Recently we distributed Bulletin #2012-04 "Optional Sash Limiters." The offering announced in the bulletin is in direct response to the recent window fall protection requirement changes added in the 2009 version of the International Residential Code (IRC).
The 2009 IRC now provides that window fall prevention devices must be used whenever the floor is 6 feet or higher above finish grade and the window sill of a venting unit is 24 or fewer inches from the floor if the vent opening can extend far enough to allow a 4" sphere pass through any part of the opening.
The American Society of Testing and Materials (ASTM) has developed standard ASTM F2090-10 that includes 3 types of fall prevention device options:
- Window guards
- Fall protection screens
- Window Opening Control Devices (WOCD's)
This ASTM standard states that all fall protection devices must meet any and all egress and rescue requirements of the applicable building code.
Since this IRC code is relatively new and many code bodies choose to edit or develop their own language, the requirements for meeting F2090 may vary significantly from code body to code body until a streamlined standard is adopted. Similar to egress codes, we feel that eventually most code enforcement bodies will adopt similar standards for fall protection devices; providing device manufacturers some needed guidance on requirements and window manufacturers assurance that factory applied options should meet most local codes. In the meantime, we are offering our fall protection devices after-market accessories for field application so that customers can ensure that they are installed per local code requirements.
As the market needs for fall protection devices standardize, we look forward to providing many more features and options for Sash Limiters that can qualify as Window Opening Control Devices per ASTM F2090-10, such as factory applied, better aesthetics and more finish options.
