Window Restrictors in Our Housing

Window restrictors are safety devices that limit how far a window can open, typically to about 10cm (4 inches), to prevent accidental falls from height. Most university accommodation dwellings above the ground floor in the UK are required to have them fitted to rooms above the ground floor to prevent tragic falls, and this is also part of Blackfriars’ obligations under the Universities UK Accommodation Code of Practice.

We appreciate that these restrictors can become an inconvenience, especially in hot weather, but you must not open or tamper with them as this is a disciplinary offence – they are an important requirement that we have an obligation to maintain to keep everyone safe from falls.  If the restrictors in your room are damaged or missing, please contact the Bursary (bursary@bfriars.ox.ac.uk).  Please note that we inspect our windows termly for any evidence of tampering.

If window restrictors are causing problems for you, particularly in hot weather, please contact us as early on as you can to discuss options available for how we can help you.

Ready our detailed policy on window restrictors linked here.