Fire exit windows with locks?

[Guest henryK]

I would appreciate some advice or a recommendation as to where I can get further assistance. My insurance company is insisting that all ground floor windows have key operated locks. We have double glazed windows fitted approx 3 years ago and they have said that they do not supply key operated locks for fire safety reasons, ie. fire exit. Who is correct?
Thanks

[Tom Sutton]

Download Approved Document B - Fire Safety: Volume 1 - Dwellinghouses and check the bottom of page 17 which now shows locks on escape window are acceptable.

[Tom Sutton]

The ADB clearly accepts locks and child stays on escape windows in domestic premises which I think is acceptable. In non domestic premises keys usually in glass fronted boxes are a strict no. no because of the number of people involved, the wrong key in the box or covered in metal foil which is likely to create serious problems.

In domestic premises they would be of last resort and the keys are most likely to be in the lock, number of people will be small and the head of the household is likely to ensure the windows are available, for normal use if nothing else. Reliable fire detectors should ensure the principle MoE will be available if needed, so escape windows are a last resort but still necessary.

[Guest LizMa]

I work for a fostering agency and we have foster carers who have a fire window fitted in one of the bedrooms where a child sleeps. Are they able to put locks or restrictors on such windows as the child has been threatening to jump out of his window so we need to safeguard him and somehow prevent the windows from opening but so they are still easily accessible in the event of a fire. Please can you advise. Thanks

 

[Tom Sutton]

You can fit locks and stays on emergency access windows check out 2.8 Approved Document B (fire safety) volume 1: dwellinghouses page 17. 

[Guest Tracey]

I had windows fitted approx, 10m ago in an upstairs childs bedroom. The night locks didn't fit and work properly and we were told that according to fire regulations they are not allowed to fit windows with a night catch lock any more. Anyone heard anything about this? Wondering if I've been given wrong information.

[Tom Sutton]

It should read,

Check out Main changes in volume 1 of Approved Document B (Fire Safety) intro page.

It allows locks and child resistant safety stays may be provided on escape windows.

Approved Document B (fire safety) volume 1: Dwellinghouses    

[Guest Michael]

On 09/03/2017 at 17:47, Tom Sutton said:

It should read,

Check out Main changes in volume 1 of Approved Document B (Fire Safety) intro page.

It allows locks and child resistant safety stays may be provided on escape windows.

Approved Document B (fire safety) volume 1: Dwellinghouses    

Does this include flats? 

 

Thanks

[Tom Sutton]

The same applies to Approved Document B (fire Safety) volume 2: Premises other than Dwelling Houses look up the section, "main changes in the 2006 edition".

[Guest Col]

How can it be right that we can fit locks an district order to fire escape windows upstairs in a dwelling house but the maximum height of 1100mm is critical and can’t be any higher seems like madness to me if the windows locked I don’t get out if it’s 20mm to high breaks building regs but I get out alive 

[Tom Sutton]

If you have a lock with a removable key then it should be available for use if required, mine I keep in the lock. I would imagine the height is based on what is considered a high window cill (bathroom for instant) but once set, do you allow a tolerance, which ADB doesn't, then it is left up to the enforcing officer and some, I am afraid, are code huggers.

[Guest KGasson]

In the 2019 edition volume 1 2.10, c permits locks and opening stays to be fitted to escape windows

[Guest Joyce Lawson]

We bought a new built house in 2018. One upstairs fire safety window lock has stuck on locked, and cannot be opened.

Does the builder still have a responsibility to repair this?

[Tom Sutton]

That is between you and the building contractor or who sold the house.