In an emergency situation, a firm blow to the centre of the sash disengages this mechanism allowing full egress. The stay is simply reset by closing the window to re-engage this mechanism.

Q: At present what are the requirements laid down by the Buildings Regulations concerning egress windows?

A: The window should have an unobstructed openable area that is at least 0.33m2 and at least 450mm high and 450mm wide (the route through the window may be at an angle rather than straight through). The bottom of the opening area should not be more than 1100mm above the floor.

Q: How can I make an egress window easily identifiable?

A: Cotswold produces a range of egress stays, some of which have plastic components, coloured Fire Escape Green.  (BS5378 Part 1 colours).

Q: Will the SPE350 hinge be OK to use on a 690mm x 1200mm window?

A: Provided the window is within the 21kg maximum loading of the stay, yes. Windows exceeding this upper limit may, however, be subject to sagging; fitting a riser block to the window may help.

• Cotswold's escape stays are manufactured as a security stay to enable suitable profiles to meet BS7950 1987.
• Includes easy clean facility meeting BS8213 Part 1 1991.
• Available in 430 Ferretic steel (normal applications) and 304 Austenitic steel (coastal / high humidity areas).

IT IS THE RESPONSIBILITY OF THE WINDOW MANUFACTURER TO ENSURE THAT THE FINISHED WINDOW MEETS ANY REQUIRED SAFETY AND PERFORMANCE SPECIFICATIONS.