CSA Group, in cooperation with Health Canada, has developed CAN/CSA Z600 – Safety of corded window covering products. CAN/CSA Z600 is referenced in legislation in The Canada Consumer Product Safety Act (CCPSA).1 The new 2014 edition aligns requirements with the 2012 edition of ANSI/WMCA A100.1 Safety for Window Covering Products. The latest edition of CAN/CSA Z600 is an adoption of the WCMA standard with Canadian deviations.
CAN/CSA Z600 contains technical requirements and practices including test methods applicable to the design, manufacture/construction, installation, and labeling of corded window covering products. The requirements provided in CAN/CSA Z600 are intended to minimize the hazards posed to young children by corded window covering products.
Health Canada warns that any type of blind cord, such as cords on the side, inside, or on the back of the window covering, is a strangulation risk for children. The safest window coverings are ones that have no cords that you can see or touch. Cordless window coverings are the safest option.2
Highlights of CAN/CSA Z600:
• Applies to all interior corded window covering products, including components, related hardware and labeling, which are manufactured, imported, advertised, or sold in Canada for consumer use. It also applies to second-hand units that are advertised, distributed, or sold in Canada for consumer use
• Includes robust performance and testing requirements, new product warning labels and pictograms, and other technical changes intended to improve safety
• Incorporates Canada-specific deviations to improve safety for children; for example, a new requirement that cord cleats with instructions be included with applicable window coverings
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1 http://laws.justice.gc.ca/eng/regulations/SOR-2009-112/page-1.html
2 http://www.hc-sc.gc.ca/ahc-asc/media/nr-cp/_2013/2013-159fs-eng.php