Welcome Guest! The IOSH forums are a free resource to both members and non-members. Login or register to use them

Postings made by forum users are personal opinions. IOSH is not responsible for the content or accuracy of any of the information contained in forum postings. Please carefully consider any advice you receive.

Notification

Icon
Error

Options
Go to last post Go to first unread
Admin  
#1 Posted : 03 November 2007 11:12:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Lisa Hayes
Hi,
Having recently moved sectors I am finding the opinions being given here very useful. At the moment I am trying to get a clear picture of where the HA I work for should stand on window restrictors. Within the general needs group we have 2 restrictors on each window, if both are depressed (I don't mean feeling sad) the window can open fully enabling people to jump or climb out. I have had 2 occasions where customers have climbed out of windows - 1 in their room, 2 from the stairwells. One of these was with serious results. One of the advisers I work with is telling me that none of our windows regardless of the client group should be able to be opened to this degree as we have responsibility to not only our customers but also their visitors (the what if principle), the other is telling me that as it is general needs we cannot restrict their windows and that the corridors & stairwells must have fully opening windows for fire purposes . What the benefit is of a 8th floor window opening I don't know! With over 10,000 properties this has major financial implications as well as safety ones. Views, thoughts and suggestions please.
Admin  
#2 Posted : 03 November 2007 12:10:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Alan Haynes
Don't know what the rules are - but a relative of mine, who is is social housing accommodation, had items stolen from her ground floor flat via an open window. She is 94 and feels much safer now they have fitted restrictors, as she can get fresh air without worrying about anyone getting in.
Admin  
#3 Posted : 07 November 2007 05:51:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By andrew morris
Hi,

Age old answer is risk assess.

I would consider the likelyhood as the major factor in this. (forgive any faux-pas I make)

If you have unaccompanied young children, in above ground level accomodation, then consideration should be given to restrictors.

If you have people with learning difficulties or mental health issues, you should consider installing restrictors.

However, I would suggest that "normal" adults should be able to realise the risk themselves.

You also need to think about where your workplace ends. If these are self contained tenanted flats, there is no workplace (unless contractors visit, etc.) so H&S doesn't apply. However, if there is even an element of sheltered or assisted living,the building is a workplace.

That probably doesn't help much but I thought I'd try
Admin  
#4 Posted : 07 November 2007 22:09:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By L.Hayes
Hi ,

Thanks for your thoughts and suggestions, Much appreciated.

Lisa
Admin  
#5 Posted : 08 November 2007 08:29:00(UTC)
Rank: Guest
Admin

Posted By Brian Hagyard
Lisa.

Don't forget to include the height of the window sill in your assessment. While I would agree that adults should have the choice of opening their windows or not, there have been occasions where people have overbalanced and fallen through the open window if its lower than "waist height".

Brian
Users browsing this topic
Guest
You cannot post new topics in this forum.
You cannot reply to topics in this forum.
You cannot delete your posts in this forum.
You cannot edit your posts in this forum.
You cannot create polls in this forum.
You cannot vote in polls in this forum.