Kids Don’t Fly – Changes to Window Safety Locks

Property Management Tips – Ask Susan

Each year, around 50 children fall from windows or balconies. Many suffer serious injuries and some result in deaths. Most of these tragedies occur in children’s own home to address this issue in NSW.

New legislation becomes effective by 13/3/18 states the law applies to openable windows where the internal floor is more than 2m above the ground surface outside, and within a child’s reach (less than 1.7m above the floor inside). To prevent children falling from windows, all strata buildings in NSW must be fitted with devices that enable the maximum window openings to be less than 12.5cm.

Alternatives to locks are security screens, such as bars or grills on windows, so long as they have gaps less than 12.5cm. Fly screens do not comply unless they are the reinforced security type and capable of resisting the very strong outward pressure that would prevent a child from falling through.

Susan Saetta a property manager with over 24 years experiance, recommends that it would be prudent for any investment property owners whether they own a strata premises or not, to review their current window and balcony lock safety measures.

For more information: Ask Susan Saetta at Walkom Real Estate Email susan.saetta@walkom.com.au Phone 0249748900

For detailed information, helpful booklets and checklists visit: Kids Don’t Fly