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 and if there are not good safety regimes in place in the home. The risks increase significantly when there are young children in the home. You should familiarise yourself with how the windows in your home work and in particular the safety devices that are installed.
Report concerns or repairs
If you don’t understand how the window safety devices work, or if you have any concerns about window safety in your home then please tell us on 01253 477222.
If you need to report a repair to your windows, or you don’t think the safety devices are working properly then call us immediately on 01253 477222 and choose option 1 for repairs.
Window restrictors
Window restrictors are a safety device that prevents the window from opening further than 10cm (4 inches) without being manually released.
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.
Never paint over UPVC windows, in particular the handles, hinges and restrictors, as this can prevent them working properly.
Keeping children safe
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
- 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.
- Avoid putting toys, or other objects which can entice children, near to window openings
