Choking risk: ACCC issues warning for blinds that may be dangerous to children
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Following child safety concerns, an urgent warning has been issued for customers who have a certain type of blind installed.
Customers who have previously purchased and installed roller blinds with cords or bead chains from Visionary Blinds are being urged to get in touch with the manufacturer as soon as possible.
If the blinds aren't put up correctly, they could be very dangerous for young children. Credit: ACCC.
The warning was issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) after they discovered that the blinds did not adhere to the necessary safety standard for the installation of corded indoor window coverings.
The cord or bead chains of the blinds might pose a strangulation risk to young toddlers whose heads could become trapped in the chains if they are installed improperly.
The warning given by the ACCC is only applicable to blinds that were installed between the 1st of January and the 30th of June of this year.
Customers who have been affected by this issue are encouraged to get in touch with Visionary Blinds so that they can make arrangements to have the potential safety risk addressed.
This means that they will need copies of the correct warning and installation labels sent to them so they can put them on the blinds, or in some cases, the labels will need to be put back on by a technician.
Visionary Blinds may be reached by phone at 0435 947 106 or by email at [email protected] for more information.
Visionary Blinds has been contacted for comment; however, there have been no formal statements made public as of yet.
Keep small objects out of reach of children to reduce the risk of choking. Credit: Beaumont Health.
Speaking of choking risks for children, in one of our previous articles, we also spoke about a few more potentially dangerous items that should be kept away from children, such as whole nuts and small batteries.
According to Ms Jurcutz, a mum who used to be a paramedic, when toddlers are properly supervised by an adult, whether at home or in public, the majority of accidents involving them can be avoided.
If you have young children living with you at home or visiting, here are some more tips that can help you protect them from choking and other similar accidents:
Customers who have previously purchased and installed roller blinds with cords or bead chains from Visionary Blinds are being urged to get in touch with the manufacturer as soon as possible.
If the blinds aren't put up correctly, they could be very dangerous for young children. Credit: ACCC.
The warning was issued by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) after they discovered that the blinds did not adhere to the necessary safety standard for the installation of corded indoor window coverings.
The cord or bead chains of the blinds might pose a strangulation risk to young toddlers whose heads could become trapped in the chains if they are installed improperly.
The warning given by the ACCC is only applicable to blinds that were installed between the 1st of January and the 30th of June of this year.
Customers who have been affected by this issue are encouraged to get in touch with Visionary Blinds so that they can make arrangements to have the potential safety risk addressed.
This means that they will need copies of the correct warning and installation labels sent to them so they can put them on the blinds, or in some cases, the labels will need to be put back on by a technician.
Visionary Blinds may be reached by phone at 0435 947 106 or by email at [email protected] for more information.
Visionary Blinds has been contacted for comment; however, there have been no formal statements made public as of yet.
Keep small objects out of reach of children to reduce the risk of choking. Credit: Beaumont Health.
Speaking of choking risks for children, in one of our previous articles, we also spoke about a few more potentially dangerous items that should be kept away from children, such as whole nuts and small batteries.
According to Ms Jurcutz, a mum who used to be a paramedic, when toddlers are properly supervised by an adult, whether at home or in public, the majority of accidents involving them can be avoided.
If you have young children living with you at home or visiting, here are some more tips that can help you protect them from choking and other similar accidents:
- Small toys and items should be kept out of reach. Curiosity drives children to put strange items in their mouths, so if you can get down to toddler height, try to look around for little objects on the floor that the little ones may pick up.
- Always pay attention to the toy's age rating. Use toys that are solid and won't break, and stay away from those with small parts or surfaces that are easy to break. You should also check the toys for loose screws and buttons and stuffing that is sticking out.
- Toys for young toddlers and older siblings should be kept in different boxes. Encourage older siblings to keep their toys out of reach of younger ones. This could include things like Legos, doll outfits, beads, and pieces for cars, among other things.
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