Rank: New forum user 
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Is it mandatory to keep the window restrictors on 1st floor windows, they are in an office building that is having problems with ventilation, there are no vunerable people present. I have looked into guards but to no avail. I believe that if there are no vunerable people in the building there is no legislation that states that window restrictors have to be fitted. Thanks for any help with this. Julie
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Rank: Super forum user
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Sounds then that its very likely they have been fitted for energy efficiency e.g. Ventilation - when it works effectively?
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Rank: Forum user
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I think Reg 15 of the Workplace Regulations (windows, skylights and ventilators) is the closest you will get to this - the ACOP says 'controls should be so placed that people are not likely to fall through or out of the window. Where there is aa danger of falling fropm height, devices should be provided to prevent the window opening too far'. It goes on to talk of a window being at least 800mm above floor level, unless there is a barrier to prevent falls. Possibly the Building Regulations provide more info on this point?
I was advised (a few years back) by an HSE inspector that you should generally aim for a restriction of about 100mm and being able to withstand a force of about 70kg.
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Rank: Super forum user 
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For direct means of escape windows should be .33m2 opening. minimum height of 800mm from the floor with the bottom of the opening no more than 1100mm from the floor. Generally in such cases window restrictors are fitted to prevent the windows suddenly opening with a gust of wind and causing damage.
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Rank: New forum user
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Thanks for your replies, they have led me in the right direction.
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Rank: Forum user
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Nothing in the Building Regs stipulate that you must have window restrictors. although it sometimes makes sense to have them. This especially so if pedestrians on the outside of a building are likely to walk into an open window. On higher floor levels it also makes sense to have restrictors because of the habit of office staff to place all manner of objects on window ledges,desks etc which can easily be knocked off. I take it that there is no other form off ventilation.
Allan
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