Can I fit security grilles to bedroom windows and still escape in a fire?

Which windows are escape windows?

In England, Approved Document B expects many habitable rooms in houses, particularly first-floor rooms and some ground-floor rooms, to have an emergency escape window. The guidance sets an unobstructed opening of at least 0.33 m², at least 450 mm high and 450 mm wide, with the bottom of the opening no more than 1,100 mm above the floor. Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland each have their own building standards guidance with comparable aims.

If you are not sure whether a window is an escape window, treat any upstairs bedroom window, loft-room window or ground-floor room that does not open onto a hall leading to an exit as one.

What is a quick-release grille?

It is a retractable grille whose lock has a lever or push release on the inside face. One movement unlatches it and the grille slides open. The release is positioned so it should not be reachable from outside. It gives the security of a grille with the escape function of the window intact.

What should I check before fitting?

• The release can be found and used in the dark by every adult in the home
• The folded grille does not reduce the window's clear opening
• Nobody outside can reach the release through the lattice
• Young children's rooms: discuss the release position
• Releases are tested at every service

What if I rent my home or let a property?

Landlords must keep escape routes usable for tenants. In England, the Housing Health and Safety Rating System covers fire hazards; Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland have their own fitness and repairing standards. A grille over a tenant's escape window should always have a keyless internal release.

Can an existing key-only grille be converted?

Often, yes, by fitting a lock with a keyless internal release. We check the grille first to confirm it is suitable.

Sources

• Approved Document B: fire safety (GOV.UK)
• Building standards (Scottish Government)
• Building regulations guidance (Welsh Government)
• Building control (nidirect)
• Housing Health and Safety Rating System guidance (GOV.UK)

This guide is general information, not legal advice. Rules differ between England, Wales, Scotland and Northern Ireland; check with your council, building control or insurer where it matters.

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