There are dozens of constructions and aluminum frames (aluminum systems) that can be dangerous, especially for small children. Let’s look at some cases and how we can protect ourselves from accidents with aluminum doors and windows. Accidents can occur due to dangerous windows because of their construction. See how to avoid accidents with doors and windows, and don’t forget that most accidents with doors and windows happen to children.
Vertical motion screen disengagement – the most common accident
The most common accident with balcony doors occurs with vertical motion screens. Often due to carelessness, usually small children, the elderly, or even pets do not see that the screen is lowered. They try to pass through, which results in the screen disengaging. The screen disengages from the bottom and rises upwards at high speed, dangerously. Several times, this causes blows to the face or other parts of the body, often serious. The solution is screen brakes. They are installed in the screen mechanism and reduce the upward speed during disengagement, making it completely harmless. The cost of screen brakes is much lower than the cost of an accident.
Large glass surfaces – the most dangerous accident
The most dangerous accident with aluminum frames, mainly affecting small children, involves large glass panes. Large glass panes should be thick enough not to break easily. They should be able to withstand an impact, e.g., a hit from a small bicycle or an accidental fall (stumbling – dizziness) onto the glass pane.
Otherwise, the glass will break into large pieces and will be very dangerous for anyone nearby; it can even cost a life. In these cases, especially if there are children in the house, the use of Triplex glass panes is recommended. They are installed on the inside of the house and not on the outside, as is customary. This way, in case of impact, they do not shatter and protect us. Alternatively, the use of tempered (securit) glass panes is advisable, which, in case of breakage, shatter into small, harmless pieces (Accidents with aluminum doors and windows).
Sharp corners (edges) of windows
In all aluminum frames, the corners of the opening sashes are sharp. If the window is at a great height or placed above a bed, there is a risk of accident. When the sash is open, we can hit our head or another part of our body. To avoid this problem, we use plastic caps on the edges of the frames to prevent accidents.
Falling due to protruding guides at the bottom of balcony doors
When replacing old aluminum frames with sliding recessed frames, the following problem usually arises: the new guides of the sliding frames are taller – higher than the old ones. This unevenness creates a small obstacle at the bottom.
The “new step” is not very visible and forces us to slightly lift our foot. Thus, there is a risk of stumbling when passing through a sliding balcony door. We use guide covers to mitigate the height difference and make it no longer dangerous.
Fall from a great height
An aluminum frame that overlooks a void (without a balcony) is a very dangerous trap for small children. To control their use, we can install handles with keys. These specific handles prevent the use of the frame (unless unlocked) while allowing us to keep the frame in the tilt position.
Accidents with doors and windows with electric shutters
Electric shutters are divided into categories. One of these is controlled torque shutters. Electric motors for controlled torque or obstacle detection shutters stop the operation of the shutter during the up-down movement. This happens if the shutter encounters an obstacle (e.g., an object or even a human limb).
Often, electric shutters become a source of play for small children, resulting in their damage. Controlled torque shutter motors protect us from these dangers. It is essential to rule out the possibility of the electric shutter ‘catching’ a human limb and injuring it.
Entrance doors and return mechanisms
Most entrance doors, especially in apartment buildings, have a return mechanism. The return mechanism closes the door automatically, without needing to push it. If the mechanism is not properly adjusted or is faulty, there is a risk. If the mechanism is not properly adjusted, it can close at high speed, leading to injury. The correct adjustment of the return mechanism (slow closing of the door) is protection against such accidents. Low-cost, poor-quality, and incorrectly adjusted mechanisms can lead to accidents with doors and windows.
Guillotine-type frames without springs
Guillotine-type (sliding-sash) frames are aluminum frames whose sashes move on a vertical axis (up – down). Their sashes are stabilized by the use of special springs that prevent their unintentional release.
Often, instead of these frames, superimposed frames are used, which are installed upside down, and the stabilization of the sashes is done using pins! These types of frames are very dangerous, as if disengaged, they can cause fatal injury that could cost our lives. Do you know that their use is prohibited because they are manufactured without any testing or certification (patents)!! Patents often become a source of accidents with doors and windows.
Locks that are not damaged by misuse
A common damage to sliding frames is the destruction of the frame’s lock. This happens if we close the balcony door abruptly or with the handle down. This is avoided by using locks that are not damaged. Thus, no matter how we close the frame sash, it does not break thanks to the special springs they have.
If we pay attention to all the above, we significantly reduce the possibility of accidents with doors and windows.
