Locations That Require Window Restrictors

All public organisations have a legal obligation to provide a safe environment. During any new project build, windows are always of key consideration during the architectural planning. They are expected to meet numerous objectives including lighting, security, aesthetics, emergency exits and more. Some establishments require additional consideration regarding the intended purpose of the building and its occupants, in these cases, window restrictors are often incorporated into the plans. The following locations require window restrictors:

Hospitals

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 the 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 the protection of residents’ safety – this is extremely important in any type of care or health facility, where vulnerable residents may become disorientated or are mentally unstable.

Schools/Colleges/Universities

All educational establishments, especially those that cater to children, for safety reasons must restrict the opening of a window to no greater than a 100mm. A window restrictor is purely to reduce the risk of falling out of a window.

Window Restrictors

Window restrictors themselves are, as you might expect, a method of ensuring that nobody is able to fall out of a window thanks to it opening too far. The environments mentioned above showcase the necessity of such a product.

Locations Where Window Restrictors are Recommended

Hotels and Bed & Breakfasts

Alcohol, drugs, extreme tiredness, disorientation and mental instability can cause all kinds of 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 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

Window restrictors are not legally required by landlords – however, it is advisable to install them 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 restrictors provide an excellent solution, allowing much needed fresh air to circulate, whilst protecting children from fatal accidents.

The Workplace

New buildings will 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 any possible accidents and install window restrictors.

Window Restrictor Legislation

Window safety and the prevention of falling comes under the broader category of general Health and Safety laws. In educational establishments, health services, such as hospitals, care homes and so forth, the local authority or governing body is responsible for safeguarding service users of the building. Although this responsibility may be delegated, there is an obligation to keep staff, patients, employees and visitors safe inside the building.

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.

An All Round Solution

Window restrictors are the ideal solution for reducing the risk of falls from windows in both public and private buildings. 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 cabel window restrictors, made in Great Britain, Sold worldwide.

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