Background
The members of the Window Covering Manufacturers Association, Inc., (WCMA), recognizing that unfortunate accidents have occurred among young children using certain window covering products made or imported by members of the industry, have prepared a Standard in cooperation with the U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC). The "Standard" called the "American National Standard for Safety of Corded Window Covering Products" was developed by WCMA and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI). The objective of the Standard is to provide requirements that reduce the possibility of injury, including strangulation, to young children.
The "Standard" applies to all interior drapery hardware and
window covering products that incorporate bead chains, cords, or any type
of flexible looped device in their operation. Products covered include Cellular
Shades, Horizontal Blinds, Pleated Shades, Roll-Up Blinds, Roller Shades,
Roman Shades, Traverse Rods and Vertical Blinds.
Compliance
Although the Standard is voluntary, it is expected that all OEMs, fabricators and retailers will comply.
In order to be in compliance with the voluntary standard (American National Standard for Safety of Corded Window Covering Products) developed by WCMA and approved by the American National Standards Institute (ANSI), manufacturers, fabricators and workrooms are required to deliver finished window covering systems with the following:
The RollEase Tension Device complies with the ANSI standard.
*RollEase will ship Tension Devices without tags only when
it is the manufacturer's or fabricator's intention to provide their own
warning tag, and when RollEase receives written notice stating this intention.
Warning Tags on Control Cord and Bead
Chain
All RollEase control cords are shipped with a Warning
Tag attached. Fabricators should not remove this tag. The Warning Tag will
not interfere with installing the control cord into the clutch or with the
operation of the clutch.
If using metal or plastic bead chain, attach the Warning Tag to the bead
chain before you close the chain. Warning Tags will be shipped in units
of 100 with all plastic and metal bead chain orders.
Tension Devices
Tension Devices with Warning Tag attached and loose screws
will be shipped in bulk quantities of 100 or 1,000 with all RollEase orders.
(Tension Devices also have a warning tag which must remain attached when
shipped to a consumer)
In order to comply with the standard, manufacturers, fabricators and workrooms must attach a Tension Device to every finished window covering.
To ensure the correct installation of the Tension Device by the consumer
or the installer, the Tension Device must be properly attached to the control
cord or bead chain. (see instructions below)
Tension Device Attachment Instructions
(For Fabricators & Workrooms)
Tension Device Installation Instructions
(For Installers and Consumers)
The Tension Device reduces the hazards of
strangulation and entanglement of young children by limiting access to the
control cord. Anchor the Tension Device, that is attached to the shade's
control cord or bead chain, to the window frame or wall, so that young children
cannot pull the cord around their necks.
Note: The mounting screw must be secured into a solid surface or molly.
Tension Device Attachment Instructions
(For Consumers Updating Window Coverings installed before the ANSI standard
was implemented in 1997)
How to Attach
First - Read and understand the Tension Device instructions - once it is installed, it cannot be removed.
1.When mounted inside the window frame, the flat surface (back side) of the Tension Device attaches flat against the window casing.
When mounted outside the window frame the flat (back) surface attaches flat against the wall. Loop the control cord or bead chain around the Tension Device as shown.
2 .Position the Tension Device making sure the cord is not tangled. When mounted outside the window frame, the cord may be crossed over itself only once. Gently fold the tension device together, trapping the control cord or bead chain inside the tension device (as shown). The flat (back) side of the Tension Device should now be facing flat up against the window casing or wall. Once you are sure it is positioned properly, press together firmly to be sure the Tension Device is securely snapped together. Once it is snapped together, it cannot be opened again. If the Tension Device is ever damaged or forced opened, it must be replaced.
Consumers: Order a free cord safety kit from the
Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC).
ITEM |
FILE SIZE |
| Fabricators: How to attach Tension Device to Control Cords/Chains | 408 k |
| Installers: How to install Tension Device in a window | 364 k |
Links
American National Standards Institute (ANSI) .
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) .
Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) .
Window Covering Association of America (WCAA) .