The standards for cord safety for the window treatment industry have changed again. Effective 12-15-2018, new warning tags and labels are needed to protect custom workrooms from liability related to cords. In reality, all cord regulations apply to all window treatments, including draperies.
RBS System
Because Helser Brothers has chosen not to manufacture corded drapery rods, we will not need to make any changes in our approach to that segment of the market. We do, however supply the Roman Blind Shade (RBS) system in both clutch operated and motorized versions. The standards have specifically addressed the custom-made shades manufactured in the workroom.
“Stock” vs Custom-Made”
In the new regs, “stock” shades are those manufactured and sold in big box retail locations. All stock shades are to be cordless, or have inaccessible cords. The products produced by the independent custom workrooms are considered “custom-made.”
Helser Brothers wants to do it right.
For our clients, the custom workroom, we are providing one or two different warning tags on each roman blind headrail we manufacture. We will include these safety tags for the convenience of our customers. The first tag is to be installed on one of the shade lift cords. You must still use our Safe-T-Shade Ring Locks or a cord shroud to bring lift cords into compliance. This tag deals with any operational cords in the shade.
The second tag deals with the bead chain for clutch systems as well as the tension device. In packaging for delivery, the bead chain and tension device are to be bound together with the tag attached.
It is our intention that our customers will used the tags we provide to deliver shades that meets all of the standards for cord safety.
There’s more that is required.
We have discussed the tag instructions here, but there are more labeling changes that are in effect as well. We highly recommend that you take the time to learn how all of the new requirements affect your business. One of our resources for this article is the Sew Much More Podcast with Workroom Tech of 12/11/2018. Please follow the link below to learn more about your responsibility for cord safety notifications.
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