Child safety regulations introduced in 2014
New child safety regulations are being introduced in 2014 and we are informing you of the legal requirements and implications they will have on your order of blinds with looped cords and chains that may pose a strangulation hazard where children up to 42 months are likely to have access or be present.
If you do not know where the blinds are going the law states that you have to assume that they are to be used where children under 42 months are likely to have access and are present. Therefore all homes require compliant products. For commercial applications please click here for further information.
The CEN (European Committee for Standardization) official standard states:
“Complete elimination of the strangulation risk can only be achieved by keeping cords, chains, and tapes and similar out of the reach of children. Use of additional safety devices may reduce the risk of strangulation but cannot be considered foolproof. Motorization eliminates the risk associated with looped and pull-cord operating mechanisms but the risk relating to inner tapes and cords (for relevant products) remains. Persons in charge of children are ultimately responsible for following the safety instructions provided by the manufacturer.”
The main effect of these regulations will be the calculation of the length of the cords and chains used to control the blinds where it is likely a young child will come into contact with them. The important requirement is, therefore, in calculating the cord and chain length. This will require the fitting height (i.e. the fixing height of the blind to the floor measurement.) We intend to provide products that are compliant with safety requirements as recommended by the BBSA.
The following summary table explains how we will calculate the control drops on the various types of blinds used on our products.
Every blind that needs to meet the safety codes. will have the following notices attached to the blind, safety devices and packaging.
Urban Designs fully supports the “Make it Safe” campaign.
Blind Operation
All Blinds have a side chain operation called the Sidewinder which can be fitted to the left or right. The chains are available in 3 colours: 
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How to Measure for your Blinds
Please note: You should always use a metal tape measure
RECESS
Give us the tight measurement and we will make the allowances
Width = A – B
Measure at the top along the line where the Blind will be fitted.
Drop = C – D
OUTSIDE RECESS
Width = E – F
Overlap the recess by approximately 25mm to 50mm either side to suite your requirements.
Drop = G – H
Measure 75mm approximately above the window to the point where you want the Blind to finish.
For other measurements IE: Doors, shaped or sloping windows, please contact us.
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Roll Type
Fabrics can run off the front or the back of the roller:
Standard Roll:
comes of the back.
Reverse Roll:
comes off the front.
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Fixing instructions for standard and Day & Night Roller Blinds
Installing Standard Single Brackets for Roller Blinds
The brackets provided come in pairs. They are identical and positioned left or right. The fixing positions are universal and designed for back or face fix, top or celling fix and side or end fix.
Before positioning the brackets consider clearance for window handles and other obstructions.
Select the fixing option and position the first screw as shown. This may vary according to how bulky the fabric is on the roller, in which case you will need to make a visual assessment and position the bracket accordingly. This applies mainly to blinds laminated from customer’s own material.
With the brackets fitted, the roller blind can be installed ready for use. When handling the blind make sure that the fabric is tight on the roller to prevent creasing and handle it carefully with clean, dry hands to avoid marking the fabric.
It is also a good idea to check the position of the chain connector as this may have moved in transit. It should be about 10″ (250mm) down from the clutch. To reposition rotate the chain around the clutch.
The blind has a plunging pin end [A] and a chain-operated clutch end [B].
To operate, pull gently on the chain in one direction raises the blind and pulling it in the other direction lowers it. It will remain in position automatically. On blinds where the fabric rolls against the window (Standard Roll) the front chain raises. On blinds where the fabric rolls towards the room (Reverse Roll) the rear chain does the raising.
Installing Double Brackets for Day & Night Blinds
The double brackets are supplied with the Duo blinds and Day/Night blinds.
They are fitted following the same procedure as for standard single brackets.
Cleaning Recommendations:
Vacuum cleaning / or gentle wiping with a sponge and a soft detergent.
Do not soak, Do not use any solvents and Do not rub.
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Please note:
We will only supply blinds which conform to the child safety requirements of ESN13120 (Safety Codes.) The safety codes do not apply to blinds which are to be installed in commercial buildings where it is unlikely that a young child will come into contact with them. Should any order you place with us be for such blinds and as a result you require that they vary in any material aspects or particular respect from blinds which comply with the safety codes then:
1) You must stipulate clearly that this is the case at the time of order and also make it clear your particular requirements for the blinds as a result; and
2) You must confirm that the blinds are to be installed in a commercial building as far as you can reasonably ascertain having carried out your own risk assessment and that such a child is unlikely to be exposed to the blinds once installed; and
3) The assessment as to whether a child is likely to come in contact with blinds is solely for your determination. We will not accept any responsibility or liability for the same whatsoever.
If you should fail to provide the confirmation and details required pursuant to 1 and 2 above then the blinds we supply shall comply with the safety codes and you shall not be entitled to reject the same nor use any requisition in relation to the same in the event that the blinds do not subsequently meet the purpose for which you intended.
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Velux roof Roller blind: operation
The Velux roof blind is hand operated by moving the metal bottom bar up or down to find the required position.
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Measuring for Velux roof Roller blinds:
Frame code location
Rotate the skylight through 90 degrees and on the bottom end of the window there is a metal plate which will give you the frame code. IE: GGL 606 as per the example below.
Measuring for Velux roof Roller blinds:
Frame code location
Rotate the skylight through 90 degrees and on the bottom end of the window there is a metal plate which will give you the frame code. IE: GGL 606 as per the example below.
Measure inside for roller blinds
Frame code/sizing table
While the old and new Velux codes are grouped for pricing, the actual visual glass size is different, so please quote the correct code number from the window when ordering.
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Fitting instructions for Skylight roof window kits
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Vertical blind operation
The blind is operated by using a chain tilt and a cord to open and close.
Note: Arrow indicates direction of closure
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Vertical blind operation
The blind is operated by using a chain tilt and a cord to open and close.
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Vertical blind headrail details
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Vertical blind Stacking sizes
These stacking size refers to side draw blinds. Allow approximately half of the following sizes for split draw.
89mm (3.5″) vanes
1000mm = 225mm of stacking
2000mm = 380mm of stacking
3000mm = 540mm of stacking
4000mm = 710mm of stacking
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Vertical Blind Fixing
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Top Fix:
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Standard for recess fitting
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Face fix:
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Standard for outside recess fitting
Measuring sash windows for panel screen static blinds:
Step 1:
Width = a – b
Measure the finished width.
Step 2:
Drop = c – d
measure from the top of the lower window to the required finished drop
Please note that the following points should be taken into consideration when measuring for Sash panel blinds:
Handle position
You may need to reposition the window handle down a little to provide a suitable overlap at the bottom of for the panel to sit.
Check the window is square with the frame
Please note that the panel will be cut and supplied to you square but if your window is out of square you may need to trim the sides or top slightly to fit the odd shape.
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Fixing Panel screen static blind for sash windows:
Clean frame
Clean the window frame fixing strip area with white spirit to remove grease and dirt and allow to dry thoroughly.
Prepare Velcro
Remove the protective film from the self adhesive Velcro.
Attach Velcro strip
Fix the Velcro strip flush to the top of the lower window panel.
Trim Velcro to size
Check for length before firmly pressing Velcro into place and remove any excess with scissors
Fixing the panel
Fix the panel by carefully working from one side and keeping the panel straight and level with the top.
Please note that your panel will be cut and supplied square but if your window is out of square you may need to trim the side or top slightly to fit the odd shape.
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Woven wood blind operation
CHORD LOCK SYSTEM
The Blind operates using a cord lock and release system to raise and lower the blind.
The controls can be on either the left or the right.
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Woven wood blind Fixing
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Woven wood blind Satcking Sizes
When the blind is fully pulled up it will stack at 230mm (9″) approx’.
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Curtain Linings
Standard Sateen lining
Interlining
Domette (medium weight):
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White
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-
Unbleached
Bump (Heavy weight):
-
-
White
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-
Unbleached
Blackout
-
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White
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Beige
Other linings:
Flame retardant
Thermal
(details available on request)
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Hanging Pinch Pleat curtains
Hooking
Push the point of the hook into the centre of the of the pleat. Check that the hook is not showing on the front of the curtain. Make sure that all the hooks have the same heading allowance.
Dressing
After hooking the curtains onto the track they will need dressing and the fabric needs forming into clean folds.
To educate the curtains to keep their folds we recommend that you tie the curtains in two or three positions and leave them for a few days. We use broad strips of polythene so they don’t mark the curtains.
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Hanging Pencil Pleat curtains
Hooking
Hook the curtains into one of the three hook positions.
Dressing
After hooking the curtains onto the track they will need dressing and the fabric needs forming into clean folds.
To educate the curtains to keep their folds we recommend that you tie the curtains in two or three positions and leave them for a few days. We use broad strips of polythene so they don’t mark the curtains.
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Measuring for Pencil & Pinch Pleat curtains for tracks and poles
Important: Always give the WIDTH measurement FIRST
TRACK – WIDTH:
Without overlap arm:
Width A = mm
Return R1 = mm
Return R2 = mm
With overlap arm:
Width A = mm
Overlap B = mm
Total A + B = mm
Return R1 = mm
Return R2 = mm
With centre overlap:
Width A = mm
Width B = mm
Return R1 = mm
Return R2 = mm
TRACK – DROP:
Track drop A – curtains hanging below the track:
Measure from the bottom of the runner to the finished drop plus 6mm for the heading:
Hook Drop A = mm
Heading B = 6mm
Overall Drop = mm
For puddled curtains add this to the overall drop.
