Five steps to avoid getting caught in a tradesperson’s company collapse

As a homeowner, there are few things more stressful than hiring a tradesperson or contractor only to have them go out of business mid-project. As reported by News Australia website the recent collapse of the Plumbfirst Group is a stark reminder of what can happen when things go wrong, leaving many customers unsure of what to do next. 

To avoid finding yourself in a similar situation, it’s important to do your due diligence before hiring a tradesperson or contractor. We’ve compiled a five-part checklist to help you spot companies at risk of closure and avoid getting caught in a tradesperson’s company collapse. 

From checking your contractor’s insurance to researching their online presence, these tips will help you make an informed decision when hiring a contractor for your next project.

Your five-part checklist to spot companies at risk of closure

• Do they have insurance?

For those in New South Wales who have had jobs worth over $20,000 completed by the Plumbfirst Group, it may be possible to claim through Home Building Compensation Fund (HBCF). 

HBCF acts as a safety net for NSW homeowners to help avoid financial loss as a result of incomplete and defective work if a builder or tradesperson disappears, dies, becomes insolvent or has their licence suspended. 

In Victoria, a similar safety net is available in the form of the Domestic Building Insurance. Domestic Building Insurance is available for home building projects in Victoria valued at $16,000 or more.

If you’ve been affected by a company collapse, we recommend checking with your insurance policy to see if it’s possible to claim.

• Do they have a fair trading record and contractor license number?

Make sure to check a contractor’s credentials before hiring them to ensure that they are reputable and qualified to perform the work.

To check if a contractor has a valid license in Australia, you can visit the website of the relevant state or territory regulatory authority. Each state or territory has its own regulatory authority, so it’s important to check the specific authority for your area. You can usually search for a license number or the name of the contractor to verify their license status.

You can also check a contractor’s fair trading record by contacting the relevant state or territory fair trading or consumer affairs agency. They can provide information on any complaints or disciplinary actions against the contractor. You can also check if the company is registered with the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) and if they have a valid Australian Business Number (ABN).

• Are they asking for more than a 10% deposit?

It’s generally not recommended for a building contractor to ask for more than a 10% deposit, as this could be a red flag for potential fraud or unethical behaviour. A higher deposit may indicate that the contractor is financially unstable or doesn’t have the resources to start the project without the extra funds. Additionally, it could be a sign that the contractor intends to use the deposit for something other than the project itself.

If a contractor is requesting more than a 10% deposit, it’s important to ask for a clear explanation of why the extra funds are needed. It may be reasonable in some cases, such as for large-scale or custom projects that require a significant investment of resources upfront. However, if the explanation seems vague or suspicious, it’s best to proceed with caution and potentially consider other contractors.

• Do they have a strong online presence?

Checking a tradesperson’s online presence can provide valuable insights into their reputation and credibility. Online reviews can provide an idea of what previous customers have experienced when working with the tradesperson. 

It’s also a good idea to see if the company has an active and professional-looking website. A well-designed website can indicate that the company is established and takes its business seriously. A poorly designed or outdated website may suggest that the company is not up-to-date with current industry standards or may not have the necessary resources to invest in a proper online presence.

Another way to assess a tradesperson’s online presence is by doing a Google Maps search to verify that they have a physical business office. This can be a good sign that the company is established and has a permanent location, as opposed to being a fly-by-night operation that may disappear as soon as the job is done.

• Do you have good references? 

Checking references can provide valuable information about the quality of a contractor’s work and professionalism. By speaking with past clients, you can understand how the tradesperson operates, their communication style, and ability to complete projects on time and within budget.

References can also help you determine if the tradesperson is a good fit for your specific project. For example, if you’re hiring a contractor for a large-scale renovation, you may want to speak with references who have completed similar projects to ensure that the tradesperson has the necessary experience and expertise.

By doing your due diligence before hiring a tradesperson, you can help ensure that you’re working with a qualified and reputable professional who will deliver quality work.

 

A note on the Plumbfirst Group collapse

Service Today wants to extend our sympathies to all those who have been affected by the Plumbfirst Group collapse, which has no doubt caused a great deal of stress and concern. 

We wouldn’t wish a situation like this on any company in our industry – competitor or not. No business should have to go through a situation like this, nor should their customers have to face the uncertainty and concern that goes along with it. 

We want to assure those people that Service Today is here to help. We are willing and capable of finishing off any work that the Plumbfirst Group was forced to leave behind. 

