Selecting Blinds in Australia: The Definitive Guide to Quality & Peace of Mind
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Secure & Safe: The Most Important Criteria For Blinds That Are Child-Safe In Australia
Safety is an essential factor in the quest to find the ideal home. It shouldn't be considered as an afterthought. It is imperative to ensure that windows are installed in a safe and secure manner. In Australia the truth is that loose blind cords, chains and loops pose the risk of strangulation in silence to infants and small children. The safety standards for the nation are not merely guidelines; they're a legal plan for prevention. Understanding the requirements is more than just an important part of the blinds buying process. It's the key to all the other steps. Let's take a look at what child safety is in the Australian Blinds Market, and move beyond buzzwords to practical life-saving knowledge.
The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) enforces a stringent mandatory standard for all internal corded window blinds. The standard was formulated in response to a devastating accident and aims to reduce the risk from the beginning. The rule is simple: all new blinds and curtains are required to have safety devices installed or be cordless by default. The standards don't only apply to the product itself; it also applies to the installation instructions. It is important to note that the responsibility for compliance is shared by the installer and the supplier. Knowing what to ask for and recognise your authority as a customer.
So, what does genuine compliance in the real world look like? Three distinct categories of solutions are offered, each with their own strengths.
Cordless and motorized designs are the gold standard. This is the most complete removal of risk. Cordless panel slides or roller blinds can be operated with the crank or a push and pull mechanism. Motorized roller blinds can be operated by remote control, smartphones or any other device. They provide convenience and security. They might cost more, but the peace of minds they offer is priceless. This is the future for window treatments. It is a good idea to consider this for any room that is used by children to play or sleep.
Second, Compliant Cords and Chains that have Safety Devices. The standard requires safety devices to be integrated into designs with functional cords or chains like vertical blinds or Venetian blinds. Make sure to look for tension devices at a minimum. They're usually cleats or similar devices that are permanently connected to a wall or a window frame. The cord is wound tightly around these fixtures and is secured each time the cord is adjusted. The cord should always be taut and short. Breakaway connectors or safety tassels are another important feature. It is a tiny device that is built into the cord and designed to break a dangerous loop when pressure is applied. It's a crucial failsafe. Blinds need to be installed before installation and be taught how to use by the installer.
The third and most crucial factor is the importance of professional installation. This is where many safety measures, in spite of their best intentions, fail. Incorrectly installing a conforming window blind could make it unsafe. Professional installers who are trained in standards know precisely where to put tension devices, out of reach of a climbing toddler, at least 1.6 metres above floor level. They trim the cords to a minimum length that is appropriate. They should fix the shade securely so that it can't be removed. After installation, they will instruct you how to operate the blind in a safe way and how to keep the security features. If you attempt a DIY the steps mentioned above could be missed, no matter the level of your expertise.
If you're consulting a blinds company, your dialogue must be active. Don't simply ask "Are blinds child safe?" This is a question that gets commonly used. Ask specific questions, for example: "Can I see the safety devices already fitted on this product in order to meet AS/NZS 600335.2.97?" Will your installer permanently fix any tension devices on the wall, and show their usage? If the product is equipped with an extension cord, what length can it be when properly stored? Does it have the safety tassel that snaps away? A trustworthy company will be happy to answer inquiries like these and provide with clear answers. Be very wary of suppliers who are vague, dismissive or claim that an additional cleat would suffice.
It is also important to look at your current shades. Although the mandatory standard only applies to blinds that are new, the risk persists in many homes. If you have blinds from the past with cords that are looped, immediate intervention is needed. Window Covering Council of Australia and major hardware shops offer free retrofit safety kits, which include breakaway devices, cleats and cleats. Installing them is a simple and simple weekend task. Rearrange your bedroom layout. Don't place a cot, or a high chair close to a window that has a corded blind. Entanglements can happen quickly and in a quiet manner.
The key is to be a consumer when choosing blinds that are child-safe in Australia. The mechanism you choose to use is more crucial than a fabric sample. It demands that suppliers' knowledge of standards is as important as their choice of colour. The least expensive option could come with unthinkable cost-savings. The standard that is mandatory is a strong framework but its effectiveness hinges on a well-informed choice and a proper installation.
A blinds set will ensure that you can enjoy a home free from worry. This lets you enjoy the desired style and control of light, and also knowing that you've removed any risk. It turns your windows from being a hazard into a safe backdrop to allow your family to grow. This may be the most obvious of parenting decisions: choose cordless, be compatible and never make a mistake with installation. The safety of your children is on the line. Take a look at the most popular blinds for more examples including high quality blinds, blinds australia, direct window shades, blinds place, blinds to be fitted, the perfect blinds, door blinds, call factory direct, blinds perfect fit, just blinds and more.
