PlainRecalls
CPSC Moderate Active

Near Strangulation Prompts Recall of Roman and Roller Shades by Smith+Noble

Reported: July 22, 2010 Initiated: July 22, 2010 #10307

Product Description

This recall involves all roller shades that do not have a tension device attached to the continuous loop cord and all custom, made-to-order Roman shades. Brand names include Smith+Noble, Christopher Lowell by Smith+Noble, Jessitt Gold, Shop Blinds and Window Elements.

Reason for Recall

Roman Shades: Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the shade or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. Roller Shades: Strangulation can occur if the shade's continuous loop cord is not attached to the wall with the tension device provided and a child's neck becomes entangled in the free-standing loop.

Remedy

Consumers should immediately stop using the Roman shades and contact the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) for a free repair kit at (800) 506-4636 anytime or visit www.windowcoverings.org. Consumers should check the roller shades to make sure the tension device provided is attached to the continuous loop cord and installed into the wall. If not attached, consumers should attach the tension device securely to the wall. If they no longer have the tension device, consumers should immediately stop using the roller shades and contact WCSC to receive a free replacement tension device.

Details

Units Affected
About 1.3 million (1,160,000 Roman shades and 115,000 roller shades)

Frequently Asked Questions

What product was recalled?
This recall involves all roller shades that do not have a tension device attached to the continuous loop cord and all custom, made-to-order Roman shades. Brand names include Smith+Noble, Christopher Lowell by Smith+Noble, Jessitt Gold, Shop Blinds and Window Elements.. Recalled by Smith+Noble, of Corona, Calif.. Units affected: About 1.3 million (1,160,000 Roman shades and 115,000 roller shades).
Why was this product recalled?
Roman Shades: Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the shade or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. Roller Shades: Strangulation can occur if the shade's continuous loop cord is not attached to the wall with the tension device provided and a child's neck becomes entangled in the free-standing loop.
What should consumers do?
Consumers should immediately stop using the Roman shades and contact the Window Covering Safety Council (WCSC) for a free repair kit at (800) 506-4636 anytime or visit www.windowcoverings.org. Consumers should check the roller shades to make sure the tension device provided is attached to the continuous loop cord and installed into the wall. If not attached, consumers should attach the tension device securely to the wall. If they no longer have the tension device, consumers should immediately stop using the roller shades and contact WCSC to receive a free replacement tension device.
Which agency issued this recall?
This recall was issued by the CPSC on July 22, 2010. Severity: Moderate. Recall number: 10307.