If you’ve been affected and need a solution fast, please call us at 1300 725 760.

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from Service Today https://www.servicetoday.com.au/blog/five-steps-to-avoid-getting-caught-in-a-tradespersons-company-collapse/

Want to heat your home without natural gas? Here’s how

As the temperatures drop and winter approaches, finding effective heating solutions for your home becomes a top priority. For many years, natural gas has been the go-to choice for central heating, but as concerns about its carbon footprint grow, it’s time to explore the alternatives.

While natural gas is a common choice for whole-house central heating, there are alternatives available for those who don’t have access to it or prefer alternative options. In this article, we will explore some of the best ways to heat your home without relying on natural gas.

Use your air-conditioning system

Although refrigerated air-conditioning systems are primarily designed for cooling, they can also be used for heating purposes. These systems work by reversing the cooling process, allowing them to generate warm air. 

To ensure efficient operation, it is recommended to clean the air-conditioner coils when transitioning from cooling to heating or vice versa. Regular maintenance will help maintain the system’s performance and longevity.

Consider an LPG setup

Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG) is an excellent alternative to natural gas for heating your home. LPG gas bottles can be installed on the side of your house, providing a convenient and reliable fuel source. 

It is advisable to have two gas bottles instead of one to ensure uninterrupted supply. This way, if one bottle runs out, you can switch to the other while refilling the empty one. LPG systems can be used for both cooking and heating.

There are various types of gas heaters available that are compatible with LPG. 

• Gas fire heaters. These are designed for LPG and can provide a cozy and warm atmosphere. They are aesthetically pleasing and can be a focal point in your living space. 
• Gas energy-saver heaters. These are portable and have zero fumes and emissions. These heaters require installation, including plumbing and a flue pipe.
• Portable Gas Heaters: For a more versatile option, portable gas heaters can be easily moved from one room to another.

Please note that gas heaters, including gas fire heaters and energy saver heaters, are not allowed to be installed in bedrooms due to safety regulations. Therefore, alternative heating solutions are necessary for bedroom spaces.

And of course, always remember to follow the manufacturer’s instructions for proper maintenance and use of your heating system to ensure maximum efficiency and safety.

If you’re about the safety and regulations around your heating setup, Service Today can help. Get in touch with us now on 1300 725 760.

Electric heaters for bedrooms

To heat your bedroom without relying on natural gas, electric heaters are a safe and efficient choice that offer reliable warmth. These heaters are designed to distribute heat evenly throughout the room, ensuring a comfortable sleeping environment.

There are many types of electric heaters available on the market, including:

• Ceramic heaters – These heaters are a popular option because they’re energy-efficient and provide quick and even heating.
• Oil-filled heaters – These heaters are great for large rooms, as they offer prolonged heat without overheating the space.
• Radiant heaters – These heaters provide direct heat to the people and objects in the room, making them a great option for smaller spaces.

Solar heating

Solar heating is another alternative to natural gas heating that is growing in popularity. Solar heating works by harnessing the power of the sun to heat your home. Solar panels are installed on your roof, and they absorb the sun’s energy, which is then used to heat your home.

Solar heating is a great option for homeowners who are looking for a more sustainable way to heat their homes. It is also extremely efficient and can save you money on your energy bills in the long run.

While natural gas is a popular choice for central heating, there are effective alternatives available for those without access to it or those who prefer different options. By considering refrigerated air-conditioning systems, LPG gas setups, electric heaters or solar panels, you can ensure a warm and cozy home during the colder months. 

As the world becomes increasingly conscious about the impact of fossil fuels on the environment, now could be a great time to seek out alternative ways to heat your home. 

If you’re unsure what kind of heating setup would be best for your home or place of work, get in touch with Service Today now at 1300 725 760.

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from Service Today https://www.servicetoday.com.au/blog/want-to-heat-your-home-without-natural-gas-heres-how/

Service Today customers donate $10,050 to Kids with Cancer Foundation

We’re pleased to share that Service Today customers have helped donate a total of $10,050 to the Kids with Cancer Foundation through its monthly raffle initiative. 

Since 2018, Service Today customers who spend over $1,500 have become automatically eligible for a ticket for the monthly Kids With Cancer raffle. Service Today purchases the raffle ticket on the customer’s behalf, providing an opportunity to contribute to the Kids with Cancer Foundation – and potentially win a prize in the process.

