Window and Balcony Safety Guide: A Must-Read for Parents of High-Rise Apartments

Main text

In a densely populated city like Hong Kong, many families live in high-rise apartments. While windows and balconies offer great views and natural light for families with young children or active kids, they can also pose risks of falls, falling objects, or trapped hands. Below is a safety guide for windows and balconies in Hong Kong's high-rise residential buildings , helping parents implement safety measures related to layout, equipment, habits, and supervision.

1. Why are windows and balconies in high-rise buildings at higher risk?

• Many buildings in Hong Kong are constructed in windy and typhoon-prone environments. If window frames, glass, and railings are not properly maintained, they may become loose or fall off. For example, a 56-year-old woman fell to her death while cleaning windows in a high-rise building in Hong Kong.

• Because of the small living space, children may have easier access to window cushions or furniture and be able to climb to the window or balcony edge.

• According to the Buildings Department, if a building encloses its balcony or terrace to create an "enclosed balcony," the windows used must also be included in the "Mandatory Window Inspection Scheme (MWIS)."

2. Window safety: Items parents need to pay attention to.

2.1 Window Inspection and Maintenance

• Peeling paint, loose frames, and cracked glass in windows of high-rise residential buildings are all potential hazards. It is recommended to hire qualified professionals to conduct regular inspections. According to MWIS, buildings older than ten years are eligible for inspection.

• Check whether the window's sliding rails/hinges are smooth, whether they can be easily pushed by a child, and whether they have window bars or other restrictive devices.

2.2 Install child fall protection devices

• Consider installing a window restrictor to limit the opening to 10–12 centimeters to prevent children from climbing and falling.

• If the window faces the edge of the roof or a strong wind direction, ensure that the window frame locks are in good condition and lock them when not in use.

2.3 Avoid climbing near windows/piling furniture

• Do not place furniture (such as bookshelves, sofas, and stools) near windows to encourage children to climb.

• Teach children that "the window is not a place to play".

2.4 Safety of exterior windows/cleaning workers

• In Hong Kong, there have been several incidents of falls during exterior wall cleaning/window washing. Parents should also ensure that their domestic helpers or cleaning staff do not stand on windowsills or extend out of windows to clean, unless there are guardrails or safety devices in place.

3. Balcony Safety: Key Protective Measures

3.1 Guardrails and Fall Prevention Devices

• The height, sturdiness, and gap width of balcony railings are all very important. Children could easily slip through gaps or climb over the railings. Based on overseas recommendations, balcony railings should be at least approximately 1 meter high.

• Installing safety nets and child safety devices can effectively reduce accidents. There are also professional companies in Hong Kong that provide balcony safety net services.

3.2 Prevent objects from falling from heights.

• Balconies are often used for drying clothes, placing potted plants, or small furniture. If any items piled up there are blown away by the wind, they could not only endanger children in the home but also injure people below. Overseas recommendations specifically address this risk.

3.3 Door and Window Connections and Ventilation Safety

• If a balcony has enclosed windows or side-opening windows, it is essential to ensure that ventilation and safety access meet building requirements. According to the Architectural Services Department, balconies or terraces with enclosed windows are still subject to inspection.

3.4 Strengthen protection during strong winds/typhoons

• Hong Kong is frequently hit by typhoons, and items on balconies are easily blown away or down by the wind. It is recommended to move lightweight items indoors or lock them in place during storms.

4. Supervision, Habits, and Layout Suggestions

• Parents should establish rules such as "children should not enter the window/balcony alone" and an adult should be present to supervise when children use the balcony or window.

• Avoid placing children near windows or balconies to play, eat snacks, or enjoy the view, as an accidental slip or climb could cause a fall.

• Furniture should be placed away from windows or balcony railings, and it is recommended to use fixed furniture to prevent it from being blown by the wind.

• When moving or renting a house, check the safety of the windows and balcony railings, including whether the railings are sturdy, whether the windows have cracks, and whether the locks are working properly.

• Check with the building management or owners' office to see if the building has completed the legal procedures for window inspections (such as MWIS) or balcony modifications.

5. Special Reminder Regarding Hong Kong Specific Circumstances

• Many residential units in Hong Kong are high-rise buildings with limited space, and balconies are often used for drying clothes and storing miscellaneous items. Parents should remind themselves and their children to identify the risks "beyond drying clothes".

• Units in older buildings may have windows or railings that are not as well-maintained as those in newer buildings; repair or renovation records should be obtained from the estate management office. The Architectural Services Department points out that many window inspection notices remain unprocessed for a long time.

• In Hong Kong, the situation of renting a house or living in a house with co-owners is complicated. Parents should coordinate with the landlord/owners corporation/management office to ensure that the safety devices on windows and balconies are legal and effective.

Conclusion

For families living in high-rise apartments in Hong Kong, windows and balconies are not only spaces for enjoying views and ventilation, but also potential safety risks. By focusing on aspects such as "equipment checks," "fall protection railings," "supervision habits," and "furniture arrangement," home safety can be effectively improved. We hope this guide will help you create a safer and more secure living environment for your children in your Hong Kong home.

Thank you for reading! If you found this article interesting or helpful, please register on our website : https://hksafekids.com/pages/contact Get special offers and exclusive content. Don't forget to follow us on social media and stay connected:

YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@HKSafeKids

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/HKSafeKids/

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hksafekids