N.Y. Social Services Law § 390-m: Window coverings

§ 390-m. Window coverings. 1. For purposes of this section the

following terms shall have the meanings set forth below:

(a) "Beaded chain" means a cord with a series of small spheres,

typically made of metal or plastic.

(b) "Cord loop" means a loop formed by an inner cord that does not

diminish in size when the force used to create the loop is removed.

(c) "Cordless window covering" means:

(i) a horizontal blind or cellular shade that has no draw cord and the

internal lift cord runs in the slats of the horizontal blind so that the

cord is incapable of forming a loop greater than 4 inches in diameter

resulting in a 12-inch maximum circumference;

(ii) a Roman shade, roll-up blind, or woven shade that has no draw

cord and the lift cord is completely enclosed so that it is not

accessible;

(iii) a vertical blind that has a wand as its operating mechanism and

does not contain any beaded chains, corded pulleys, or other cord loop

operating mechanisms; and

(iv) a roller shade that does not contain a cord or beaded chain.

(d) "Draw cord" means any form of rope, strap, or string used to raise

or lower a window covering.

(e) "Internal lift cord" means a cord that is contained inside the

body and rails of the blind or shade.

(f) "Wand" means a rigid material used for manual operation.

2. Any child day care center as defined in paragraph (c) of

subdivision one of section three hundred ninety of this title installing

new or replacement window coverings shall install cordless window

coverings or window coverings with inaccessible operational and inner

cords.

3. Any child day care center as defined in paragraph (c) of

subdivision one of section three hundred ninety of this title that has

window coverings in place on the effective date of this section, shall

ensure that all window and door blind cords, ropes, wires and other

strangulation hazards are secured and inaccessible to children in

accordance with the regulations of the office of children and family

services.

4. If a child day care center fails to comply with the requirements of

subdivision three of this section, the office of children and family

services may require replacement of existing window coverings with

cordless window coverings or window coverings with inaccessible

operational and inner cords.