Measurement from floor to window opening for fire escape?

[GaryMo]

What's the required height from the floor to the opening of a bedroom window for it to be deemed adequate as a fire escape?

I had an extension built last year and have only just got around to getting a final inspection. The inspector pulled the window as a problem as it's 1200mm from the floor to the opening.

Is the required minimum taken from the floor to the opening or the floor to the sill?

 

[big-all]

make yourself a very solid blanket box about 16" high and 16" deep under the full length of the window

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Unfortunately the maximum height is 1100mm. Its measured from the finished floor to the bottom of the openable area. As bigall suggests or lower the cill or try to reason with the inspector.

 

[GaryMo]

Cheers guys - I've left it with the builder to contact the inspector and have a chat about the options we have.

There's a double radiator under the window and the room is now finished (carpets and paintwork).
It's not that easy to screw down a box without damage which would obviously be removed as soon as the inspector is satisfied.

 

[freddiemercurystwin]

Screwholes through carpet can be removed usually leaving no evidence at all.