Window security bars

[Edward OConor]

I have been unable to locate any information for an FHA requirement for safety window bars safety (quick release) latches.

Can someone point me to the sect/paragraph that references their need. The City of New York does not have any regulations regarding them for 1 to 4 family units. Apparently it does not consider them to be a hazard.

The fire department quipped "We just pull them off."

 

[HF Mudd]

NYC Fire codes require Q/R window Bars; they even have a list of approved models for window gates for fire escapes.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/pdf/fi...08_amended_ll37_41_64_2009_final_complete.pdf

Page 184:

1025.4 Operational constraints. Emergency escape and rescue openings and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, as that term is defined in the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with the requirements of the construction codes, including the Building Code and the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, and such devices are releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening, window or other opening.

1025.5 Certificate of approval. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, shall be of a type for which a certificate of approval has been issued in accordance with this code.

...

1027.5 Existing window gates and other restrictions. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices installed on windows and other openings onto fire escapes prior to the effective date of this code shall be in accordance with the applicable laws, rules and regulations in effect at the time of installation, and Section 1025.4.

 

[Wm. Hattaway]

The fire department quipped "We just pull them off."

You could be dead before the Fire Dept got there.

 

[Mountain Man]

You could be dead before the Fire Dept got there.

Some are, have been there/done that. But if there is a chance for a rescue, window bars won't hold up against the Halligan Tool. In my past days as a firefighter we practiced ripping them off old buildings.

 

[Edward OConor]

NYC Fire codes require Q/R window Bars; they even have a list of approved models for window gates for fire escapes.

http://www.nyc.gov/html/fdny/pdf/fi...08_amended_ll37_41_64_2009_final_complete.pdf

Page 184:

1025.4 Operational constraints. Emergency escape and rescue openings and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, as that term is defined in the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with the requirements of the construction codes, including the Building Code and the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, and such devices are releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening, window or other opening.

1025.5 Certificate of approval. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, shall be of a type for which a certificate of approval has been issued in accordance with this code.

...

1027.5 Existing window gates and other restrictions. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices installed on windows and other openings onto fire escapes prior to the effective date of this code shall be in accordance with the applicable laws, rules and regulations in effect at the time of installation, and Section 1025.4.

It is my understanding that the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law does not apply to 1-4 fam units only "Apartment" (coops, condos etc.) buildings.

The lender has stated that ""quick release" is an FHA requirement". I have not been able to verify this statement.

 

[Wm. Hattaway]

Handbook 4150.2 D-25 1/06

Bedroom windows with security bars require a quick release mechanism for emergency egress. If not so equipped or inoperable, condition the appraisal on a "required repair".

 

[Don Clark]

Handbook 4150.2 D-25 1/06

Bedroom windows with security bars require a quick release mechanism for emergency egress. If not so equipped or inoperable, condition the appraisal on a "required repair".

Try this:

[url]http://portal.HUD.gov/hudportal/documents/huddoc?id=DOC_14652.pdf[/URL]

Therin lies all the answers.

 

[HF Mudd]

It is my understanding that the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law does not apply to 1-4 fam units only "Apartment" (coops, condos etc.) buildings.

The lender has stated that ""quick release" is an FHA requirement". I have not been able to verify this statement.

Any building with 3 or more units is considered an apartment building. 3 and 4 unit buildings are required to have either a fire escape or sprinkler system.

 

[Daystar]

Health and Safety

It is my understanding that the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law does not apply to 1-4 fam units only "Apartment" (coops, condos etc.) buildings.

The lender has stated that ""quick release" is an FHA requirement". I have not been able to verify this statement.

Health and Safety.. In my opinion, if no quick release latches they have to come off.

NEW YORK CITY ADMINISTRATIVE CODE
TITLE 29 NEW YORK CITY FIRE CODE

1025.4 Operational constraints. Emergency escape and rescue openings and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, as that term is defined in the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, shall be operational from the inside of the room without the use of keys or tools. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices are permitted to be placed over emergency escape and rescue openings and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, provided the minimum net clear opening size complies with the requirements of the construction codes, including the Building Code and the New York State Multiple Dwelling Law, and such devices are releasable or removable from the inside without the use of a key, tool or force greater than that which is required for normal operation of the escape and rescue opening, window or other opening. 185 1025.5 Certificate of approval. Bars, grilles, grates or similar devices placed over emergency escape and rescue openings, and windows or other openings onto fire escapes, shall be of a type for which a certificate of approval has been issued in accordance with this code.

 

[incognito]

NYC Fire codes require Q/R window Bars; they even have a list of approved models for window gates for fire escapes.

I have written this so many times I wonder if it ever sinks in. FHA DOES NOT REQUIRE CODE COMPLIANCE.....


However, as HF and Don stated, FHA does have clear guidance on security bars...