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Consumer product recall

ALERT: Window Covering Safety Council announces recall of Corded Bottom-Up Top-Down (BUTD) style Corded Window Blinds and Shades

Starting date:
November 22, 2013
Posting date:
November 22, 2013
Type of communication:
Consumer Product Recall
Subcategory:
Household Items
Source of recall:
Health Canada
Issue:
Product Safety
Audience:
General Public
Identification number:
RA-36899

Affected products

Corded Bottom-Up Top-Down (BUTD) style Window Blinds and Shades with cord joiners

Product description

This recall involves certain corded bottom up top-down (BUTD) window blinds and shades sold in Canada. Bottom up top-down blinds allow for control of both the top and bottom of the  blind. These products are available by custom order and at retail.

The following Brands may be affected by this recall:

  • Bali,
  • Blinds to Go,
  • Blinds-galore,
  • Graber,
  • Levolor-Kirsch,
  • Phase II,
  • Shade-o-matic,
  • Signature Series.

This recall does not involve “cordless” versions” of bottom-up top-down style window blinds and shades. All other corded BUTD brands listed above are potentially affected by this recall.

Hazard identified

Health Canada has determined that the recalled blinds do not meet the 2009 Corded Window Coverings Regulations and pose a strangulation hazard. The various designs of the products do not properly address the hazards of exposed operating cords, which can create loops. Young children may pull looped cords around their neck causing a strangulation and entanglement hazard.

Health Canada is aware of one fatality in Canada (which occurred in 2011) and one fatality in US (which occurred in 2008) from incidents involving these products. Both of the children were under three years of age.

Children can become entangled in blind cords, which can quickly lead to strangulation and even death.  Health Canada recommends cordless window coverings. For more information on the hazard, see Curtain Cord Choking Hazards.

Number sold

An unknown amount of the recalled products were sold in Canada.

Time period sold

Recalled products were sold up until November 2013 in Canada.

Corded window covering products sold before 2009 were sold when the Regulation was not in place.

Place of origin

Various

Companies

Distributor
Blinds galore
Distributor
Blinds to Go
Distributor
Levolor-Kirsch
Distributor
Phase II
Distributor
Shade-O-Matic
Distributor
Signature Series
Distributor
Springs Window Fashions
Distributor
Budget Blinds
Orange
California
UNITED STATES

Images (select thumbnail to enlarge - opens in a new window)


What you should do

Consumers who have a corded BUTD window blind or shade as described above should contact the WCSC immediately to order a free retrofit kit by visiting the WCSC website or by calling 1-800-506-4636. The retrofit kit converts the joined cord device for the intermediate rail operating cord to separate cords and includes cord cleats to help keep cords out of reach of young children.

Please note that the Canada Consumer Product Safety Act prohibits recalled products from being redistributed, sold or even given away in Canada.

Health Canada would like to remind Canadians to report any health or safety incidents related to the use of this product or any other consumer product or cosmetic by filling out the Consumer Product Incident Report Form.