By automatically purchasing tickets in the Kids with Cancer Foundation Lotteries, Service Today customers are helping fund critical clinical positions in children’s hospitals Australia-wide and providing meaningful financial assistance to kids with cancer and their families.

The Kids with Cancer Foundation is a non-profit organisation that has been working tirelessly to improve the lives of children affected by cancer for over two decades. It offers a range of services and support to help children and their families deal with the emotional, financial, and practical challenges of a cancer diagnosis. 

The Foundation helps children aged 0 to 12 who have been diagnosed with a form of cancer and their families through their cancer journey, with financial aid helping to pay household bills, wigs, car expenses, groceries, white goods, furniture and so much more. 

Service Today is proud to join hands with this essential cause, recognising the importance of supporting children and their families during challenging times. Through our ongoing contributions, our customers are actively making a difference and providing hope to those who need it most.

The importance of supporting charities and non-profit organisations cannot be overstated, particularly during challenging times like the COVID-19 pandemic. The pandemic has had a significant impact on the sector, with many charities struggling to continue their operations due to a lack of funding. That’s why our customers’ continued donations are more vital than ever, providing a lifeline to those in need.

We encourage our customers to continue supporting the Kids with Cancer Foundation and other non-profit organisations dedicated to making a positive impact in our communities. Every little contribution counts, and together, we can make a significant difference in the lives of those in need.

To help make a difference to the lives of kids with cancer, donate to the Kids with Cancer Foundation today, or enter the monthly lottery prize draw here.

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from Service Today https://www.servicetoday.com.au/blog/customers-donate-kids-with-cancer-foundation/

5 Must-Have Pieces of Equipment to Help with Remote Working

If the past few years have taught us anything, it’s that life can be unpredictable. From the emergence of COVID-19 to the lockdown that followed, a lot has been affected—most notably, the world of work. 

To continue running during the viral outbreak, many businesses requested that their employees work from home. Although the lockdown has since been lifted, the preference for remote working has remained. Data shows that 25% of businesses in the US have moved to remote models, with this percentage likely to increase further in 2023. 

While this new form of working has cut down on transport costs and the need for business trousers, it’s simultaneously increased the stress on employees to have a proper remote system in place at home. 

Many things go into ensuring that you’re able to work from your house or flat in a productive and healthy manner. Leg aches, strained eyes, and back pain are just some of the afflictions you might face—but this can all be avoided if proper steps are taken.

So, here are five essential pieces of equipment for those working remotely in 2023.

1. A dedicated office space

When working from home, one thing that many overlook is the need for an appropriate and productive office space—and no, this doesn’t mean the dining room table! 

Chances are you’ll spend a large portion of your day here, and you’ll be expected to produce the same standard of work you do in the office. That means finding a space that isn’t too close to the family dog or kitchen blender. The key is to pick a place devoid of noise and distractions so these don’t interfere with your work calls or negatively impact your output.

 

Your office will probably need a lot of electrical equipment, so ensure it’s situated in a room with plenty of sockets. If you’ve found a place in your home that ticks all your other boxes but doesn’t have a plug close by, worry not. An electrician can easily install one and assist with any other electrical queries you may have. 

2. The right PC or laptop

This is something you probably have thought of already, but it’s crucial to pick the right laptop or PC. This will differ depending on your individual preferences and requirements.

Touchscreen capabilities, a good amount of storage, a large screen, relatively cheap—all these are examples of things you may want when buying a new device. A slow laptop, for example, will not only hinder work and waste time but can be frustrating so is something you want to avoid. Luckily, there are many sites to help you narrow down which PC or laptop will be best for you. 

 

It’s not only the computer that matters. The software products you install can also aid in ensuring an efficient system for things such as document control (if you’re not sure what this is, here’s an article from Make explaining document control).

3. An ergonomic chair

For most of your work day, the likelihood is that you’ll be sitting down, so it’s important to pick a seating option that will provide comfort and encourage productivity.

 

If you’ve ever experienced back, neck, or shoulder pain from being behind a desk all day, this is one for you. An ergonomic chair has adjustable features that can help minimize the physical discomfort that comes with sitting in one spot for long periods.

 

With a headrest, backrest, and adjustable seat height, ergonomic chairs can be tailored to suit your specific needs. In the long run, increased comfort can help improve productivity, so it’s worth investing in a model that’s been designed with your needs in mind.

4. A surge protector on your switchboard

This is a complex-sounding term, but its meaning is simple. The electrical devices you own, be they PCs, TVs, etc. can only handle a certain amount of voltage, but sometimes there are spikes that can damage these electrical appliances and, in the worst cases, cause fires.