The Trust Metric How To Screen Your Blind Suppliers Beyond The Brochure
You are buying more than just a blind on the Australian market. You are making a commitment. It's a promise that measurements will be precise, that installation will go smoothly, that motors will run smoothly and reliably for many the years to follow, and should there be any issues that need to be addressed, they will be resolved without question. The fabric in your hands is tangible, but behind it lies service, knowledge and honesty. These are all important. This is the reason, prior to you ever discuss fabrics or give a give a quotation, your greatest investigation should focus on the reputation of your supplier. In a situation where the real price of a mistake can be a badly fitted blind, or one that does not perform, or a few weeks of frustration, the reputation of your suppliers is vital.
Online reviews are the modern beginning point, but it's is it more than a quick glance. A perfect 5.0 score with just one or two reviews can be as suspect as a low one. Look for volume and patterns across multiple platforms--Google My Business, ProductReview.com.au, and Facebook. Look beyond the glowing reviews. Look more closely at the 3 - and 4-star ratings, and most important, how the vendor responds to criticism. This is where the character is revealed. Do they react defensively and blaming others, or do they acknowledge the problem and provide a solution? It's an indication of accountability when a business publicly apologizes for a problem. Search for specific praises that fall in line with your concerns. For instance, "Their Mark, the installer, was meticulously clean and did an excellent job." Also "They handled their manufacturing delay transparently and kept me up on the latest developments." This type of feedback is much better than a hundred "Great work!" comments.
But, online reputations can be managed. In this case, the experience and weight of a company can be an extremely reliable old-fashioned assessment. You can trust a local provider who has been serving generations of homeowners, navigated several economic cycles, and has been capable of adapting to changes in safety rules. The fact that they have been in operation for more than 10 or 15 years indicates that they have solved the numerous issues that are bound to arise - wrong fabric bought from the shop, window that isn't even, motor that doesn't work and devised systems to prevent those problems. The manufacturer has likely developed strong relationships that allow them to have more leverage when it comes to warranty claims and getting better quality components. They've been around for a long time within the community and that shows that they are invested. Their business name is also tied to the work that they are doing in the community. They can’t afford to do an unprofessional job only to change their brand name the following year.
It's time for the most telling step: to assess their portfolio. A reliable seller must be willing to show you some examples of work done in the area you live in. If you are able to provide me some of the roller blinds you have put on windows that are like mine. Or "Do you have images of a motorised setup you've put in a modern open-plan living area?" This indicates that they have a proven track record. They can also request to arrange a visit to the site of a completed job or give you contact details of a former client. The experience of seeing the work in action looking at the end of the installation and speaking directly with homeowners about the process is irreplaceable due diligence. It transforms the conversation from theoretical to actual results.
A direct consultation includes a live evaluation. The process followed by a trustworthy provider is educational and not transactional. They should be asking you as many questions about your home, your daily routine, any concerns you have regarding pets or children and your plans for the future. For anything that is more than a window that is standard you should request an in-person inspection, since the floorplan of a room is a recipe for disaster. The estimate should contain everything, including the cost of supply of the equipment, installation and measurement. It should also mention any additional charges for safety devices for children or brackets that are custom-made. A vague quotation is a major red warning.
Be deeply wary of the "too-good-to-be-true" quote. Blinds are sold by numerous companies that compete solely on the price. They usually use inferior imported product without stock in the US, and subcontract installation, and provide warranties that are difficult to apply. The true cost emerges in the future: blinds that fade within a season, motors that fail just beyond the window for returns, and a contractor who makes an unfinished mess and doesn't answer the phone. A reputable provider's price reflects the amount of money that are paid to local installers and materials that are Australian-compliant in addition to the cost of keeping a physical presence.
The selection of a blinds provider in Australia is essentially a risk-management exercise. You're investing thousands or hundreds of dollars into a product that will become a part of your house. The company's reputation is their collective memory of the way they've handled this obligation with other people. It's your best gauge of the way they'll honor it for you. It is a guarantee that the business will do everything right, from measuring twice, installing with care and standing behind their work. In an age of online stores that are flimsy and gig-economy companies that offer services for just a few hours an established local business with a good reputation can offer something important: confidence. It guarantees that you'll get the same stunning blind as in the catalogue in your own home. This peace of mind should be the last and most important point on any offer.
