Window safety systems - discreet and reliable 'bodyguards'

Hazardous zones with automatic windows © GEZE GmbH

Windows are popular entry points for burglars. The term ‘window safety’ is therefore understood to mean mechanical theft protection. It is designed to make breaking in from the outside more difficult or impossible. But people often forget: windows also pose other risks. They may, for example, spring open in windy conditions or drop down during cleaning, thus causing injury. And what happens if someone leans out of a window, and it automatically begins to close? Or if a child puts their finger on the closing edge? ‘Window safety systems’ are designed to protect against such serious injuries.

Potential hazards of automatic windows

• Automatic opening or closing may jam/crush limbs, or cause impact
• Component failure such as a window leaf falling/collapsing

Window safety applies to both manually-operated and electric windows.

Power-operated or automated windows are machines as defined in the European Machinery Directive MRL 2006/42/EC. In the European Union, this covers a standardised level of protection for machines to prevent accidents. The objective is to “ensure the safety and health of people, particularly of employees and users, and also of pets and objects if necessary, particularly with regard to handling machinery”. The Machinery Directive is implemented in Germany via the Product Safety Act (ProdSG) and the Machinery Ordinance (9. ProdSV) that is based on it.

Product standards for windows

Additional safety features which protect users of windows and doors against hazards arising from improper operation, use, or system failure are covered in the EN 14351-1 product standard for windows. Gripping and cleaning scissor stays or safety scissors, dogging mechanisms and opening restrictors are mechanical components that are suitable for preventing accidents and dangers.

Power-operated windows also fall within the scope of product standard EN 14351-1. EN 60335-2-103 applies to the safety of electric drives in use.

Risk assessment and determining protection ratings

A risk assessment must be performed during building planning to determine the risk potential of a motor-driven window, and to implement appropriate safeguard in responses. The installer of the window performs the assessment in compliance with the Machinery Directive, and based on:

• Installation situation
  Windows where the lower edge of the leaf is at least 2.5 m above the floor or that have a reveal do not require further protection. Freely accessible windows where the lower edge of the leaf has a clearance of less than 2.5 m from the floor are at greater risk, and a risk analysis must be carried out.
• Type of room use
  Offices, living areas, kindergartens, schools, or hospitals are assessed differently. After all, children requiring protection are considerably less aware of the risks than a user group that is fully familiar with the equipment.
• Controls/operation
  An automated and centrally controlled window, such as via rain-wind controls or a building management system, are considered to be more dangerous compared to a manually operated window with key switch and visual contact with the window.

The installer’s assessment results in the required protection rating. and the appropriate measures to be implemented:

Window safety via a laser scanner sensor

Automatic windows can practically be controlled by rain-wind controls or a building management system without visual contact. Automatic operation means, however, that there is a risk of people being injured on the window edges. These windows can be secured via sensors in specific installation situations and depending on the window type and the structural circumstances. Sensors - either light curtains or laser scanners - enable large-scale protection of individual windows or several windows. If windows are operated automatically, a safety switching device reliably switches off the drive. The different sensor solutions can be integrated unobtrusively into façades, ceiling or frame elements.