quick release latches comment

THE PADLOCKED WINDOW BARS ARE TYPICAL OF SECURITY BARS. THERE "IS/IS NO" QUICK RELEASE LATCH.

Requirements for a Quick-Release Mechanism

According to the 2006 International Residential Code (IRC), basements and sleeping rooms should have at least one operable emergency

escape and rescue opening. Windows that are equipped with bars and which are intended for emergency egress should have a

quick-release mechanism installed. If a room’s egress requirements are already satisfied by another window or door, it is still helpful for

window bars to be equipped with a quick-release mechanism. Where window bars are installed in windows that are part of a building’s

means of egress, the IRC requires that they be equipped with a quick-release mechanism that complies with the following requirements:

·

It should be accessible from the inside of the house. Although not addressed by the IRC, the device should not be accessible from

outside the house if the window were to be broken.

·

It should not require a key or combination. Likely reasons for this requirement are as follows:

·

During an emergency, occupants may become too panicked or confused to remember the combination or where they

put the key.

·

Fire and smoke may prevent access to the key or obscure view of the lock.

·

Occupants may not know the combination or know where the key was placed.

·

It should not require any special tools, such as a screwdriver.

·

The mechanism should be able to be operated with relatively little force. Children and the elderly should be strong enough to

operate the release mechanism.

·

Operation of the mechanism should not require special knowledge.

Although beyond the scope of InterNACHI’s Standards of Practice, inspectors may want to test release mechanisms to make sure that they

comply with the IRC’s requirements. Even if the mechanism appears functional, it is possible that its ability to operate has become

compromised by rust, paint, or some other factor. Inspectors should call out any hindrances to the release mechanism’s functionality as a

safety defect.

In summary, window bars are valuable anti-burglary features in residences, but they should be able to be easily disengaged so occupants

are not trapped during an emergency