Ensuring Tenant Safety: A Guide for Property Managers and Landlords
As a property manager or landlord, safeguarding the well-being of your tenants is paramount. In this article, we’ll delve into the legal requirements and safety standards surrounding blind cords, offering insights into effective safety procedures to minimize risks and ensure a secure environment for everyone.
Understanding Corded Blinds Legislation: Protecting Your Tenants
The Australian government introduced the Competition and Consumer (Corded Internal Window Coverings) Safety Standard 2014 to address the potential strangulation hazards posed by corded window coverings like blinds and curtains, particularly in rental properties. These regulations primarily focus on the installation of new blinds and curtains to enhance child safety.
Investment Properties Requirements
- Corded internal window coverings must be installed to prevent loose cords from forming loops longer than 220 mm at a height below 1600 mm from the floor level.
- Property owners can ensure compliance by retroactively installing cleats or cord guides to older blinds and curtains. Cleats should be positioned at least 1600 mm above the floor, while cord guides must withstand a tension force of 70 N for 10 seconds.
- It’s imperative to retain warning labels and swing tags supplied with corded window coverings in rental properties to provide essential safety information for tenants.
While the legislation primarily focuses on new installations, our Corded Blinds Safety Service is designed to ensure all blinds and curtains in your property meet federal safety standards, regardless of their age. Opting for this service demonstrates your commitment to tenant safety.
Safety labels and swing tags on window coverings play a crucial role in maintaining a safe living environment by providing installation instructions, hazard warnings, and manufacturer contact details. Removing these labels could jeopardize tenant safety and lead to legal issues.
In addition to our smoke alarm, gas, and electrical compliance services, Smoke Alarm Solutions offers an optional Corded Blinds Safety Service to enhance safety in rental properties. Our team conducts thorough inspections and installs devices to secure cords, ensuring peace of mind for both tenants and property managers.
Conclusion
While corded window covering legislation primarily focuses on new installations, prioritizing safety in rental properties is essential. If you have any questions or concerns regarding corded window coverings or other safety-related matters, feel free to reach out to us. We’re dedicated to helping you create safe and desirable living spaces for your tenants.
