On September 3, 2010, the 2nd Provisional American National Standard for Safety of Corded Window Covering Products was approved. The standard includes all window covering products (section 1.3). Though broad in scope, the standard’s two most important sections are:
- New Roman Shade performance and testing requirements as a result of incident reports that suggested that Roman shades needed to be addressed more specifically.
- Revised requirements for cord tension devices on blinds and shades using continuous loop cords
I applaud the new standard. The standard is a living document, the Window Covering Manufacturers Association (WCMA) and the Window Covering Safety Council (WSCS) technical committee still need to address new components, techniques and products as they hit the market claiming compliance. The industry is committed to bringing the new standard to ballot by October 2011 and is hustling to get up to speed- looking for clarification, resources, guidance and product innovation that will make that happen.
The standard is a very technical document that has caused confusion among window covering professionals selling, fabricating and installing the products. Along with the gray areas in the document causing confusion, many questions are still unanswered. More needs to be done to inform and offer assistance to industry pros so they can do the same for consumers.
This new standard will create a major change in the way both major and independent manufacturers produce and sell window coverings. The industry has a hard enough time convincing consumers to treat their windows; now with the safety issue it had become even harder to convince consumers to put window fashions on their decorating radar screens.
The ANSI/ WCMA Standard Defined HERE
To keep up to date on the standards and how it might affect you business, Click HERE
Download my Questions Every Pro Should Ask about the Standard HERE
Download Tips for Consumers HERE
