Accepted Answer

Hello XXXXXXX, and thank you for your question.

There are window guards that you can purchase - here is a link to one site that offers several types: http://www.window-bars.com/online-store/scstore/window_guard_selector.html
Many other companies offer similar products.

I have to caution though that these products are really not meant for your application. They're typically designed to prevent a child who runs into or pushes against the guard from falling out of the window.
In your situation some commercial window guards may not be sufficient to prevent injury to someone falling down the stairs for two reasons: A) a window guard desiwon't prevent someone who crashes into the window from putting an arm or leg through the glass, and B) some window guards aren't designed for the amount of force that could result from an adult falling down a stair toward the window.

The residential building codes in most locations in the US require a window of that size that is within 5' of the bottom of a stair to have tempered glass. You can determine whether you have tempered glass by looking for an etched notation in one of the window's corners (you may need to stand on a stepstool to see this if it is in an upper corner). If your window is not tempered you should consider having the glass replaced, as this will go a long way to prevent injury from breakage.


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Expert:	MJ
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	10/8/2009

Architect

Licensed Architect, LEED® AP, NCARB Certified, M.Arch degree, 10+ years experience