Child safety has become the top priority in window treatment design, with new regulations fundamentally changing how shutters and blinds are manufactured and installed. At Delta Shutters & Blinds, with over 20 years of experience in the industry, we've witnessed this evolution and are committed to providing safe, beautiful window treatments that protect the youngest members of Canadian families.

Current Safety Regulations

As of June 1, 2024, stringent new safety standards took effect across North America. The Consumer Product Safety Commission (CPSC) and Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) now require most window coverings sold in the United States and Canada to be cordless or have inaccessible cords. This regulation applies to both stock and custom products, representing the strongest safety standard in the world.

Canadian regulations, implemented under Health Canada's Consumer Product Safety Act, have been even more restrictive since 2021. Any accessible cord must be shorter than 22 cm (8.66 inches) to prevent strangulation hazards, and loops cannot exceed 44 cm (17.32 inches) in circumference.

Delta Shutters' Cordless Solutions

Our custom-made original vinyl designer shutters are inherently safer than many traditional window treatments because they operate through manual louver adjustment rather than cord systems. The solid construction and direct-operation design eliminate many of the cord-related safety concerns associated with other window treatment types.

For our comprehensive range of products that traditionally used cords, we've integrated advanced cordless technologies:

Cordless Roller Shades: Our roller shades now feature spring-loaded mechanisms that allow smooth operation without any dangling cords. These systems are particularly effective for the standard residential windows common in Canadian homes.

Cordless Honeycomb Shades: These energy-efficient options combine superior insulation properties with completely cord-free operation, making them ideal for nurseries and children's rooms.

Motorized Options: For hard-to-reach windows or applications where manual operation isn't practical, our motorized systems eliminate all cord safety concerns while adding convenience.

Understanding the Risks

Statistics from safety organizations indicate that approximately 9 children annually suffer injuries from free-hanging cords on window treatments. Even a cord loop as short as 9 inches can pose a strangulation risk to small children and pets. This data has driven the industry toward elimination of these hazards entirely.

The risks extend beyond obvious dangling cords. Continuous loop cords, bead chains, and cord connectors all present potential hazards that the new regulations specifically address.

Safety Features in Our Products

Beyond cordless operation, our window treatments incorporate multiple safety features:

Breakaway Components: Where cords are still present in specialized applications, breakaway mechanisms ensure that excessive force will cause the cord to separate rather than create a strangulation hazard.

Rigid Cord Shrouds: In situations where cords cannot be eliminated entirely, rigid shrouds prevent access while maintaining functionality.

Proper Installation: Our professional installation ensures that all treatments are mounted correctly with appropriate clearances from cribs, beds, and furniture.

Special Considerations for Canadian Families

Canadian homes often feature unique window configurations, including bay windows, specialty shapes, and varying ceiling heights. Our made-to-measure solutions ensure that safety features don't compromise the custom fit that these architectural elements require.

Climate considerations also affect safety choices. Our components and extrusions meet the highest engineering specifications to ensure that safety mechanisms continue to function properly despite Canadian temperature extremes and humidity variations.

Transitioning Existing Treatments

For families with existing corded window treatments, safety upgrades are available. While replacement with new cordless options provides the highest level of safety, retrofit solutions can improve safety for treatments that aren't immediately being replaced:

• Cord cleats mounted high on walls to secure loose cords
• Breakaway cord stops that separate under pressure
• Cord tension devices that prevent hazardous loops from forming

Beyond Basic Safety

Modern child-safe window treatments offer benefits beyond safety compliance. Cordless operation is often easier for adults to use, provides cleaner aesthetic lines, and eliminates mechanical components that can wear over time.

Our fully integrated approach ensures that safety features are seamlessly incorporated into the overall design rather than appearing as aftermarket additions.

Professional Guidance

Selecting appropriate child-safe window treatments requires understanding both current safety standards and individual family needs. Our experience serving families across Canada has shown us that the safest approach combines proper product selection with professional installation and family education about safe operation.

Investment in Safety

While safety-compliant window treatments may represent a higher initial investment than basic options, the protection they provide is invaluable. Our commitment to delivering shutters and blinds with innovation and advanced technology ensures that safety features enhance rather than compromise performance and aesthetic appeal.

The evolution toward child-safe window treatments reflects the industry's commitment to protecting what matters most. At Delta Shutters & Blinds, our expertise in custom solutions means that Canadian families don't have to choose between safety, style, and functionality—our products deliver all three.