Are these bars signs of wall repair/reinforcement?

[lisa789]

Hi I viewed a flat and was puzzled by an ugly metal bar across the window of one room. It was bolted into the wall either side of the window opening. It didn't relate to any blinds, and as the windows open out couldn't be a safety bar. There were no cracks around the window that I could see but my best guess it was sign of some sort of reinforcement work. Now I've seen a photo of another flat in the block with a similar bar across a window. Any ideas what this is would be great! Thanks...!!!

Untitled

• lisa789
• 29 Apr 2012
• 1

Untitled

• lisa789
• 29 Apr 2012
• 2

Here are the photos

 

[Nige F]

Just a guess - someone put the window too low in the wall to comply with a regulation - then got over it with a bar - allegedly

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Aye 1100mm is the minimum height for barriers for windows like these.