Some of you might remember that I had baby proofers (Baby Bodyguard) come to our apartment and do a survey of our place. They suggested window guards.  I asked what Baby Bodyguards thought of the Guardian Angel window guards. The Angel guards have an emergency release so that someone doesn’t get trapped inside if the window doesn’t open completely. (You can see how it works in the photo to the left). As an answer to my inquiry, they wrote up an entire article and sent it to me. I think it is really helpful.

So, here it is:

Every now and then when the weather heats up, you hear on the news an awful story about a child falling out of an unguarded window. At Baby Bodyguards, one of the most common questions we receive is pertaining to window safety. The New York City law pertaining to window guards can be a bit confusing. I am going to break down Health Code Section 131.15 as best I can.
Health Code Section 131.15:
-Pertains only to owners of a building containing 3 or more apartments.
-These owners, must provide and properly install approved window guards on all windows.
-All windows also includes, first floor bathroom, windows leading onto a balcony or terrace and in each hallway window, if any, in such buildings.
-This applies in apartments where a child (or children) 10 years of age or younger reside .
Exceptions to this law:
- Windows that open onto fire escapes
- A window on the first floor that is a required secondary exit in a building in which there are fire escapes on the second floor and up.
NYC Approved Window Guards, What are they?
-Approved window guards are a minimum of 15 inches tall with horizontal bars spaced so that any round object which is 5 inches or bigger cannot pass through
-The Manufacturer’s approval number must be imprinted on a vertical stile of the guard. For example: HDWG # 07-94-65. The number must be listed on the Approved List of Manufacturers and Model Numbers, distributed by the Department of Health.
-Guards must be appropriate for the type of window in which they are installed: double hung, casement, slider, etc.
-A landlord or manager must produce a supporting letter from the Window Guard Policy and Acceptance Board if a variance is claimed as having been granted.
-NYC approved window guards, are not permitted to be removed and are nearly impossible to remove once they are installed.
Most of the questions Baby Bodyguards receives about window guards are from parents wanting to protect their children from windows accidents in their co-op, condo or house, where the NYC Window Guard Policy does not apply. In these situations we almost always recommend Guardian Angel Window Guards .
Guardian Angel Window Guards are removable, which is great in case of an emergency, or in order to install an air conditioner in the summer. They are also extremely durable, capable of withstanding 150 pounds of pressure. The Guardian Angel Company is so confident about the quality of their product that they offer a Lifetime Warranty. NYC approved window guards and Guardian Angel guards can be tricky to install depending on what material you are mounting them onto. As with any safety device, either window guard will only work if installed properly.
-Courtney
Baby Bodyguards
www.babybodyguards.com
718-332-0511

Related Posts:

1. 5 Things To Babyproof (June 4th, 2009)
2. Alternatives to Teflon (May 7th, 2009)
3. How To Prevent Scalding (March 19th, 2009)
4. Misconceptions About Child Safety (January 23rd, 2009)
5. New York Resources (October 22nd, 2008)