Windows that open above ground floor level in care homes must be fitted with restrictors limiting the opening to 100mm unless the window is above 1.1m from finished floor level under Building Regulations Part K and HSE guidance on falls from height. Restrictors are frequently absent or ineffective on older care home stock.
Why this matters
Falls from windows are a serious risk in care settings, particularly for residents with dementia or those who are disoriented at night. A resident who falls from an unrestricted window is a CQC safeguarding incident. The regulator expects window restrictor compliance as part of the safe environment standard.
What to do
- 1Audit every window in the building that opens above ground floor level noting whether a restrictor is fitted and whether it limits the opening to 100mm or less.
- 2Restrictor keys must be accessible to staff for emergency escape but not to residents check that key-operated restrictors are appropriately managed.
- 3Assess which windows are above 1.1m from finished floor level these may not require restrictors under Part K but should still be considered in your risk assessment for vulnerable residents.
- 4Replace missing or broken restrictors as a priority maintenance item this is not cosmetic maintenance.
- 5Document the audit outcome and remediation actions in your maintenance log for CQC evidence purposes.
Primary source
HSE Falls from Windows and Balconies (Guidance)
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