

Development of the test method to assess the level of
safety of internal blinds, corded window coverings
and safety devices.

www.bureauveritas.co.uk/cps

Why is there a need to test window blinds?

The threat to small children posed by hazardous loops on window coverings and blinds has
drawn increasing recognition. In the UK alone this peril has claimed the lives of at least 18
children since 1999, and the importance of product safety could now not be more evident.
Costly product recalls and increased media coverage has elevated the public awareness for
tougher safety measures on window blinds, in particular window coverings with a corded
mechanism.

Safety requirements to achieve product compliance

The European Commission issued a decision to address these issues, imposing more stringent
safety requirements to achieve product compliance on the testing of window blinds. Companies
now face the difficult task of addressing safety concerns for existing products and modifying new
designs to adhere to the requirements.
Bureau Veritas Consumer Products Services has taken a leading role in responding to these
requirements. We have developed new test methods to help our clients comply and our
consultants are providing support for the CEN committee responsible for the development of the
new standards.

Did you know?

Chris Hart, Hardlines Manager at BVCPS UK, was involved in the development of the test method
for window blinds and corded window coverings: +A1:2014, which is part of the required test
method for testing of window blinds, corded window coverings and safety devices.

BUREAU VERITAS CONSUMER PRODUCTS SERVICES UK
31 Kingsland Grange, Woolston, Warrington, WA1 4RW, Cheshire, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1925 854 360 Fax: +44 (0)1925 851 654
Email: [email protected] www.bureauveritas.co.uk/cps

Who is at risk?

Statistics show that children between the ages of 12 to 36-months are most at risk; they are old
enough to climb on furniture and access loose cords, but too young to assess the real danger of
their actions.
The majority of accidents have occurred at home where children feel comfortable in their own
environment. Parents and carers are not always able to identify the hazards posed by the cords
used in window blinds and coverings.

Our test methods include

 Hazardous loop and mechanical assessment
 Functional evaluation of safety devices and retro-fit assessment
 Testing of window blinds to safety sections of BS EN 13120 (clauses 8 & 15)
 Review of warning labels
 Performance & quality assessment
 Life cycle assessment and ecodesign services

Our extended services include

 Product Inspection of window covering products during manufacture
 Social audits and factory assessments for quality, security and process control
 Technical consultancy
 Seminar and training sessions

Global capabilities for hardlines testing

Window blinds are just one of the services we offer as part of our hardlines programme. We offer full
testing packages for a wide range of products, with dedicated hardline and mechanical laboratories
located in the major sourcing regions around the world.

Bureau Veritas CPS provides a wide range of innovative solutions for companies looking to protect their
brand, manage risk and save cost. We help our clients improve their regulatory compliance, the quality
of their products and the efficiency of their supply chain.

Bureau Veritas CPS hardlines testing capable laboratories

China Japan Singapore United Kingdom
France Korea Taiwan United States
Germany Malaysia Thailand Vietnam
Indonesia Mexico Turkey

If you would like to hear more about our window blind testing or to enquire about
any of our other services, you can contact one of our experienced team on:

BUREAU VERITAS CONSUMER PRODUCTS SERVICES UK
31 Kingsland Grange, Woolston, Warrington, WA1 4RW, Cheshire, UK
Tel: +44 (0)1925 854 360 Fax: +44 (0)1925 851 654
Email: [email protected] www.bureauveritas.co.uk/cps