Vertical Blinds – make them safe!

The cords and chains in a vertical blind cannot be cut unless you have an understanding of the make-up of the blind.

Safety Devices available for Vertical Blinds

For those of you with Cord and chain operated vertical blinds the best course of action is detailed below.

How to install

The cords and chains in a vertical blind cannot be cut unless you have an understanding of the make-up of the blind.
For those of you with Cord and chain operated vertical blinds the best course of action is detailed below.

Step 1
Remove Cord Weight

Step 2
Attach Safety Devices. One for the chain and one for the cord. Make sure your cord and chain are not twisted.

Step 3
Mark the wall with a pencil
The tension on your pull cord needs to be taught, with no slack, to prevent a child from wrapping the cord around his/her head.
The tension on your chain needs to be taut enough to prevent a child from wrapping it around his/her head, but a fraction loose to enable the chain to run smoothly through the device.

Step 4
Drill the holes for the safety devices

Step 5
Place the wall plugs into the holes you have drilled
Screw the safety devices in place
The tension on your pull cord needs to be taut, with no slack, to prevent a child from wrapping the cord around his/her head.

The tension on your chain needs to be taut enough to prevent a child from wrapping it around his/her head, but a fraction loose to enable the chain to run smoothly through the device Make sure your cords/chains are not twisted

Tension Devices Installed
Please note that the bottom chain (i.e. the chain connecting the louvers at the bottom of the blind) can pose a hazard to children. The chain could be glued in place at each louver but this may prevent the blinds from closing completely. Free-hanging, chainless vertical blinds are the alternative.