Window Safety Week | Roto North America

Throughout this week the Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council strives to give parents and caregivers an understanding of how windows can be used to escape a fire or other emergency situations and to learn about safeguarding against accidental window falls.

The Window Safety Task Force of the National Safety Council includes members representing the American Architectural Manufacturers Association (AAMA), the Window & Door Manufacturers Association (WDMA) and the Screen Manufacturers Association (SMA) in cooperation with the National Association of Home Builders (NAHB) and other organizations.

Chris Griffin, Roto Frank of America’s Research & Development Engineer and Roto’s representative on the Window Safety Task Force said, “The task force provides important information on how effective window safety practices and hardware can help significantly reduce the amount of window-fall related injuries, especially among children.”

Open windows can be dangerous for young children if they are not properly supervised. While most windows have insect screens, they are designed to keep insects out, not children in. Insect screens cannot support a child’s weight to prevent them from falling out the window.

This is why installing Window Opening Control Devices (WOCDs) is very important as a fall prevention measure. Check the manufacturer’s product information to make sure such devices or guards comply with ASTM F2090.

ASTM F2090-compliant window opening control devices (WOCDs) and guards can help prevent a child’s fall by limiting how far the window can open but are also equipped with release devices to allow for escape in case of an emergency.

Roto is the exclusive North American distributor of the Angel Ventlock, a WOCD. Angel Ventlocks (AVLs) can be both low-cost and incredibly effective without detracting from the appearance and function of the window. There are various forms of the Angel Ventlock; face-mounted, side-mounted, and mini versions that can be used in vinyl, wood, and aluminum frames.