AskCodeMan

what is it mean "shall be easily openable" ?

Hi Chris,

Chris wrote:what is it mean "shall be easily openable" ?

That is like asking how fast is fast ... when there is no definition of "fast".

The best answer, in relation to opening EERO (Emergency Escape and Rescue Opening) windows, would be "Can the window be opened easily by the average adult." If the window is hard to open, or difficult to open for whatever reason, then the answer would be that particular window does not meet the "shall be easily openable" requirement.

If the window requires extra effort to be opened, then an average adult 'might not be able to' open the window.

Yes, the window lock should not be higher than 44 inches above the floor to allow for access by children, however, the sizing of the opening and maximum sill height above the floor is based on the average adult being able to escape from inside, and from a fully equipped firefighter being able to affect a rescue from the outside.

Hi Chris,

While I still have not been able to get the specifics of what constitutes "easily openable" from an industry standards point, I did received back somewhat of an answer from PGT windows in the form of a NOA (Notice of Acceptance) from Miami-Dade County.

That NOA states, among many other things:
- Operating Force - Opening - 6 pounds - Passed
- Operating Force - Closing - 5 pounds - Passed

While that does not give an upper limit on the force allowed to open or close a window, that does give an idea of what passes. After receiving that NOA I called PGT to ask about those operating limits, such as would be required for impact windows, which are harder to operate - the answer was 'Yes, impact windows are harder to operate but still meet any requirements.'

Pretty much of a non-answer answer from PGT, but I have not received any replies back from anyone else.

I guess the answer would come out in court when a manufacturer was being sued because of loss of life due to their window not being able to be opened and a person died in the room. Along with the answer to the force required to open an emergency escape and rescue opening window would come many $$$ from the manufacturer to the surviving heirs.