Child safety – falls from windows

Category: Home Safety / Regulations
Reading Time: 6 Minutes

The figures speak for themselves. According to the Royal Society for the Prevention of Accidents (ROSPA), falls from windows are a significant risk to young children, especially during the summer months when windows are left open for ventilation.

But it’s not just about children. The Health and Safety Executive (HSE) highlights increasing risks for vulnerable adults, particularly in care settings. Whether you are a parent, a landlord, or a care home manager, securing your windows is a legal and moral priority.

1. How to Childproof Your Windows

The most effective way to prevent accidents is to install restrictors. These devices limit how far a window can open, preventing a child from falling out while still letting fresh air in.

Critically, modern restrictors are built to withstand significant force. A high-quality restrictor is tested to hold against forces of 500N (approx 50kg) or more. This means even if a child stumbles and falls against the window, the restrictor will hold the sash firmly in place.

Cable restrictors are strong, visible, and can be retrofitted to almost any window type.

2. Cable vs. Integral: Which is Best?

There are two main types of restrictors available. Which one you choose depends on whether you are fitting new windows or securing existing ones.

3. The 100mm Rule & Regulations

Why do restrictors stop at 10cm? This comes from Building Regulations aimed at preventing falls.

The rule of thumb (often cited in Approved Document K regarding protection from falling) is that a sphere of 100mm diameter should not be able to pass through any gap. This represents the size of a small child’s head. If the head can’t pass through, the body won’t follow.

4. Safety in Care Settings

At KJM Group, we work extensively with commercial clients, including care homes and hospitals. In these environments, the risks are higher due to vulnerable adults who may be confused or at risk of self-harm.

For these settings, standard domestic restrictors may not be enough. We supply heavy-duty commercial restrictors that:

• Can withstand aggressive force (far exceeding 50kg).
• Are “Tamper Proof” (cannot be released without a specialist tool held only by staff).
• Are permanently fixed to the reinforcement inside the window profile.

If you manage a care facility in Hampshire, contact our commercial team for a safety audit.

5. Security vs. Fire Escape

This is the most common concern: “If I restrict my windows, how do I escape in a fire?”

This is why we never recommend permanently screwing windows shut. Modern restrictors are designed to be releasable for emergency egress.

• Key Release: Keep the key nearby (in a known place, but out of reach of children) so an adult can unlock the cable in an emergency.
• Push-to-Release: Some integral hinges have a “press and slide” release mechanism intended for adult use during emergencies.

6. Frequently Asked Questions