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There are requirements to ensure safety standards for blind & curtain cords are met & maintained. While they serve a functional purpose, they also present a strangulation hazard to children, who may become entangled in them while trying to use or play with window coverings.
Lessors also have a duty of care to mitigate the likelihood of injury at their property. It’s important that the property manager/owner is aware of the risks & implements strategies to minimise risks.
PLEASE NOTE: The below information is subject to change. You should always seek current & relevant information as per legislation in your state.
Please refer to ACCC Blinds, curtains and window fittings mandatory standard:
Safety Recommendations
Keep Out of Reach
Make sure children can’t reach any blind or curtain cords, especially if they stand on furniture.
Don’t let cords dangle into or near children’s equipment. This includes: cots (or portable cots), high chairs, playpens or anything else a child sits on, lies in or climbs on.
Avoid low-hanging cords
Make sure the bottom of any blind or curtain cord is at least 160cm above the floor. Wrap blind cords securely around a hook attached high on the wall.
Install safety devices
For older blinds, install a cord tensioning device, such as cord holders and wind-ups, to hold the cord tight against a wall. Alternatively, retrofit the blind or curtain cord with breakaway tassels.
Seek advice
New blinds must meet safety standards and be installed according to the installation instructions on any retail packaging for the covering.
Installation
If you have your blinds or window coverings professionally installed, the installation must meet safety standards. They must also be installed according to the instructions on any retail packaging for the covering.
The corded internal window covering must be installed in a way that ensures a loose cord cannot form a loop 220mm or longer at or less than 1,600mm above floor level.
Labelling
A person installing a corded internal window covering must also attach a label to it containing the name and contact details of the person or company responsible for the installation.
They must not remove any warning label or swing tag supplied with the corded internal window covering.
Mandatory Requirements for Rental Properties
Queensland
Lessors have an obligation in the provisions of the Residential Tenancies and Rooming Accommodation Act 2008 (RTRA Act) at the start of the tenancy and during the tenancy not to be in breach of a law dealing with issues about the health or safety of persons using or entering the premises. Section 185 of the RTRA Act contains these provisions.
For mandatory installation requirements, please refer to the following webpage:
New South Wales
For mandatory installation requirements, please refer to the following webpage:
Victoria
All residential rental properties must have secured cords on internal window coverings to prevent them forming loops.
Renters will have the right to request an urgent repair if cords are not secured. It will also become an offence for a rental provider (landlord) to allow a new renter to move into a rental property that does not meet this mandatory minimum rental standard.
For further information, please refer to the following webpage:
https://www.consumer.vic.gov.au/housing/renting/repairs-alterations-safety-and-pets/minimum-standards/minimum-standards-for-rental-properties
Western Australia
Under section 42(2)(c) of the Residential Tenancies Act 1987, the landlord (lessor) is required to ensure that all aspects of the premises comply with laws relating to buildings, health and safety.
Product safety laws for internal window coverings have applied in Western Australia since 23 January 2004, so landlords need to ensure that blind/curtain cords and chains supplied after this date meet the national product safety requirements.
If blinds/curtains were bought before January 2004, it is strongly recommended that landlords ensure blind/curtain cords or chains on their rental premises are safe for children.
South Australia
Blind & curtain cord safety should be maintained in accordance with the ACCC Blinds, curtains and window fittings mandatory standard: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/business/search-mandatory-standards/blinds-curtains-and-window-fittings-mandatory-standard
Tasmania
Blind & curtain cord safety should be maintained in accordance with the ACCC Blinds, curtains and window fittings mandatory standard: https://www.productsafety.gov.au/business/search-mandatory-standards/blinds-curtains-and-window-fittings-mandatory-standard
For further information, please refer to the following webpage:
https://www.cbos.tas.gov.au/topics/products-services/safety/around-the-home/blinds-curtain-cords
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