Risk of Strangulation Prompts Recall to Repair Roman Shades by Lutron Electronics

Lutron Electronics has added its name to the retailers joining the voluntary recall announced in December 2009 of ALL Roman shades and roll-up blinds

WASHINGTON, D.C. - The U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission, in cooperation with the firm named below, today announced a voluntary recall of the following consumer product. Consumers should stop using recalled products immediately unless otherwise instructed. It is illegal to resell or attempt to resell a recalled consumer product.

Name of Product: Lutron Shading Solutions Roman Shades

Units: About 5,000

Distributor: Lutron Electronics Co. Inc., of Coopersburg, Pa.

Manufacturer: Virginia Iron and Metal Company Inc. (VIMCO), of Ashland, Va.

Hazard: Strangulations can occur when a child places his/her neck between the exposed inner cord and the fabric on the backside of the blind or when a child pulls the cord out and wraps it around his/her neck. Also, in manual Roman shades, strangulations can also occur if the shade's looped bead chain is not attached to the wall or to the floor and a child's neck becomes entangled on the free-standing loop.

Incidents/Injuries: None reported.

Description: This recall involves all custom-ordered made-to-measure motorized and manual Lutron Shading Solutions Roman shades. The shades were sold in a variety of colors, fabrics, and sizes. Nearly all shades were professionally installed. "Lutron Shading Solutions" or "Lutron Shading Solutions by VIMCO" is printed on the packaging.

Sold at: Specialty dealers and Expo Design Centers nationwide from January 2000 through August 2009 for between $120 and $4,500 per shade.

Manufactured in: United States

Remedy: Consumers should immediately stop using the Roman shades and contact Lutron Electronics to coordinate the removal, repair, and reinstallation of the shades. Consumers with manual Roman shades should also immediately check if the tension device is attached to the looped operating cord and installed into the wall or floor. If not attached, consumers should contact Lutron Electronics to receive a free repair kit. If the tension device is attached but not installed, consumers should immediately install the device into the wall or floor. If the consumer has difficulty installing the tension device, contact Lutron for further instructions.

Consumer Contact: For additional information, contact Lutron toll-free at (866) 793-4270 anytime, or visit the firm's Web site at www.lutron.com

Rear view of motorized Roman shade

Front view of manual Roman shade

Note: Examine all shades and blinds in your home. Make sure there are no accessible cords on the front, side, or back of the product. CPSC recommends the use of cordless window coverings in all homes where children live or visit.