Abu Dhabi-UAE: 19 July, 2017:   Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council (QCC), the entity responsible for developing quality infrastructure in the Emirate of Abu Dhabi, has highlighted the importance of using QCC-certified window fall prevention devices as part of its ongoing efforts to promote child safety across the Emirate.

In 2012, QCC launched the Window Safety Fixtures Certification Scheme in order to implement Decree No (24) of 2012 issued by the Abu Dhabi Department of Municipal Affairs. The decree requires building owners to install approved window fall prevention devices on all windows and openings to the exterior where falls can occur. The QCC product conformity assessment programme aims to ensure the quality and safety of devices that restrict the opening distance of windows to a maximum of 10 cm.

All QCC-certified window safety devices undergo rigorous testing against international standards for compliance including child safety standards in the USA and Europe. In addition, further market surveillance testing is carried out on products sold in the UAE to assure end-to-end safety.

Between 2014 and 2017, QCC conducted a host of market surveillance activities to assess the performance of window safety devices in laboratory conditions as well as upon installation in Abu Dhabi’s residential towers. The Council identified multiple examples of inappropriate or unsafe devices being used to secure windows, such as door chain locks that can be easily disengaged by a child and are prone to rusting when exposed to the humid, salty air in Abu Dhabi.

Engineer Abdullah Hassan Al Muaini, Executive Director of Conformity Scheme Services at QCC, said: “QCC developed the Window Safety Fixtures Certification Scheme as part of its sustained drive to implement effective measures to prevent accidents involving children, who are especially vulnerable to the risk of falls. The Council has placed extreme importance in enhancing local testing capabilities to ensure installed window safety devices perform properly and are failproof.”

Al Muaini added: “Child safety is a shared responsibility, and the enforcement of fall prevention regulations rests with the building owners, landlords and residents themselves. We urge building owners and residents seeking to ensure the safety of their villas or apartments to contact QCC for advice on how to select the correct window safety device or how to test the devices installed in their homes. Alternatively, they can visit the QCC online database of certified window safety fixtures.”

Jackloc, a leading manufacturer of window fall prevention devices and the winner of ‘The Queens Award for enterprise Innovation 2017’, the highest business Award in the UK, was one of the first companies to be awarded QCC certification for its MK2 restrictors. Emma Wells, Jackloc’s Founder said: “There are many factors to consider for a window restrictor. It is important that window restrictors are engineered and manufactured in accordance with an accredited ISO 9001 Quality System, ISO 14001 Environmental Management and OHSAS 18001 Occupational Health and Safety.”

She added: “Every life matters and we can only achieve results in reducing the risk of accidents and fatality from falls out of windows by working together and sharing our knowledge. I take this opportunity to thank the Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council for guiding the Jackloc Company Ltd here in the UK of their processes and procedures for Jackloc to gain the QCC certification.” 

The Abu Dhabi Quality and Conformity Council was established in 2009 to raise the quality of the emirate’s exports and locally traded products while protecting the interests of consumers and supporting the UAE’s competitive economy. QCC empowers regulators to establish and implement product safety, legal metrology and conformity schemes. The Council also sets guidelines and benchmarks to verify that products manufactured and traded in Abu Dhabi conform to the highest quality standards.