With many window restrictors available, how do care providers choose the most robust solution?
If you’re in charge of managing a care home, you will be aware of the risks associated with windows and the legal requirements around reducing those risks. Below we take a look at the key things to consider.
Preventing window falls: HSE Window Restrictors
The main consideration with regards to windows in a care home setting is to prevent serious injuries and fatalities resulting from falling from windows. Window restrictors can be used as part of managing the risk of vulnerable people falling from windows. Indeed, the Department of Health and CQC regulations advise that window restrictors should be used in all care settings where accidental falls may occur. They also provide particular advice for people with a confused mental state or at risk of deliberate self-harm.
Preventing wandering
Window restrictors of course prevent falls from windows, but they also protect vulnerable residents on ground floors from wandering outside without care, giving staff peace of mind. And with burglaries increasing in care sites, restrictors can provide security whilst having the window open.
It’s important to understand the differences between window restrictors and what you should be looking for when choosing the right solution for your care home. When faced with many choices, it can be confusing to know how to choose the best product to provide the highest safety and security. Here’s our list of what to consider.
Read on to find out what the HSE say about the required strength of window restrictors.
Strength: 3,600 Newtons!
Jackloc window restrictors are tested to a minimum of 3,600 Newtons. HSE researchers recommend that for windows that are above waist height, window restrictors and their fixings should be capable of withstanding at least 850 Newtons.
Most window restrictors available in the UK are tested to British Standards recommendations of holding a force of 500 newtons. What does this mean? 500 newtons is the equivalent of 112lbs or 8 stone. This provides a level of resistance if a patient or resident accidentally leans on it. It also provides some peace of mind against intruders. But, it’s worth noting, this is only the minimum required in care settings
Vulnerable patients or residents are more likely to fall if in a confused mental state. There may also be concerns about deliberate self-harm. Guidelines state that every individual needs to be assessed to understand their risk and that stronger measures will need to be implemented where the risk is greater.
Not all window restrictors are built the same. Most will say that they meet the standards required. Jackloc cable restrictors are independently tested to hold over four times the British Standards state on steel, aluminium and timber window frames.
In addition, the multi award-winning Titan by Jackloc folding window restrictor is tested to hold 4,800 Newtons (that’s 74 stone) – the equivalent of five adult males. This makes it the strongest window restrictor in the marketplace by a large margin and it’s the only window restrictor to have awarded Gold Secure status and to be awarded Secure by Design certification. Its design is a sleek, fully metal product with a steel hinge, helping to reinforce the strength.
Quality
A window restrictor is a window restrictor, right? Wrong.
As with most goods, you get what you pay for. A window restrictor is made up of parts to make it strong and secure. Buy cheap parts and the strength isn’t there to do the job.
All Jackloc window restrictors are manufactured in the UK and contain parts that are manufactured in the UK, providing total clarity and reassurance for customers on what is in the product.
Having a faulty product that’s slipped through the testing net, could cause falls and accidents in your site unwittingly. Asking for evidence of rigorous and regular product tests is essential when making a choice.
Each Jackloc window safety restrictor is strength tested during the manufacturing process and put through several manual and machine performance tests at each stage. Any failures at any stage are immediately removed from the process, including a scratch test on the paint to ensure that this doesn’t flake.
When researching products, look for supporting material to back up the test results. Ask for case studies, testimonials and look at the awards that the product has won.
Jackloc won the Queen’s Award for Innovation in 2017, the internationally recognised symbol of excellence for businesses. Why is this important? It means that the company has been judged on their commitment to innovation and safety by the highest committee in UK business. It also means that having received the recognition, the company are committed to develop their award-winning products to be the best that they can be.
Window Security
Ground floor residents of care homes, sheltered accommodation or those that live by themselves can suffer dangerous injuries from windows, but are also at risk of intruders entering through windows.
Burglaries are one of the most common crimes committed in care homes and sheltered housing. Just earlier this year, 18 care homes in Essex were burgled and revised door security mechanisms were put in place. In September, the Greater Manchester Police announced that they had worked with Wigan Council to specify security measures for a new 59 apartment complex in a high crime area, including specifying window restrictors on every ground-floor window to prevent burglary.
Residents may feel unsafe having their window open if they’re on a ground floor, and even if there is a window restrictor in place they may be concerned that burglars may be able to cut or unscrew it to gain access.
Jackloc cable restrictor cables are over 3mm thick and woven 2-3 times inside the 2mm sleeve to reinforce the strength. An intruder would need bolt cutters to cut it.
The lock has a patented 5 disc locking barrel mechanism. 40 locksmiths took part in 90-second tests and were unable to break the lock. In addition the restrictor comes with security grade 4 anti-tamper screws (with grade 5 being the highest). This means that they can’t be removed unless with a specific drill part.
Conclusion
Providing a safe and secure environment is imperative when caring for elderly or vulnerable residents or patients. Constantly assessing your care home’s requirements is one step, and knowing how to differentiate between products is key.
When looking at window safety, know what’s in your window restrictor and feel secure knowing why you made your choice.
Get in touch with us for expert and personal advice. We also provide care homes with risk assessments and tailored quotations for the solution you require.
Read more about care home window restrictors
and our article about why are window restrictors in care homes more important that ever
