Child Safety Law – Since 2014

The law changed in 2014 regarding blind cords and child safety. As a blinds supplier and installer, we must follow these regulations.

• All blinds must be supplied in a child-safe format
• Venetian blinds with lift cords must include a break-apart consolidator
• A wall cleat must be fitted 1.5 metres above floor level
• Both safety devices must be used together

When installed and used correctly, your blind is considered safe to have around young children.

What Is a Cord Consolidator?

On wooden, faux wood and aluminium Venetian blinds, the lift cords must be placed inside a safety device called a consolidator.

• It holds all lift cords together safely
• It is designed to break apart under pressure
• If someone becomes caught, it separates to reduce risk
• The cords inside remain separate to prevent injury

This is a legal safety feature and must remain fitted to the blind.

If the Consolidator Comes Apart

Sometimes the consolidator may come apart. This can happen if it gets caught on something or if someone plays with it.

Please don’t panic. Your Blind is not broken!

It is designed to clip back together easily.

How to Clip the Consolidator Back Together

Follow these simple steps:

1. Hold the two halves of the consolidator.
2. Check how many lift cords you have.
3. Each cord will have a small knot tied in it.
4. Place each knot underneath the small internal shelf inside the consolidator.
5. Make sure all cords are sitting neatly inside.
6. No cord should be sticking out of the side.
7. Press the two halves together firmly.
8. Listen for a reassuring “click”.

If you do not hear the click, check that no cord is trapped in the edge and try again.

Different Number of Cords

The number of cords depends on the width of your blind.

• Narrow blinds usually have two lift cords
• One cord may be fixed into the consolidator
• The other cord will sit alongside it
• Wider blinds may have three, four or more lift cords
• All cords must sit neatly inside before clipping shut

Take your time and make sure each knot is placed properly underneath the internal shelf before closing.

The Wall Cleat

In addition to the consolidator, a clear nylon cleat must be fitted to the wall.

• Fitted at least 1.5 metres above the floor
• Used to wrap excess cord securely
• Prevents loose hanging cords
• Must always be used alongside the consolidator

Using both the consolidator and the wall cleat together keeps the blind compliant with child safety regulations.

Child Safety – At a Glance

• Child safety regulations introduced in 2014
• All Venetian blinds must include a break-apart consolidator
• Consolidator designed to separate under pressure
• Easily clips back together if it comes apart
• All lift cords must sit neatly inside before closing
• Clear nylon wall cleat fitted 1.5m above floor level
• Both devices must be used together for compliance