Published: Wednesday, 19th March, 2008 12:00pm

Government seeks new standards for loop cords

by Elaine Birse

Comments (0) | Print | Email

The tragic death of Muireann McLaughlin could lead to tougher restrictions on the production of looped cords.

THE UK Government has revealed plans for a new European-wide manufacturing standard for the production of blind cords.

It came as MP Gordon Banks raised the issue of looped blind cords on the floor of the House of Commons last Wednesday.

The Advertiser is leading a campaign, urging people to sign a petition to outlaw the production of looped cords in blinds and curtains after the death of Menstrie toddler Muireann McLaughlin last month.

Mr Banks urged parliamentary members to back his motion calling on the British Standards Institute to introduce a new British Standard banning the production of looped cords.

The USA, Canada and Australia have already banned those types of cords or issued safety features to prevent further tragedies.

Minister for Science and Innovation, Ian Pearson, represented the Government"s stance during Mr Banks" debate.

He told the House that amendments were being made to the European standard, equivalent to the safety requirements in the USA and Australia, due to be ratified in July.

He added that a ban on looped cords could not be put in place due to legislation which prevents a barrier in trade between European countries.

Mr Pearson said, 'The proposed amended standard not only tightens the warning requirements but sets out requirements for safety accessories or design features so that the cords are kept out of reach of children.

'Therefore, if the design of the blind requires a looped operating mechanism, the revised standard requires manufacturers to introduce means of limiting risks by incorporating them into the design of the product.'

Mr Banks has been invited to meet the Minister and his officials to assess whether these new proposals go far enough.

Speaking after the debate, the Ochil and South Perthshire MP said, 'I was grateful for the opportunity to put forward a strong case for a new British Standard for the blind industry.

'I believe discussions taking place centre around adaptation to the existing blind designs. If this is the case, I will be pushing strongly for a complete rethink as adaptations can always be removed.

'We need a complete re-design of blind mechanisms to ensure they are as safe as they can be rather than looking at add-ons which can always be removed or not even used in the first place.

'We must surely acknowledge that continued deaths from a poorly designed product cannot be allowed to continue.'