What's the best way to baby proof this window?

Cianos

Hi folks,
I'm looking to baby-proof this window, and hoping to do it in a non-permanent way (ie no drilling etc) because I'm renting. Unfortunately the handle doesn't have a lock. The handle turns clockwise to open.

Here are pics of the handle, any ideas would be great, thank you;

who the fug

Could you take that handle off and replace it with one that locks , just put the old handle back on when you leave

dathi

you are not allowed to put a locking handle on a bedroom window anymore as you must be able to open it in the case of a fire

red sean

My window locks are similar to what 'who the fug' posted except without the key. Just remove the key and leave it in the unlocked mode. Not easy for a small child to manage then.
I don't think it's possible to fully child-proof anything, the little gits are damn smart when they want to be!

Citizenpain

Is it possible to get a restrictor for the window? usually there are little studs on the frames so they can be fitted - will only allow window to be opened 2 inches

Cianos

Any restrictors that I've seen have to be drilled in. Really don't want to make any permanent changes at all if I can help it.

What if I did something like the below? Does anywhere just sell twistable pressure rods that you can mount in between any gap?

In the top pic the handle is going through a hole in the rod, and in the bottom the rod is fixed between the window frame and handle meaning you wouldn't be able to pull it clockwise without releasing the rod first.

red sean

Am I right in thinking this is similar to how stairway gates are fitted? I think they press against suction pads each side.
Probably too narrow for one of them, but maybe they're modifiable?

Cianos

red sean wrote: »

Am I right in thinking this is similar to how stairway gates are fitted? I think they press against suction pads each side.
Probably too narrow for one of them, but maybe they're modifiable?

The window space is actually too big for standard stairway gates :mad: If it wasn't I could just get one of them and throw it on. I've to do 2-3 windows so I don't really want to be spending 40 quid per window buying a stairgate, and then another stair gate for the actual stairs!

I'm hoping you can buy a generic tension rod (as I believe they're called) that would do the job handy enough.

red sean

I can understand where you're coming from.
See this link, I know it's USA but maybe available in Irish plumbing/bathroom shops as well:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Canopy-Stepped-White-Shower-Rod-White/14272048?action=product_interest&action_type=title&placement_id=irs_top&strategy=PWVAV&visitor_id=49999320044&category=0%3A4044%3A539095%3A1024880&client_guid=3eddfc04-0685-41d3-8648-e8273581e789&config_id=2&parent_item_id=16622977&guid=8b96d01a-f343-48b9-af0c-2684f50dabaf&bucket_id=000&findingMethod=p13n

Just spotted this: http://www.harrycorry.com/tension-rod-white
Strong enough to hold up the weight of a curtain.

Cianos

red sean wrote: »

I can understand where you're coming from.
See this link, I know it's USA but maybe available in Irish plumbing/bathroom shops as well:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Canopy-Stepped-White-Shower-Rod-White/14272048?action=product_interest&action_type=title&placement_id=irs_top&strategy=PWVAV&visitor_id=49999320044&category=0%3A4044%3A539095%3A1024880&client_guid=3eddfc04-0685-41d3-8648-e8273581e789&config_id=2&parent_item_id=16622977&guid=8b96d01a-f343-48b9-af0c-2684f50dabaf&bucket_id=000&findingMethod=p13n

Just spotted this: http://www.harrycorry.com/tension-rod-white
Strong enough to hold up the weight of a curtain.

Nice one, good range of sizes there. Will try them and hopefully it'll work.

red sean

Let us know if it works. Someone else may benefit too.

Al Capwned

I'd be very careful with physically blocking the window tbh.

I'd be looking for one of these if I was you.


Available to buy here.

Edit - Is that a tilt and turn window?

Cianos

No it's not a tilt and turn, it only swings opens horizontally.

I'm going to give the local Chadwicks a shout, they would have experience dealing with this development so hopefully they'll be able to make a recommendation.

