Jacklok the well respected company manufacturing window restrictors has called for window restrictors to be made compulsory after a toddler fell out of a window in a flat.
Should the Metal Technology windows installed in this prestige development all be fitted with window restrictors?
Whilst any accident is a serious issue, and preventative measures need to be considered, how far should windows and doors actually go in preventing accidents? In commercial properties such as hotels and hospitals, schools and other such buildings where you have a high concentration of people the requirement for restrictors in properties seems a logical one.
However in occupied dwellings should there really be any kind of compulsory requirement for window restrictors? And how far should these measures actually go? Recent times have seen the development of thousands upon thousands of three storey properties and particularly those with the living space on the first floor. In new build homes and apartments we will often now see doors as well as bifolding doors on these upper floors. Should we be restricting these doors and bifolding doors as well?
London is one city that is seeing the construction of taller and taller residential buildings. Canary Wharf, is one area that according to leading estate agent Savills, has “arrived” as a leading residential destination in London where the lack of traditional housing that dominates other parts of London gives greater architectural scope particularly in high rise buildings that also feature balconies.
Is there a fine line between ultimate safety of occupants and owner/occupier responsibility?
We live in a world much more health and safety aware than ever before but we face risks on a daily basis. How much further should we go to prevent possible accidents when the reality could be that we should simply continue being self-responsible and self-aware. Does this also extend to being more responsible and aware over our children?
Jackloc would like to see the fitting of restrictors as a legal requirement on all new and old buildings.
The Jackloc restrictor is an excellent award winning device but would mandatory use be popular with homeowners?
Are Jackloc who are wishing the use of restrictors to become law actually pushing this issue like lobbyists do, due to vested interest?
It goes without saying that such a law would give a boost to companies such as Jackloc but there are several other issues to consider beforehand. One thing restrictors such as Jackloc products need to overcome is the aesthetic appeal to would be purchasers of windows. Would a customer who is choosing their doors and windows be keen to have these arguably ugly even if life saving products on their windows because are mandatory?
We already have a similar situations with trickle vents whereby the incoming windows must be fitted with trickle vents if the outgoing windows had them fitted previously, however it is widely accepted that many window companies are unaware of this requirement and many homeowners refuse to have trickle vents again citing them as ugly and unnecessary despite the obvious benefits they bring.
What about the other issues we are well aware of regarding aftermarket hardware?
Window restrictors particularly key lockable ones are susceptible to loss of keys and this could also be serious in a fire situation adding valuable seconds in having to unlock a restrictor. The window industry is already well used to receiving phone calls from new owners of older properties that have window keys missing and the difficulties involved in finding replacement keys for older window handles. If window restrictors became law a similar situation is bound to arise in years following implementation even if the tool needed to unlock it was a universal fitting one?
Window restrictors in commercial buildings make absolute sense, however many already regard us as living in an already “stifled” health and safety environment. Is a legal requirement for window restrictors to dwellings a step too far?
The post Should window restrictors be made law? appeared first on Aluminium Trade Supply.
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