Window Restrictors

[timg]

Hi,

I am looking at this subject in relation to hotels and am looking for in particular any audit formats / risk assessment formats that have been used specifically to cover this issue - no need for generalised risk assessment forms just want anything anyone may have developed to cover falls from windows and use of window restrictors.

Many thanks.

[bernicarey]

Hi timg
Not sure I'm following what you're after.
In a Carlsberg moment (other beers are available), it's probably the simplest of Risk Assessment.

Hazard - Window opens to large enough aperture that child or other person could fall from window.
Solution - Fit restrictive device to window.

[timg]

Hi,

Thanks for that - made me smile!

Yes I suppose in truth you are quite correct.

Forget this post feel free to delete it!

Thanks!

[Messy]

Hi,

Thanks for that - made me smile!

Yes I suppose in truth you are quite correct.

Forget this post feel free to delete it!

Thanks!

Look at the wording under the heading of this page:

There is no such thing as a "stupid" or "daft" health and safety question!

I would suggest that it is stupid and daft NOT to ask a H&S question if you are not sure!

[bernicarey]

Hi timg

It's certainly not a 'Daft Question', as I said, I wasn't sure what you were after.

We get many questions asked where it made sense to the person writing it, but wasn't clear to those reading it.

Perhaps you were 'over thinking' the perceived hazard, perhaps you thought it was easy but didn't have the confidence in your own thoughts.
There can be a multitude of reasons why people ask questions, even the ones where they themselves later go 'Dohh, why didn't I think of that.'

In a hotel situation, I wouldn't even have this as a specific RA, it would just be part of the overall H&S Policy, a paragraph that say, something like:

Windows - The hotel will restrict the opening of all windows for safety and security reasons. This will prevent falls and also increase customers security.

If you have a particular issue about windows, please ask away.

[grim72]

Not a daft question - see link to HSE guidance: http://www.hse.gov.uk/healthservices/falls-windows.htm and http://www.hse.gov.uk/pubns/hsis5.pdf Although this is related to health care you could easily migrate many of the points to a hotel where children may be a concern.

Of course fitting restrictors is one thing - ensuring they are in good working condition is another - as per this case which resulted in a £400k fine, so I'd suggest regular checks of restrictors might also be worth considering once they have been installed?

http://news.bbc.co.uk/1/hi/scotland/4407978.stm