Middlesex County homeowners face new window treatment safety requirements as 2024 building code updates prioritize child protection
Homeowners in Middlesex County, Massachusetts, are navigating significant changes to window treatment safety standards as new federal regulations and updated building codes take effect in 2024. These changes, which became effective on June 1, 2024, require most window covering products sold in the United States to be cordless or have inaccessible cords, fundamentally altering how homeowners approach window treatment selection.
Understanding the New Safety Standards
The revised safety standard, ANSI/WCMA A100.1-2022, eliminates the use of free hanging operating cords, free hanging tilt cords and multiple cords into a cord connector on all made-to-order custom window covering products. Young children can quickly and silently become strangled on pull cords, continuous loop cords, inner cords or any other accessible cords longer than 8 inches on window coverings. On average, about nine children under 5 years of age die every year from strangling in window blinds, shades, draperies and other window coverings with cords.
There were more than 200 incidents involving children up to 8 years old due to strangulation hazards from window covering cords during 13 years from January 2009 through December 2021. A child died in 48% of those incidents. These sobering statistics drove the Consumer Product Safety Commission to implement stricter federal regulations.
How Massachusetts Building Codes Align with Federal Standards
The tenth edition building code became first effective on October 11, 2024 with a concurrency period, during which either the ninth or tenth edition building codes could be utilized. While Massachusetts building codes primarily focus on structural and energy efficiency requirements, they work in conjunction with federal safety standards to protect residents.
Middlesex County Building Inspectors verify that construction projects meet Middlesex County building codes and regulations in Massachusetts. They also monitor designs, building materials, Middlesex County safety codes, and utilities, as well as enforcing codes. This enforcement ensures that new installations comply with both state building requirements and federal window treatment safety standards.
Impact on Homeowner Choices
The new regulations significantly impact how homeowners select window treatments. Cordless blinds and shades are no longer an optional convenience and safety upgrade on new installations—they’re now required. What used to be a (sometimes costly) optional upgrade is now an affordable basic standard in all the classic window treatment styles.
For homeowners with existing corded window treatments, this new regulation applies only to newly manufactured and installed window treatments, so if the coverings in your home right now are corded, it’s not required that you update them. However, any future window coverings you install after June 1, 2024 should be cordless.
Practical Considerations for Hard-to-Reach Windows
Window coverings that would typically be managed with a lift cord, like over a kitchen sink, desk, bed, or a high transom window, may now need to be motorized since a cordless option may be out of reach. This would add some cost to the project while adding quite a bit of convenience in addition to higher safety standards.
Homeowners should work with experienced professionals who understand these new requirements and can recommend appropriate solutions. For residents seeking expert guidance on compliant window treatments, Shades and Blinds Middlesex County specialists can provide valuable consultation on navigating these new safety standards while maintaining style and functionality.
Local Expertise Matters
Mohawk Shade & Blind Inc. is a locally owned and operated company with over 30+ years of industry experience. We offer a variety of commercial and residential window covering installs. We specialize in blinds, shades and indoor shutter installation. Since 1986, we’ve been crafting window solutions that transform houses into homes. Let our experts help you choose the perfect fit for your space. It’s more than just décor—it’s about creating harmony and comfort for you and your family.
Safety Recommendations for Existing Window Treatments
For homeowners with existing corded window treatments, safety experts recommend several precautionary measures. Move all cribs, beds, furniture and toys away from windows and window covering cords, preferably to another wall. Eliminate any dangling cords by making the pull cords as short as possible. Ensure that cord stops are installed properly and adjusted to limit the movement of inner lift cords. Cord stops should be within 1 to 2 inches from the head rail when the blind is fully lowered.
Looking Forward
The 2024 window treatment safety standards represent a significant step forward in child safety. Growth of cordless and motorized blinds as the market standard. Smart shades controlled by phone or voice systems. Integration of child safety sensors into IoT home systems indicate that technology will continue to make window treatments both safer and more convenient.
For Middlesex County homeowners planning window treatment updates, consulting with knowledgeable local professionals ensures compliance with all applicable safety standards while achieving desired aesthetic and functional goals. The investment in safe, compliant window treatments protects families while adding value to homes throughout the region.