When planning for window shades in areas where children will be present, safety must be considered. Shades with closed loops like bead chain clutch shades can create a choking hazard.
ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2018 is the safety standard for window coverings with operable cords located in areas accessible to small children.
Draper offers several solutions to make sure your shades comply with the standard.
Clutch-Operated Shades
Under the standard, clutch-operated shades utilizing a continuous-loop operating system require a suitable cord-tensioning device. When a dealer opts in to have custom shades comply with the standard, we provide a pre-installed Spring-Loaded Chain Tension Device. A warning hang tag and approved mechanical fasteners are included. When properly installed, the tension device prevents the creation of a hazardous loop by maintaining tension on the bead chain. If it is not installed properly, the shade is partially inoperable.
Draper’s spring-loaded tension device meets the requirements of these tests to comply with safety standard A100.1:
- UV Stability Testing – AATCC Test Method 16 for UV Stability
- Impact Testing – ASTM D5420
- Bead Chain Durability Testing
- Operation Cycle Testing – 3,000 cycles
For more information on ANSI compliant manual shades, click here.
FlexShade® Twin Pull
Another way to meet the standard is to use a manual solution without operable cords. The new FlexShade® Twin Pull provides all the benefits of bead chain operation in a child safe design. Twin pull wands on both sides of the clutch eliminate the continuous loop present in most clutch-operated shades. The clutch mechanism operates ratchet-style via the two pull wands to raise and lower the window shade. It never needs adjusting and is available in sizes through 8′ (244 cm) wide. The pull wands are available in 20” or 40” (51 cm or 102 cm) lengths.
To learn more about the FlexShade Twin Pull click here.
FlexShade Recharge
Replacing manual shades with motorized units is an attractive solution to meet the child safety standard, but the increased cost isn’t always feasible on educational projects. The FlexShade® ReCharge offers a lower-cost motorization upgrade. The ReCharge is a quiet and easy-to-use battery-powered window shade. There is no wiring or electrician needed, and the ReCharge can also be retrofitted using the existing Draper clutch window shade brackets. For more information on the FlexShade Recharge, click here.
