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SINGAPORE: The number of sliding windows falling increased to 26 cases this year, 10 more than in 2008, according to the Building and Construction Authority (BCA).
It said the main cause is the lack of maintenance.
To ensure that sliding windows are not dislodged easily, BCA and the Housing & Development Board (HDB) advise homeowners to carry out regular maintenance to these windows.
Safety features such as angle strip and safety stopper should also be installed for sliding windows, as a precautionary measure.
Should a window fall due to lack of maintenance, owners can face a maximum fine of S$10,000 and a jail term of up to one year.
If any fallen casement window is found with aluminum rivets, owners can also face a penalty of up to S$5,000 and jailed for up to six months, for failing to retrofit the window with stainless steel rivets.
In February this year, a tenant of a private flat was fined S$3,500 for a fallen sliding window, which injured a passer-by.
BCA's investigation found that the window was not properly maintained, resulting in it being dislodged.
A list of BCA-approved window contractors and some useful window maintenance tips are available at the BCA and HDB websites.
- CNA/yb
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