Locations That Require Window Restrictors

If you are wondering where are window restrictors required by law? Or ‘Are window restrictors a legal requirement’ Read on…

Window restrictors are a device to stop a window opening too far. Sometimes these might be called window safety catches but the important feature is that windows with restrictors fitted are only able to be opened to a maximum of 100mm.

Some window restrictors are keyless (some might call these non-lockable restrictors although they are ‘locked’ by a different mechanism) and some use a key.

Several types of buildings require window restrictors by law. All public organisations have a legal obligation to provide a safe environment. In workplaces legally, you must have a ‘competent’ person carry out a risk assessment to determine whether you need to have window restrictor.

Under health and safety legislation, window restrictors are required where there are people who are vulnerable to the risk of falling, have access to windows, and the windows are at a height that anybody falling out of them is at risk of sustaining a serious injury.

During the architectural planning stage of any new project build, windows and the laws around windows are a key consideration. Regulations require that windows must meet numerous objectives including lighting, security, aesthetics, emergency exits and more. Some establishments by law require additional consideration regarding the intended purpose of the building and its occupants, in these cases, window restrictors are often incorporated into the plans to ensure the windows are safe. The following locations require window restrictors:


Hospitals

You may have noticed that in hospitals most windows have restrictors in place. For patient safety, most windows in hospitals use lockable restrictors which are controlled by the staff. Whilst the majority of hospitals agree that some fresh air is beneficial to patients and the environment, window access is usually restricted above the ground floor for patient protection.

Care homes

As in hospitals, care homes also use window restrictors for resident safety. Such safety is extremely important in care and health facilities where vulnerable residents may become disorientated or are mentally unstable. The window restrictor rules for care homes focus on safety and care home operators must ensure residents are not able to fall from a window at a height that might cause harm.

Schools/Colleges/Universities

All educational establishments, especially those for children, must by law restrict the opening of a window to no greater than a 100mm. A window child lock restrictor’s purpose here is to reduce the risk of falling out of a window.

Window Restrictors

Window restrictors / window safety locks, can help you to meet legal requirements to reduce the risk of falling from a window, they work by preventing a window from opening far enough for a person to fall through.  The environments mentioned above showcase the necessity of window safety latches as a device to stop windows from opening too far.

Locations Where Window Restrictors are Recommended

Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts

Alcohol, drugs, extreme tiredness, disorientation and mental instability can cause accidents. Not only do they consider adults, but children too, as children learn by exploring the environment they are in – it is for this reason that larger hotels and hotel chains use hotel window restrictors to cover themselves against any type of tragedy involving windows. In older historic buildings, there may be limitations on installation and restricting window use may become more difficult.

Rental Properties

Restrictors are not legally required by landlords – however, it is advisable to install window child locks on windows above the ground floor – especially when renting to families with young children and students.

Homes With Small Children

Children, especially the under-fives, are the most at risk age group from accidental falls out of windows. Window child lock restrictors can prevent children from falling through windows while still allowing much needed fresh air to circulate.

The Workplace

New buildings have window safety incorporated into the design, however, this may not be the case in slightly older buildings. As with the majority of hotels, larger organisations are keen to cover themselves against possible accidents and install window restrictors.

 

Window restrictor legislation

Window safety and the prevention of falling from windows comes under the broader category of general Health and Safety laws. In educational establishments, health services, such as hospitals, care homes etc., the local authority or governing body is responsible for safeguarding the building’s service users. Although this responsibility may be delegated, there is an obligation to keep staff, patients, employees and visitors safe inside the building. Health and Safety Executive http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hsis5.pdf provides useful information explaining and assisting in the compliance of the legal duties of health and care providers.

Building regulations window restrictors

Although Building Regulations differ between local authorities, and restrictions will vary depending on the intended purpose of the building – prevention and protection from falling is an important part. See UK Government Building Regulations section K2 “Protection From Falling” for further reading.

The regulations state that protection from falling is required in the following situation,

“Where a person may fall through a window above ground floor level, provide suitable opening limiters, to restrain the window sufficiently to prevent such falls or guarding.”

How to remove window restrictors 

To remove a window restrictor you simply use a screwdriver and detach the fitting from the window frame.

An All Round Solution

Window restrictors are the ideal solution for reducing the risk of falls from windows in both public and private buildings while allowing air to circulate. Jackloc designs award-winning window restrictors that not only improve window safety. UK engineered and manufactured to ISO 9001 quality system, ISO 14001 Environmental Management and OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety Management accredited. Jackloc window restrictors, made in Great Britain, Sold worldwide.

We hope that helps you to understand where window restrictors are required and more about window restrictor laws and regulations.