Do you live in, own or manage a townhouse or unit?

From 13 March this year, all strata buildings in NSW must be fitted with window devices to prevent children falling from windows.

Complying safety devices must be installed on all openable windows where the internal floor is more than 2m above the surface outside and where the window is within a child’s reach, less than 1.7m above the inside floor.

To comply, safety devices must ensure that the maximum window opening can be restricted to less than 12.5cm, and they must be robust enough to withstand a force of 250 newtons (which is equal to 25 kilograms of force).

The types of safety devices that are permitted include devices attached to a window frame or robust bars.

Complying devices must be installed on all applicable windows in residences and also in common areas such as stairwells. If the window overlooks an internal part of the building, such as a mezzanine-level bedroom overlooking a living area, it still must be made compliant.

Installing a compliant device does not mean that you can never open your window wider than 12.5cm. Windows can still be opened all the way, but there must be a safety device installed to allow you the security of knowing that when the devices are engaged, children will be protected. It is strongly recommended that devices be engaged whenever children are present in order to prevent falls. While these devices are not currently required in two-storey houses, they are still recommended to ensure safety against falls.

Owners’ corporations are not required to monitor or enforce the use of complying window safety devices; they simply must ensure they are installed prior to the deadline of 13 March 2018. If they are not installed by this date, owners’ corporations may face fines. If you have any concerns about windows where you live or property you own, please contact your strata manager or property manager.

More information about window safety device requirements can be found on the Fair Trading website.

By Rebecca Nutley