Read our guide to Why Window Restrictors Are Essential for a High Rise Building. This guide looks at the regulations and guidelines affecting window safety for high rise buildings, the reasons for the regulations and how to comply with them. Read on to find out more…
The risks posed by windows in high rise buildings
There are many potential risks associated with high rise buildings. Perhaps most famously Eric Clapton’s young son fatally fell from a window. Young children are at particular risk for falls from windows. Children are naturally curious, less aware of dangers and more likely to stumble and fall.
One of the most harrowing risks associated with inadequate window maintenance in high-rise buildings is the potential for falls. people/pets falling out, if you or a pet knocked something out the window it could seriously injure or maybe kills somebody below. It is important to understand the dangers associated with opening windows, and the risk of people falling from them if window safety devices are not used correctly
Most homes over two storeys have window restrictors fitted to opening windows. All high-rise flats over two storeys above ground floor level have restrictors fitted. When opening windows to ventilate your home, always make sure the window restrictor is in place and that it is secure. This will prevent accidental falls and could save lives.
If you have to open the window wider than the restricted position, to ventilate a room or clean the windows, then always re-engage the restrictors as soon as you have finished and check they are back in position. If you have key lockable handles then always lock them using the key when the window is closed.
If young children are living in your home, or visiting, it is important that you:
- never leave them unsupervised in rooms with open windows
- keep reminding yourself and others in the home about the dangers of open windows
- talk to other householders, older children and visitors about window safety and agree how you will keep young children safe
- always keep windows closed using the handle and if you have key locks then use them to lock off windows
- remove the keys and keep them away from the reach of children, but somewhere nearby in case you need them in an emergency
- think about where beds and other furniture is placed and try and avoid putting them beneath opening windows. If this isn’t possible then you need to be even more careful and make sure windows are kept locked and restrictors are always engaged.
- avoid putting toys, or other objects which can entice children, near to window openings
If you need to open windows to ventilate rooms then use windows which are out of reach of children, and double check that window restrictors are in place and working,
Safe window cleaning
To prevent accidents when cleaning windows:
- stand firmly on the floor and never stand on a chair or stepladder
- don’t overreach or lean out of the window. Always keep two feet on the floor if you can, or get someone to help you
- don’t lean against the glass
- never sit or stand on the window cill or bottom ledge
If your window is designed to reverse inwards to allow cleaning the outside pane from inside your home, then make sure it is firmly in position before you clean it and always re-engage the window restrictors afterwards.
High-rise residents only
You can find more window safety information specific to the windows in your flat, and other important safety information about your flat and block by signing into the My High-Rise Building Safety hub.
Saville Green, Appleton Close, Appleton Court and Appleton Square residents only
Important information if you live in the end flats in these blocks, at the following flat numbers:
- 18, 19
- 24, 25
- 30, 31, 36, 37
- 42, 43, 48, 49
- 54, 55
- 60, 61
Do not try to lean out of your bedroom windows to clean them.
These windows are cleaned by the council’s window cleaning contractor.
Contact us
Call or email us if you have any concerns about window safety.
Phone
0800 188 4000 or 0113 376 0410
Smoking regulations have posed an additional risk with regards to windows. Teens and adults wishing to smoke without going outside are tempted to lean from windows or sit on sills, which of course poses a risk.
Vulnerable people – whether
Anyone can be at risk around an open window in a high rise building, just cleaning a window
The regulations covering high rise buildings
One of the reasons that window restrictors are essential for a high rise building is to comply with regulations
Choosing A Window Restrictor
If you have UPVC Windows take a look at this guide to UPVC window restrictors