POLES-WIDTH:
Width A inside the finials = mm
R1 from centre of the pole to the wall = mm
R2 from centre of the pole to the wall = mm
POLES-DROP:
Hook Drop A = mm
Heading B = mm
Overall Drop A + B = mm
For puddled curtains add this to the overall drop.
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Measuring for Eyelet heading
Important: Always give the WIDTH measurement FIRST
WIDTH:
Width A inside the finials = mm
DROP:
Drop A = mm
Heading B = mm
Overal A + B = mm
Puddling is not recomended
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Side return
Side returns are used to close the side gap when the curtains are hung. It adds to the overall finish and helps reduce light sepage down the sides.
Drill a hole at right angles to the end ring level with the hung position and fit a screw into the wall to fix the return on to
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Roller blinds laminated: Fabric quantity
Most suppliers will only sell fabric to the nearest Metre.
Please check your fabric carefully for faults before sending it to us as we will not be held responsible in any way for faulty fabric.
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Roll Type
Fabrics can run off the front or the back of the roller:
Please note that with standard roller blinds the laminated back will be seen at the top along the roller as shown in the left hand picture below. This is eliminated on the reverse roll operation.
Standard Roll:
comes of the back.
Reverse Roll:
comes off the front.
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Roman Blinds Fabric quantity
Most suppliers will only sell fabric to the nearest Metre.
Please check your fabric carefully for faults before sending it to us as we will not be held responsible in any way for faulty fabric.
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Roman blind operation details
The controls can be either on the left or right side and there are two methods of operation to choose from:
TRADITIONAL CORD AND CLEAT
Traditional cord and cleat using a sculptured wood batten and pulley system with a cleat used to position the blind. The cleat is available in Chrome or brass finish.
SIDEWINDER
The Sidewinder uses a metal headbox and the blind is raised and lowered using a side chain which are available in either silver or gold.
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Roman blind fixing for traditional operation version
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Roman blind fixing for Sidewinder operation version
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Contrast borders:
Supply enough material to prevent joins. Therefore, take to the longest measurement and add 150mm. Borders are 50mm wide unless otherwise stated.
Braid edging:
This can be used along the bottom edge only or on the 3 sides.
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Measuring for Alison White 50:50 Roller blinds
There is an extra dimension required for the 50:50 blind which refers to the lower section drop (your material choice) and is shown in the final stage of our guide to measuring below:
Please note: You should always use a metal tape measure
RECESS
Give us the tight measurement and we will make the allowances
Width = A – B
Measure at the top along the line where the Blind will be fitted.
Drop = C – D
OUTSIDE RECESS
Width = E – F
Overlap the recess by approximately 25mm to 50mm either side to suite your requirements.
Drop = G – H
Measure 75mm approximately above the window to the point where you want the Blind to finish.
LOWER SECTION DROP
This dimension refers to the drop of the Misty White translucent cotton materail
For other measurements IE: Doors, shaped or sloping windows, please contact us.
Telehone: 01252 544 568
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Please Note:
We will only supply blinds which conform to the child safety requirements of ESN13120 (Safety Codes.) The safety codes do not apply to blinds which are to be installed in commercial buildings where it is unlikely that a young child will come into contact with them. Should any order you place with us be for such blinds and as a result you require that they vary in any material aspects or particular respect from blinds which comply with the safety codes then:
1) You must stipulate clearly that this is the case at the time of order and also make it clear your particular requirements for the blinds as a result; and
2) You must confirm that the blinds are to be installed in a commercial building as far as you can reasonably ascertain having carried out your own risk assessment and that such a child is unlikely to be exposed to the blinds once installed; and
3) The assessment as to whether a child is likely to come in contact with blinds is solely for your determination. We will not accept any responsibility or liability for the same whatsoever.
If you should fail to provide the confirmation and details required pursuant to 1 and 2 above then the blinds we supply shall comply with the safety codes and you shall not be entitled to reject the same nor use any requisition in relation to the same in the event that the blinds do not subsequently meet the purpose for which you intended.
×
How to Measure for your Blinds
Please note: You should always use a metal tape measure
INSIDE RECESS
Give us the tight measurement and we will make the allowances
Width = A – B
Measure the width, inside at the top of the recess along the line where the blind will be fitted.
Drop = C – D
Measure the exact drop from the underside of the recess to the cill.
Check the recess drop does not taper to one end. Always give the smallest drop.
THE BLIND WILL BE MADE WITH THE NECESSARY OPERATING ALLOWANCES
OUTSIDE RECESS (Blind Size)
Width = E – F
This is the blind width.
Overlap each side of the window recess by 2″(50mm) – 2.5″ (62mm)
Drop = G – H
Measure 3″ (75mm) to the depth required below the window.
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