The Office of Fair Trading is reminding Queenslanders about the dangers of blind and curtain cords after the tragic deaths of two New South Wales toddlers in the last fortnight.
Fair Trading Executive Director Brian Bauer stressed the importance of parents and caregivers identifying blind and curtain cord hazards around the home.
"The dangers posed by blind and curtain cords are not always in the forefront of a parent or caregiver´s mind," Mr Bauer said.
"Close supervision is critical as it can only take a moment for a child to become entangled in a blind or curtain cord and strangle.
"At least 12 Australian children have died since 2000 after being caught in blind or curtain cords.
"A mandatory standard for blind and curtain cords came into effect in 2010. It requires manufacturers to include a warning label about cords on the packaging and attached to the cord itself.
"These laws don´t apply to blinds and curtain cords supplied before 2010, so we are asking parents and caregivers to check their cords and either cut them or hook them up out of harm´s way.
"Window covering cords should hang no lower than 160 centimetres from the ground, and should be tied up against a wall using hooks or cleats.
"Importantly, cots should not be located under a window where children can reach the blind or curtain cords."
The Office of Fair Trading offers free safety toggles to parents and caregivers to use in private domestic dwellings.
These devices enable any looped cords to break apart when pressure is applied, which can reduce the strangulation threat to young children.
Safety toggles can be ordered from www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au, by calling 13 QGOV (13 74 68) or emailing safety@justice.qld.gov.au.
To help make your home safe, follow the seven safety steps for blind and curtain cord safety which can be ordered or downloaded by visiting www.fairtrading.qld.gov.au or by calling 13QGOV (13 74 68).
Contact details
Media contact: 07 3247 5968 or 07 3247 5965
All other enquires: 13 QGOV (13 74 68)