Safety Regulations

Q: Are window restrictors permitted under fire safety regulations?

A: Escape windows from dwellings are an important secondary means of escape from bedrooms in the event of fire. Minimum dimensions were revised in under Part B (Fire Safety) building code in 2006 to require an unobstructed opening area of at least 0.33m², with a minimum width and height of 450mm.

In the amended regulations the fitting of restrictors is recommended to restrict the initial opening of escape windows, in the interest of child safety, as recommended by the National Safety Council.

To comply with the code our window safety restrictors limit the initial opening of the window to 100mm such that exit cannot be gained by small children.

NB: Under section 1.5.6 (e) of the regulations the use of locking mechanisms is prohibited.

“Lockable handles or restrictors, which can only be released by removable keys or other tools, should not be fitted to window opening sections.”