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Using the windows in your home safely (text version):
Knowing the risks associated with opening windows is crucial. If the window safety devices in your home aren’t used correctly, people can fall from them – and the risks are especially high if you have young children at home.
To minimise the risks, please take some time to familiarise yourself with how your windows operate, and how to use them safely.
If you think your windows and/or window restrictors have been damaged, removed, or you’ve spotted another issue, please call us on 01204 328000 as soon as you can.
Window restrictors:
These are safety devices that stop windows from opening more than 10cm (4 inches) without being manually released.
When you open windows to let in fresh air, always make sure the restrictors are in place and secure. These restrictors will help to prevent falls and can save lives.
If you need to open a window wider than its restricted position (to ventilate a room, or to clean your window, for example), you should always re-engage the window restrictor as soon as you’re done.
If your windows have key locks, please remember that you should always lock them when your window is closed.
Never paint over UPVC windows, especially the handles, hinges, and restrictors, as this can stop them from working properly.
It’s important to check your window restrictors regularly – especially if you live in a high-rise building...
...to do this:
- Check that your window restrictors are working correctly. You shouldn’t be able to open a restricted window more than 10cm (4 inches) without manually releasing it.
- If you live in a high-rise building, check that all your windows have restrictors installed.
- Do not remove or tamper with your windows for any reason. They have been installed for your safety.
If you think your window restrictors have been damaged, removed, or you’ve spotted another issue, please call us on 01204 328000 as soon as you can.
If you have children at home or visiting, it’s important to:
- Never leave them alone in rooms with open windows.
- Remind yourself and others about the dangers of open windows.
- Talk to everyone in the house, including older children and visitors, about window safety and agree on how to keep young children safe.
- Always keep windows closed using the handle and lock them if you have key locks.
- Remove the keys and keep them out of children’s reach, but nearby in case of an emergency.
- Avoid placing toys or other objects that might entice children near windows.
- And remember that children should never open windows or operate restrictors themselves.
If you need to open windows to ventilate rooms, use windows that are out of children’s reach and double-check that your window restrictors are in place and working.
For everyone’s safety, please don’t keep furniture or store items under windows or on balconies.
Children and vulnerable adults may not understand the dangers, and it can only take a few seconds for them to climb onto something and fall.
If you can’t avoid placing a bed or piece of furniture near a window, please take extra care to lock windows and engage any restrictors.
And last, but not least – make sure you clean your windows safely.
To do this:
- Stand securely on the floor, and never on a chair or stepladder.
- Don’t overreach or lean out of the window. Keep both feet on the floor if you can, or ask someone for assistance.
- Avoid leaning against the glass.
- And never sit or stand on the windowsill or bottom ledge of your windows.
If your window can reverse inwards for cleaning the outside pane from inside your home, ensure it is securely positioned before cleaning, and always re-engage the window restrictors afterwards.
Remember: we’re here to help if you need us.
If you have any questions or concerns about window safety, please don’t hesitate to call us on 01204 328000, or email buildingsafety@boltonathome.org.uk.
For a whole host of advice and guidance on keeping you and your home safe, just visit: www.boltonathome.org.uk/building-safety.