Building Regulations Part K and HSE guidance require that windows accessible to residents above ground floor must be fitted with restrictors preventing opening beyond 100mm in care settings where residents may be at risk of falling. CQC inspects compliance with this requirement under Regulation 15.
Why this matters
A window without a functioning restrictor in a bedroom or lounge used by residents at fall risk is a Regulation 15 breach. CQC inspectors have noted unremediated window restrictor failures in reports leading to Warning Notices.
What to do
- 1Carry out a building-wide audit of all windows above ground floor that are accessible from resident areas.
- 2Confirm each window has a functioning restrictor limiting opening to 100mm test each one physically, do not rely on visual inspection alone.
- 3Log the audit with date, inspector, findings and any remediation actions, and repeat annually.
Primary source
HSE Falls from Windows: Prevention Guidance
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