Window restrainers on 4th Floor apt windows are broken: are they fire exits

Carlow52

My neighbour owns a 4th floor apt and tenants have broken the restrainers on both windows.

Management company says cherry picker required to fix, neighbour wants to fit U shaped steel frame so that window can only open so far, window will open against it and no further. However it will not be removable, at least easily in a hurry

Is window a fire exit?

Any other observations thereon appreciated.

Thanks

Mellor

Can the restraints be fitted internally? I imagine not, but worth checking. Neighbours will need to give access.
Are there other windows or doors in the room? If there are, its likely that they can serve as the exits. So existing don't need to be escapable.

they may or may not be a requirement for the windows to be escape windows. But its best if the option is there imo

Poor Uncle Tom

The windows can't be classed as escape windows from the 4th floor. (just from memory)

braftery

Poor Uncle Tom wrote: »

The windows can't be classed as escape windows from the 4th floor. (just from memory)

Pretty sure tom is right here ... apratment buildings must have escape routes internally and must have fire proof doors to ensure they are safe.

There are lots of window restrictors on the market that can be bought off the shelf.

google "window restrictors"

here is the very first link that appears ...

http://www.handlesandhinges.co.uk/html/window_and_door_restrictors__s.html?gclid=CMzL77-A9qcCFVUS3wod7muEag

or you can go the cherry picker route ... not sure which will be the better value

sinnerboy

Escape or rescue is the term cited in TGDB.

It all depends on other factors such as travel distances to protected means of escape corridors and stairways. The windows may or may not form part of the means of escape.

Such windows must be fitted with restraints which limit the opening for everyday use BUT which must be easily disengaged by hand - no tools - in an emergency.

So without the Fire Safety Certificate Application documents to say if the windows are intended as means of escape or rescue one cannot answer the query.

And without access to the Safety File one cannot say if the Management company are being difficult - or diligent.

Perhaps you ( or your friend ) should seek access to these documents.

muffler

Poor Uncle Tom wrote: »

The windows can't be classed as escape windows from the 4th floor. (just from memory)

sinnerboy wrote: »

Escape or rescue is the term cited in TGDB.

Rescue would be applicable

archtech

If the building has been built since 1992 and a fire safety certificate granted for the building. (and built in accordance with it) I would be very confident in saying that the windows are not designed nor required for means of escape purposes, unless the floor is less than 4.5m above a flat roofed area or terrace. Generally speaking apartments are designed in accordance with BS 5588 Part 1 and the majority are designed to avoid the requirement to provide an alternative means of escape.

In light of the fact that the windows had restrainers in the first place, suggests that the windows were not used for means of escape anyway.

Carlow52

Thank you all very much for taking the time and effort with this one: much obliged indeed.
Will pursue along the suggested lines