If you’re worried about the worst happening and want to safeguard your workspace and avoid an electrical emergency, surge protectors are the answer. Use them to protect your equipment from voltage spikes and the damage they can cause. 

5. Tools for communication

Despite working from home, you still need to be able to converse with colleagues, your boss, and clients. This may seem daunting, but with the correct tools in place, your setup should perform without a hitch. This extends to virtual meetings as well as phone calls.

Everybody needs a good quality app to conduct virtual meetings that’s also easy to use. For all the techie dinosaurs out there, it’s important to set up and install software that facilitates high-quality video calls, and due to the difficulties posed by lockdown, there are lots of them out there. Do your research to help you choose from the plethora of apps that are designed to support a smooth-running web conference meeting without audio static or a blurry screen.

Of course, virtual meetings aren’t the only way to communicate from home—you can also use phone calls. Just like virtual meetings, there are many phone services that can help small businesses to continue working remotely post-pandemic. Certainly, the use of small business phone services is something that can push your remote working to the next level. 

Conclusion

So, there’s our rundown of the five must-have pieces of equipment to help you work remotely in 2023. Of course, there are also many other things that can ensure you continue to function in an efficient and productive way even when working from your spare bedroom! 

 

There are also lots of tips for remote work processes out there, and it’s well worth doing your research to help you optimize your workflows. 

 

Whether you’re looking to start working remotely or have already begun and just want tips for improving the way you do things, read the above post and try implementing some of our advice. You’ll definitely thank us for it when you see your productivity start to soar. 

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from Service Today https://www.servicetoday.com.au/blog/5-must-have-equipment-remote-working/

How to Save Energy and Cut Costs While Working from Home

Remote working is a trend that has taken the world of work by storm in recent years.

According to a Gallup survey in 2022, 3 in 10 workers are now fully remote, with a further 5 in 10 claiming to work ‘hybrid’. That means that just 2 in 10 employees worked entirely on-site during this period – a shocking statistic given the relative popularity of this working arrangement pre-pandemic.

Change offers new opportunities for businesses and employees alike, but it comes with some challenges. Team leaders especially must adapt to the teething difficulties of managing a remote team. One such challenge is the question of how much support businesses should provide to their remote workers. Should they simply provide education about working from home, or should they go one step further and provide financial assistance toward a remote work set-up?

This challenge is particularly pressing in the wake of global events that have pushed up the prices of work equipment, office stationery, and energy bills. There are also long-term environmental concerns about energy consumption that must be addressed.

This article aims to answer your questions about the affordability of remote working, how you can measure your home’s energy-efficiency, as well as several tips for cutting costs on your monthly bill.

How to Assess Your Current Energy Usage

The first step toward cutting energy costs is to tackle the question of how energy-efficient your current remote work set-up is.

You can do this at home by conducting an energy audit – essentially finding out which devices are the most power-hungry in your house, and why. The easiest way to do this is to install a smart metre, which many energy suppliers offer for free with packages.

Using a smart metre, note the cost of your household’s energy consumption. Then, try turning on your individual devices (e.g. office lights, PC, and peripherals) and measuring the change to the hourly rate of your energy consumption. From here, you can calculate the cost of running your remote work set-up, and the potential cost-savings of making a few tweaks. Compare your set-up’s hourly rate to your co-workers to see if you have room for improvement.

If you’re conducting an energy audit of a larger unit, such as an office workspace, this task will likely become a more time-consuming endeavor. Fortunately, applications like Notion API make it easy to fetch data from multiple sources, helping you to gain a holistic view of your energy consumption. This will surely help you to identify the bottlenecks holding back your energy-efficiency strategy.

 

7 Tips for Saving Energy While Working from Home

Choose energy-efficient devices and equipment

The most power-hungry device in a work-from-home set-up is the PC, with large desktop computers using up between 200Wh to 600Wh. Luckily, there is an easy fix for outright reducing your consumption – installing an energy-efficient power supply (PSU).

Power supply units are ranked on a scale of Bronze, Silver, Gold, and Titanium. Those classifications correspond to the efficiency ratings, which scale from 80% for Bronze to 92% for Titanium. Therefore, the best PSUs waste just 8% of their energy as heat. This makes your PC run cooler, reducing the need for fans and air conditioning.

Other serial offenders in energy consumption include your peripherals; your printer, scanner, speakers, and laptop (which consumes 75Wh). The best advice here is – if you don’t need to use it, unplug it.

And for team managers, if you can replace equipment with a web-based service, do it. Take the example of switching to a cloud based phone system for business, rather than relying on legacy telephony equipment.

Manage your computer’s power settings

Once your remote work set-up hardware is assembled, you’ll want to tweak a few settings to reach peak efficiency.

Firstly, you’ll want to navigate to your power-saving settings. Beyond reducing the brightness, you can set a timer to put your screen to sleep when idle. Even better, apps like f.lux can change your display’s settings automatically throughout the day.

The other thing to look at is your audio equipment – with louder volumes equating to higher power consumption. You may find that simply wearing a pair of headphones fits your WFH set-up nicely.

Optimize lighting and temperature

Take a step back from your PC and consider your environment. Where are the best places to arrange the lights in your room, both for visibility and for energy-efficiency? And are you still using halogen instead of LED lights?

Reduce paper usage

Printing is both energy-intensive and expensive to maintain, with printing supplies reaching eye-watering prices. Your best bet is to make the switch from paper to digital, but you could also just plan to use the office printer on the days when you do work on-site.

Improve insulation and ventilation

Heating and cooling your house is another major expense. You should find a temperature that is comfortable for you and let your thermostat do the legwork, rather than periodically blasting it throughout the day.

Sealing drafty doors, replacing ill-fitted air leaks, and installing proper insulation will all help to regulate your home’s temperature. You should also consider simply cooling/heating your desk area during office hours if you’re not using other rooms.

Consider renewable energy options

 

Renewable energy options are a great way to improve your energy-efficiency and relieve pressure on the national grid. Installing solar panels on your roof is one way to future-proof your energy needs with a clean, long-term source. Make sure to research the relevant rebate schemes in your local area, as many local authorities offer incentives for adopting green tech.

Change your habits and work routine

Reducing energy consumption can be as easy as making a few changes to your daily habits.

For starters, you should practice disconnecting from work during idle periods, such as lunchtime. Make sure to power off your monitor when leaving the room, or even better, put your devices into sleep mode (namely, your PC and your business phone).

Similarly, switching to a four-day work week could help boost your productivity and reduce the amount of downtime wherein devices are idling unnecessarily.

Additionally, employee appreciation for a remote team structure is important. This could be through virtual team-building activities, sending personalized thank-you notes, or even offering work-related perks such as training opportunities or career development resources. By demonstrating appreciation, team leaders can help build a sense of community and foster a positive work environment, leading to better performance and productivity from their remote teams.

Conclusion: Making Your Home More Energy-Efficient

That concludes our list of the best money-saving tips for reducing energy consumption in a remote work set-up. By now you should have a good idea of effective energy-saving habits and the benefits of adopting them.

As with all of the recommendations on this list, make sure to involve your family or housemates in energy-saving efforts. After all, if everyone follows this advice, our utility bills would become cheaper as the demand on energy markets wanes. Do your part to help save energy bills and the environment – get started on an energy audit today!

 

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from Service Today https://www.servicetoday.com.au/blog/how-to-save-energy-and-cut-costs-while-working-from-home/

The 5 best dishes to keep you warm this winter

Winter is literally around the corner, and we asked our team at Service Today for their favourite recipes to prepare when the lower temperature hits. We got very creative and decided to bring up these 5 best dishes to keep you warm this winter. 

As the temperatures drop and winter sets in, nothing beats a warm and comforting bowl of soup or stew. Not only do they provide a great source of nourishment, but they also have the power to warm you from the inside out. In this article, we’ll be exploring some of the best soups and stews for winter that are sure to satisfy your taste buds and warm your soul.

These is Service Today’s team winter options:

1. Beef Stew

Beef stew is a classic winter dish that has been around for generations. Made with tender chunks of beef, potatoes, carrots, and onions, this hearty stew is perfect for chill evenings. The key to making a great beef stew is to cook it low and slow, allowing the flavours to meld together and the meat to become tender and juicy. Serve it with a crusty loaf of bread or some buttery mashed potatoes for a comforting meal that will warm you up on even the coldest of nights.

2. Chicken Noodle Soup

When it comes to winter soups, chicken noodle is a staple. Made with tender chicken, egg noodles, carrots, celery, and a flavourful broth, this soup is both nourishing and comforting. It’s also incredibly easy to make and can be ready in under an hour. Whether you’re feeling under the weather or just need a comforting bowl of soup, chicken noodle is always a great option.

3. Butternut Squash Soup

For a vegetarian option that’s still hearty and satisfying, butternut squash soup is a great choice. Made with roasted butternut squash, onions, garlic, and vegetable broth, this soup is both creamy and flavourful. It’s also packed with vitamins and nutrients, making it a great way to stay healthy during the winter months. Serve it with a dollop of sour cream or a sprinkle of fresh herbs for added flavour.

 

4. Lentil Soup

Lentil soup is another great vegetarian option that’s perfect for winter. Packed with protein and fibre, lentils are a great way to stay full and satisfied during the colder months. This soup is made with lentils, onions, carrots, celery, and a tasty broth, making it both nutritious and delicious. Serve it with a slice of toasted sourdough, croutons or some crackers for a satisfying meal that will warm you up from the inside out.

5. Chilli

While technically not a soup or stew, chili is still a great option for winter. Made with ground beef, beans, tomatoes, and a variety of spices, this dish is both filling and delicious. It’s also incredibly versatile and can be customized to your liking, whether you prefer it mild or spicy. Serve it with some shredded cheese, sour cream, and a side of cornbread for a delicious meal that will keep you warm all winter long.

*Bonus: Italian Minestrone Soup

This is a recipe that has been around for ages from generations. Italian families know well how to use every single vegetable they have at home and not waste them. This dish is perfect for vegetarians or vegans and it is easy to prepare because you just need white beans, a variety of vegetables including potatoes and pasta and add them into a sauce pan with a can (or two) of peeled tomato brought into boil. Seasoning is also important and oregano will be the queen of the dance. 

At the end, winter soups and stews are a great way to stay warm and nourished during the colder months. Whether you prefer classic beef stew or vegetarian lentil soup, there’s a winter soup or stew out there for everyone. 

Considering how expensive gas has become, soups and stews are a great choice to save money and feed the family. So grab a bowl, bundle up, and enjoy a delicious and comforting meal that will warm you from the inside out.

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from Service Today https://www.servicetoday.com.au/blog/the-5-best-dishes-to-keep-you-warm-this-winter/

How to prevent accidents around loose blind and curtain cords

Curtains, corded blinds or shades used as window coverings with cords or chains can cause injury and death to toddlers and babies if they get wrapped around their necks. 

According to numbers provided by the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission, between one to two children die in Australian homes annually as a result of corded blinds and curtains.

Nowadays, landlords are legally obliged to keep properties hazard-free, and that includes all corded window covers that are fitted and maintained in accordance with the Australian National Safety Standards (2014).

Keep your kids safe

Do not leave your children unattended around the internal window coverings. 
Strangulation can occur when cords are too long and get loose or end in a loop:

• If a child moves quickly, plays with a cord or even if they slip, the cord can act like a noose. 
• Babies can reach through crib slats, grab a curtain or blind cord and pull it around their necks.
• Young children can strangle or dangle cords after climbing onto a bed or other pieces of furniture, such as a couch or sofa.

Australia’s National Safety Standards

Australia has two mandatory standards that apply to blind and curtain cord safety.

These safety standards set out the installation and labelling requirements providers must add to when selling and installing corded curtains and blinds. 

Installation

• A corded internal blinds and curtains must be installed in a way that ensures a loose cord cannot form a loop longer than 22 cm and 1.6mts above floor level.
• The corded internal blind or curtains must be installed following the installation instructions on any retail packaging.
• A cleat used to secure a cord must be installed at least 1.6mts above floor level.

Labelling

• Be sure that warning labels or swing tags supplied with the internal corded blinds or curtains remain attached to the cord.
• The installer of an internal corded blind or curtain must attach a label to it with the name and contact details of the company or person responsible for the installation.

Is your home a safe place?

Double check these following 5 recommendations to keep your house safe at all times:

• Make sure the installer secure any loose or looped cords. Not let them hang down.
• Fix tie-downs and tension devices firmly to the wall or window frame, so children are not able to remove them. It should be done with materials that can support significant load.
• Do not place furniture near a window where children can reach corded blinds or curtains.
• Walk through your home and inspect every room for blinds or curtains with long cords that are loose or looped, including any cords within children’s reach at floor level or near furniture they can climb on.
• Consider replacing corded blinds and curtains with cordless options.

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from Service Today https://www.servicetoday.com.au/blog/how-to-prevent-accidents-loose-blind-and-curtains-cords/