RECALLED BLINDS POSE RISK OF CHILD STRANGULATION
Published Monday, 13 August, 2007 at 03:33 PM
Minister for Tourism, Fair Trading, Wine Industry Development and Women
The Honourable Margaret Keech
The Office of Fair Trading has directed Ikea to recall a line of bamboo roll-up blinds because they pose a strangulation risk for children.
Minister for Fair Trading, Margaret Keech, said there is a danger the looped cord that lowers and raises the blind is a strangulation risk and fails the mandatory safety standard for window covering cords.
The product ‘BAMBU roll-up blind’ is 160 cm long and comes in 5 widths: 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 cm.
“The safety of blind cords is a hidden hazard in the home and the risk of dangling looped cords is often not well understood by consumers,” Mrs Keech said.
“Ikea has cooperated in conducting the recall and removing the blinds from sale as soon as they were alerted to the hazard.
“Customers in Queensland have been asked to return the Bambu roll-up blinds to Ikea’s exchange and return department for a full refund.
“Since 1991 blind cords have been implicated in 11 child deaths in Australia, two of these occurring in Queensland in 1998.
“This is why blinds must meet strict safety requirements before being supplied.
“I encourage all Queenslanders to check for strangulation hazards on all blinds and curtains in the home, and then take steps to remove these risks.”
“Follow these simple points to prevent injuries from blind cords:
• do not tie cords together as it creates a loop where children can become entangled;
• do not put beds, cots, playpens and other furniture near blind and curtain cords;
• cut cords short, they should be 1.6 metres above the ground;
• consider replacing cords with a curtain or blind wand;
• consider buying a device to wrap long cords around or tie down cords to a hook or a cleat at least 1.6.m from the ground;
• If you buy packaged blinds make sure you read all the safety information; and
• Always install included safety devices. It is critical the safety features are installed when the blind is first put up.
More information can be obtained by visiting Ikea’s website on www.ikea.com/au/en/preindex.html or by phone 3380 6800.
For information about consumer rights and responsibilities, visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or phone 13 13 04.
For all recalls, consumers can visit www.recalls.gov.au.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3225 1005
Minister for Fair Trading, Margaret Keech, said there is a danger the looped cord that lowers and raises the blind is a strangulation risk and fails the mandatory safety standard for window covering cords.
The product ‘BAMBU roll-up blind’ is 160 cm long and comes in 5 widths: 60, 80, 100, 120 and 140 cm.
“The safety of blind cords is a hidden hazard in the home and the risk of dangling looped cords is often not well understood by consumers,” Mrs Keech said.
“Ikea has cooperated in conducting the recall and removing the blinds from sale as soon as they were alerted to the hazard.
“Customers in Queensland have been asked to return the Bambu roll-up blinds to Ikea’s exchange and return department for a full refund.
“Since 1991 blind cords have been implicated in 11 child deaths in Australia, two of these occurring in Queensland in 1998.
“This is why blinds must meet strict safety requirements before being supplied.
“I encourage all Queenslanders to check for strangulation hazards on all blinds and curtains in the home, and then take steps to remove these risks.”
“Follow these simple points to prevent injuries from blind cords:
• do not tie cords together as it creates a loop where children can become entangled;
• do not put beds, cots, playpens and other furniture near blind and curtain cords;
• cut cords short, they should be 1.6 metres above the ground;
• consider replacing cords with a curtain or blind wand;
• consider buying a device to wrap long cords around or tie down cords to a hook or a cleat at least 1.6.m from the ground;
• If you buy packaged blinds make sure you read all the safety information; and
• Always install included safety devices. It is critical the safety features are installed when the blind is first put up.
More information can be obtained by visiting Ikea’s website on www.ikea.com/au/en/preindex.html or by phone 3380 6800.
For information about consumer rights and responsibilities, visit www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or phone 13 13 04.
For all recalls, consumers can visit www.recalls.gov.au.
Media contact: Peter McCarthy 3225 1005