Windows safety

Windows are constantly exposed to weather elements like wind and rain. Over time, windows may hence deteriorate due to daily wear and tear. As such, regular maintenance of windows is essential for safety.

Window maintenance resources for homeowners

Homeowners can easily maintain their windows by following these three steps: check, clean, change:

The following video can also be helpful for understanding window maintenance and safety awareness:

If you are not confident of checking your own windows, you can always engage an approved window contractor to help with the inspection:

• BCA’s list of approved window contractors

• HDB owners—to refer to HDB’s list of approved window contractors

Installing and retrofitting windows

If your windows need to be replaced after the inspection, you will need to engage an approved window contractor, and a trained window installer to install or retrofit your windows. 

An approved window contractor is a company or firm registered with the BCA Contractors Registry under the regulatory workhead RW01.

The installation of windows can also be carried out by a builder. A builder is a company or firm registered with the BCA Contractors Registry under the general builder workhead GB1 or GB2.

Replacement and reinstatement of safety barriers integrated with a window

Some homeowners may need to replace or reinstate windows that are integrated with a safety barrier. For examples, see the photos below:

A safety barrier integrated with a window refers to a barrier:

• That is put in place to prevent a person from falling from height where there is a vertical drop of 1,000 millimeters or more; and

• That is integrated with a window

Homeowners must hire a Professional Engineer to design and submit structural plans to BCA when replacing or reinstating safety barriers with window work.

However, to save time and costs, owners can adopt Standardised Designs (available under Annex B of the Approved Document [PDF, 5.1 MB]) for replacing or reinstating safety barriers integrated with windows.

By using these standardised designs, the work is considered “insignificant building works”. In this case, building owners will not need to hire a Professional Engineer, or obtain plan approval and a permit from the Commissioner of Building Control. However, building owners must still hire an approved window contractor or a builder with a trained window installer [PDF, 143 KB] to carry out the work.

Window installation resources for trained window installers

Window installation and retrofitting requirements

Retrofitting works

Retrofitting works must be carried out by Approved window contractors/builder and trained window installers. To do so, they should replace all aluminium rivets at the variable geometry stays with type 304 stainless steel rivets complying with BS EN 10088 or equivalent. If contractors find casement windows with aluminium rivets, they should report them to the BCA.

Replacement or reinstatement of safety barrier integrated with a window

The replacement or reinstatement of safety barrier(s) integrated with ¾ height or full height window(s) in existing residential buildings based on the following:

• For or in connection with the replacement or reinstatement of a railing, balustrade, or similar barrier constructed of any material other than non-laminated glass, using the same material, design and fixing details; or

• In accordance with the Standardised Designs as stated in Annex C of the Approved Document [PDF, 5.1 MB].

These activities must be carried out by approved window contractor, or a builder, together with Trained Window Installers. The Trained Window Installers should have completed the course “Module on replacement and reinstatement of safety barriers integrated with windows”. See “Registering to Be an Approved Window Contractor & Installer” below for more information on the courses.

Retrofitting/Rectification/Replacement/Reinstatement report

After the completion of retrofitting/rectification/replacement/reinstatement works, approved window contractors must fill, sign, and pass the relevant report (see below) to the homeowners or building owner. 

Trainings for trained window installer

You can sign up for the “Safety of Windows” and “Replacement and Reinstatement of Safety Barriers Integrated with Windows” courses with Singapore Engineering & Construction Pte Ltd (SEC). Contact SEC via email at training@singaporepiling.com.sg or by phone at 6235 6652 / 6235 6492 for more details.