Healthcare Sector
Checks urged for window safety measures
Health & Safety update 26/03/2012
The Department of Health (DoH) has issued new guidance on safety
features on windows in facilities that provide health and social
care for vulnerable people.
The new guidance – which is aimed at NHS Trusts, NHS Boards,
hospitals, public buildings, schools, care homes and other care
settings – was issued following a fatal incident in which window
side-stays, which had been fitted to prevent a window from opening,
failed.
The DoH has asked that all such side-stays in the relevant
facilities be checked for flaws and degrading.
“Certain types of side-stay window restrictors incorporate a
plastic spacer which, if allowed to deteriorate and crack may
result in separation of the retaining rivet and failure of the
restrictor,” the DoH statement read.
“Windows fitted with this type of side-stay restrictor should be
examined and where necessary remedial repairs and control measures
implemented.”
Jerry Hill, of Mentor Safety, Health and Environment, reiterated
the warning, stating that new checks of these measures were now
imperative.
“Any organisations who provide facilities for vulnerable people
should inspect any windows fitted with side-stays immediately and
document such checks,” he said. “They should also develop an
preventative maintenance programme to carry out periodic
inspections for damage of side-stay mechanism type window
restrictors.”
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