SAFETY OF KIDS WITHIN A RENTAL

Tenancy regulations requiring tenants to be given vital information about the potential hazards for children in the home have changed.
The regulations, which underpin the Residential Tenancies Act, now demand that tenants are given an information sheet outlining their key rights and obligations at the beginning of a new tenancy.
Commissioner for Consumer Protection Anne Driscoll said that the forms now contained important safety information relating to the dangers of blind and curtain cords and swimming pool fencing.
"Over the years there have been many deaths of children who have been strangled by looped blind or curtain cords and chains," Ms Driscoll said.
"In response to these tragic events, a range of product safety standards have been introduced and been applied to rental properties.
"Internal blind and curtain cords should be secured or be at least 1.6m above the floor so they don't pose a strangulation hazard to babies and young children.
"Adding this safety information to the forms acts as a reminder to both tenants and landlords to check the window fittings installed in their homes, with the hope it will prevent injury or death".
The forms will also contain information about complying with laws relating to pool and spa safety barriers.
It is in response to the Coroner's recommendation after an inquest into the death of a three-year-old boy who drowned at a rental property in Kalgoorlie.
"The forms now include information about the role of local government and landlords in relation to barriers required for backyard swimming pools and spas". the commissioner said.
The new forms, 1AC and 1AD, can be found at the Consumer Protection website at www.commerce.wa.gov.au/consumerprotection.
For information on blind and curtain cord safety go to www.productsafety.gov.au.
For information on pool and spa safety visit the site at wwwbuildingcommission.wa.gov.au.

(article supplied by Sunday Times 1-2-2015)

(personally I think we are getting to the stage that we are going to have to give a hand book on absolutely everything, if people cannot keep an eye on their children if they have rented a home with a pool, don't rent a home with a pool.  If you have to be told about cords on blinds seriously !! what are we becoming a society of people that cannot think for themselves.  The information that is provided I can just about guarantee that people wont read it.

MAKE YOUR OWN DECISIONS AND GIVE IT A REAL GO !!