Al Capwned

Ok.
I'd definitely recommend getting a restrictor designed for fire escape windows. Might be wrong but I'd be surprised if Chadwicks or any builders providers would stock them. Be more something that a window company would buy from a distributor.

slimjimmc

red sean wrote: »

I can understand where you're coming from.
See this link, I know it's USA but maybe available in Irish plumbing/bathroom shops as well:
http://www.walmart.com/ip/Canopy-Stepped-White-Shower-Rod-White/14272048?action=product_interest&action_type=title&placement_id=irs_top&strategy=PWVAV&visitor_id=49999320044&category=0%3A4044%3A539095%3A1024880&client_guid=3eddfc04-0685-41d3-8648-e8273581e789&config_id=2&parent_item_id=16622977&guid=8b96d01a-f343-48b9-af0c-2684f50dabaf&bucket_id=000&findingMethod=p13n

Just spotted this: http://www.harrycorry.com/tension-rod-white
Strong enough to hold up the weight of a curtain.

I reckon if the child is big enough to reach the windows handle and turn it up (clockwise) then it's big enough to pull down any tension bar/shower curtain rail that's not fixed solidly. Those rails are fine for a light curtain but they're not designed to resist the weight of a young child swinging off them (which he/she will invariably attempt).

Talk to the management company I bet you're not the first person with this problem so they might suggest a practical alternative.

mickdw

Id fit the locking handle.ive had this conversation with many clients. Parents general have a problem with this reg. All a child would need is a chair and they would be out.
Ive seen one guy fitted locks and placed keys in a break glass box at a high level.
Its hard to argue with really.

Al Capwned

I've read that fitting a locking handle to a window in a habitable room may invalidate insurance. In fairness there is a damn good reason why locking handles and padlocks etc should not be used.

Get the restrictor - they were designed for this purpose.

slimjimmc

Al Capwned wrote: »

I've read that fitting a locking handle to a window in a habitable room may invalidate insurance. In fairness there is a damn good reason why locking handles and padlocks etc should not be used.

Get the restrictor - they were designed for this purpose.

Source?



OP, you might be able to get compatible windows handles which are more difficult for a child to operate.

Something like this which needs 2 hands or this bush button one.

Stone Deaf 4evr

Ask your landlord to fit something, it's someting that'll cost deck all and he can tout it to future tenants as a positive.

Al Capwned

Yeah I knew that question was coming, but I cant remember where... Not sure if it was online or elsewhere. I'll see if I can find it.

Fact remains, the restrictor is designed for this purpose.

mickdw

Al Capwned wrote: »

Yeah I knew that question was coming, but I cant remember where... Not sure if it was online or elsewhere. I'll see if I can find it.

Fact remains, the restrictor is designed for this purpose.

Im not convinced by the restrictors. I know alot of people who struggle to release them in everyday situations. They wouldnt have a hope in a fire. That might sound silly but ive seen it.
It is also the type of mechanism that could do serious damage to a childs fingers if they got the access to the restricter.

hanloj1

Would you consider using them child safety locks you use on fridges? You can get them in mothercare. No drilling.

handleit

I can offer you the spring window restrictor in the picture, you should be able to fit it to your window as it is not a tilt and turn

There are other restrictors as well but these are screwed to the window frame and will leave screw holes when removed

email me if you wish

dodzy

dathi wrote: »

you are not allowed to put a locking handle on a bedroom window anymore as you must be able to open it in the case of a fire

Won't do you much good in this case considering the height of the apartment. OP wants to avoid drilling. Best option: MILA kilbarrack. Bring the existing lock with you (2 screws will release it) and get a like replacement with a key. Tie the key around the lock on a small chain. Job done.

JustAThought

+ 1 for speaking with landlord for permission to drill - I expect "management" company to be useless as usual.

Tbh -if the handle just pulls down to unlock & you are unwilling to forego the deposit for your child's safety I would be handing in my notice to move . It seems totally unsuited from a safety perspective for your evolved needs.

No child will survive a fall from that height without catastrophic injuries. You are only renting .

Cianos

Thanks very much for all the input on this.

In the end I just drilled in to the frame (with the landlords permission), and used the cable restrictor locks, which turned out to be much more expensive than I would have liked, but it's done now and I know they're safe for the little one.

On the point of fire safety, the cable restrictors themselves can be locked/unlocked with a key. Is it best to leave the key in it or not? I'd like to say there's a zero % chance that she'd ever reach the lock and key, but as others have said they can be crafty little feckers :eek: