Do you live in, own or manage a townhouse or unit block? To prevent children falling from windows, strata schemes must have window safety devices installed on all applicable windows by 13 March 2018.
The devices must:
- enable the maximum opening to be less than 12.5cm (a device that allows the window to be fully opened, fully closed and locked at less than 12.5cm is compliant), and
- be able to withstand a force of 250 newtons (which is equal to 25 kilograms of force).
A number of children fall from windows or balconies in Australia each year, with children under 5 being most at risk. Windows with safety devices installed may still be fully opened, but it is recommended that devices be used whenever children are present, to prevent falls.
Owners corporations may face fines if locks are not installed on applicable windows by 13 March 2018.
Find out more about window safety device requirements on the Fair Trading website.