Window Treatments by Grace - Ensuring Child Safety with New Window Covering Standards

NEW Safety Standards Are Here: What You Need to Know

August 12, 20242 min read

NEW Safety Standards Are Here: What You Need to Know

The window covering industry is set to introduce new safety standards aimed at enhancing child safety. At Window Treatments by Grace, we believe in keeping you informed and prepared. Starting June 1, 2024, the updated ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022 standards will take effect, aiming to further reduce the risk of accidents involving window coverings.

Key Changes to Expect

The updated standards introduce several important changes:

  • No More Long Cords: Free-hanging cords longer than 8 inches (or a 16-inch loop) will be banned to reduce the risk of strangulation.

  • Elimination of Certain Operating Systems: Cord lock and tilt cord operating systems, as well as continuous loop systems for horizontal slatted products, will no longer be allowed.

  • Stricter Requirements for Tension Devices: Enhanced criteria for tension devices in cord or chain-operated systems to ensure safety.

  • Limits on Retractable Cords: Retractable cords will have a 36-inch stroke limit to ensure they remain safe.

  • Improved Labels: Labels will now provide clearer and more comprehensive safety information.

  • Battery Safety for Remote Controls: Standards now align with ANSI/UL 4200A to improve remote control battery safety.

How to Prepare

To comply with these new standards, manufacturers, fabricators, and assemblers need to take several steps:

  1. Evaluate Products: Review and update existing product lines to ensure compliance.

  2. Update Processes: Modify manufacturing processes to eliminate non-compliant components.

  3. Train Staff: Educate employees on the new standards and the importance of compliance.

  4. Inform Consumers: Provide customers with information about the changes and how they enhance safety.

Solutions for Child Safety

Leading manufacturers have already developed products that meet these new safety standards. Examples include:

  • Safe Tension Devices: Devices like the Chainhold Tension Device from Rollease Acmeda that meet the new standards.

  • Cordless Systems: Systems such as Easy Spring Air and Ultra Systems that eliminate the need for cords.

  • Motorization Options: Solutions like Automate Basics that offer motorized operation, removing the need for chains or cords.

Tips for Maintaining a Safe Environment

Consumers play a vital role in maintaining safety at home. Here are some tips:

  • Install Properly: Follow manufacturer instructions and ensure tension devices are securely installed.

  • Regular Inspections: Check window coverings regularly for signs of wear or damage.

  • Educate Your Family: Make sure everyone in your home understands the safety features and how to use window coverings properly.

At Window Treatments by Grace, we are dedicated to helping you navigate these changes. By adhering to the new ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022 standards and using the latest child-safe products, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safer environment for children.

For more detailed information and to explore compliant products, visit RolleaseAcmeda.com/us/child-safety.

Window Treatmentswindow coveringschild safetyANSI/WCMA
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Window Treatments by Grace - Ensuring Child Safety with New Window Covering Standards

NEW Safety Standards Are Here: What You Need to Know

August 12, 20242 min read

NEW Safety Standards Are Here: What You Need to Know

The window covering industry is set to introduce new safety standards aimed at enhancing child safety. At Window Treatments by Grace, we believe in keeping you informed and prepared. Starting June 1, 2024, the updated ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022 standards will take effect, aiming to further reduce the risk of accidents involving window coverings.

Key Changes to Expect

The updated standards introduce several important changes:

  • No More Long Cords: Free-hanging cords longer than 8 inches (or a 16-inch loop) will be banned to reduce the risk of strangulation.

  • Elimination of Certain Operating Systems: Cord lock and tilt cord operating systems, as well as continuous loop systems for horizontal slatted products, will no longer be allowed.

  • Stricter Requirements for Tension Devices: Enhanced criteria for tension devices in cord or chain-operated systems to ensure safety.

  • Limits on Retractable Cords: Retractable cords will have a 36-inch stroke limit to ensure they remain safe.

  • Improved Labels: Labels will now provide clearer and more comprehensive safety information.

  • Battery Safety for Remote Controls: Standards now align with ANSI/UL 4200A to improve remote control battery safety.

How to Prepare

To comply with these new standards, manufacturers, fabricators, and assemblers need to take several steps:

  1. Evaluate Products: Review and update existing product lines to ensure compliance.

  2. Update Processes: Modify manufacturing processes to eliminate non-compliant components.

  3. Train Staff: Educate employees on the new standards and the importance of compliance.

  4. Inform Consumers: Provide customers with information about the changes and how they enhance safety.

Solutions for Child Safety

Leading manufacturers have already developed products that meet these new safety standards. Examples include:

  • Safe Tension Devices: Devices like the Chainhold Tension Device from Rollease Acmeda that meet the new standards.

  • Cordless Systems: Systems such as Easy Spring Air and Ultra Systems that eliminate the need for cords.

  • Motorization Options: Solutions like Automate Basics that offer motorized operation, removing the need for chains or cords.

Tips for Maintaining a Safe Environment

Consumers play a vital role in maintaining safety at home. Here are some tips:

  • Install Properly: Follow manufacturer instructions and ensure tension devices are securely installed.

  • Regular Inspections: Check window coverings regularly for signs of wear or damage.

  • Educate Your Family: Make sure everyone in your home understands the safety features and how to use window coverings properly.

At Window Treatments by Grace, we are dedicated to helping you navigate these changes. By adhering to the new ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022 standards and using the latest child-safe products, we can significantly reduce the risk of accidents and ensure a safer environment for children.

For more detailed information and to explore compliant products, visit RolleaseAcmeda.com/us/child-safety.

Window Treatmentswindow coveringschild safetyANSI/WCMA
Back to Blog