*To NACHI:
*Dear Lisa,
I work for Consumer Product Safety (CPS) of Health Canada, and I am
contacting the you to discuss an initiative to disseminate safety
information to Canadian Home Inspectors, such that they may educate home
buyers. Below, I outline what CPS is, the issue of concern, and a
suggestion for your consideration and comment.
CPS administers and enforces the Hazardous Products Act, which specifies
restrictions and prohibitions on a range of consumer products. Children
are especially vulnerable, and therefore many of our endeavours are to
protect the health and safety of this section of the population. CPS also
monitors and takes action on non-regulated products of concern, such as
corded window coverings.
Corded window coverings, such as mini-blinds, pose a potential
strangulation hazard to children. Since 1986, Health Canada has received
reports of 24 strangulation deaths linked to corded window covering
products, with 7 deaths having occurred in the last 5 years. Additionally,
since 1986, 21 injuries and near-miss incidents linked to these products
have also been brought to the attention of the Department. Young children
who range in age from 10 months to 4 years old are most often involved in
window covering cord incidents. The majority of events occur when young
children have been placed in a crib or bed that has been positioned near a
window, and the child becomes entangled in the window covering cord. By
the time a caregiver checks on the child, it is often too late to prevent
injury or death. The second most common incident scenario involves young
children climbing on furniture that has been placed near a window, and
subsequently the child becomes entangled in the window covering cords. The
weight of the child causes the cord to act as a noose - resulting in
strangulation.
Window coverings are often included in the sale of a property, because
these products are often specifically formatted for specific window sizes.
We recognize that Home Inspectors are in a position to advise home buyers
of this potential hazard when selling homes that are fitted with corded
window coverings. The same can be said for homes sold without window
coverings, as these products are popular additions to a new home once
purchased.
CPS has designed education and information materials to educate parents,
caregivers, child safety organizations, and public health organizations.
Our message is that all cords on window coverings be kept out of reach of
children, and we have published posters, pamphlets, window cling reminders,
and a safety demonstration video to enforce this message, and demonstrate
how this can be accomplished. These tools can easily be ordered free of
charge from the Health Canada website or by phone. These tools can assist
Home Inspectors in educating home buyers of the potential hazards. For
example, the pamphlet could be included in the binder that the Home
Inspector provides to the buyer. The pamphlet describes how to keep the
cords out of reach and includes the web address and phone number where more
information can be obtained. Home Inspectors could order - free of charge
- copies of this brochure at their convenience.
Perhaps there is a newsletter or other means of communication with the
members of NACHI, through which this information can be made available to
them.
All of the educational material can be found on the Health Canada website
at:
http://hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/house-domes/decor/blinds-toles/blinds-toles_e.html](http://hc-sc.gc.ca/cps-spc/house-domes/decor/blinds-toles/blinds-toles_e.html)
Please find my co-ordinates below, and I look forward to hearing from you
to discuss this further.
Sincerely,
Shannon Whittle
Project Officer / Agent de projets
Mechanical & Electrical Hazards Division / Division de la mécanique et de
l’électrique
Consumer Product Safety Bureau / Bureau de la sécurité des produits de
consommation
Health Canada / Santé Canada
t: 613-952-6260 f: 613-952-9138