What do you need to know?
Why do I need a safety device fitted to my windows?
It’s the Law. Penalties range up to $50,000 for an individual and $3,000,000 for an Owners Corporation.
To ensure that you have met your Duty of Care obligations, this work must be completed by 13 March 2018.
To ensure that you have met your Duty of Care obligations, this work must be completed by 13 March 2018.
Whose responsibility is it to ensure that the strata scheme's windows comply with the new legislation?
The Owners Corporation.
What are the requirements of this legislation?
If the lowest part of the window opening is less than 1.7m above the floor and if this internal floor is more than 2.0m above the external surface outside the window then a window safety device must be fitted.
A lock is a window safety device if it is capable of restricting a window so that a sphere having a diameter of 125mm or more cannot pass through the opening and it is capable of resisting an outward horizontal action of 250 newtons. Under the legislation, it must also have a child resistant release mechanism.
A lock is a window safety device if it is capable of restricting a window so that a sphere having a diameter of 125mm or more cannot pass through the opening and it is capable of resisting an outward horizontal action of 250 newtons. Under the legislation, it must also have a child resistant release mechanism.
How can I tell if someone has fitted the Child Window Safety Locks properly and that the new work complies?How can I tell if someone has fitted the Child Window Safety Locks properly and that the new work complies?
Once we have installed the child window safety device, we apply the requisite 250N in accordance with the legislation and photograph the fitted window lock and the reading on our Specialised Testing Equipment as proof of compliance.
We put all of this information into a report for you.
Not everybody does this!
Whoever installs the window restricting devices must issue a “Certificate of Compliance” stating that they have installed and tested the locks in accordance with the “Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Child Window Safety Devices) Regulation 2013. This Certificate is your protection!
Be careful!!
We put all of this information into a report for you.
Not everybody does this!
Whoever installs the window restricting devices must issue a “Certificate of Compliance” stating that they have installed and tested the locks in accordance with the “Strata Schemes Management Amendment (Child Window Safety Devices) Regulation 2013. This Certificate is your protection!
Be careful!!
Who keeps the records?
We issue an individual unit Complying Certificate for each unit once it complies with the legislation.
We provide these records and certificates to you and keep copies in our files.
We provide these records and certificates to you and keep copies in our files.
I rarely have any young children visit and I want to open my windows fully. Can I still do this?
Yes. The intention of the legislation is to allow occupiers to open their windows as they do now, and if children come to visit, the child safety locks can be engaged. The children in their care will be protected.
What is a Child Resistant Release Mechanism?
A Child Resistant Release Mechanism is one which requires:
- A key to unlock the device or
- Operation of a tool such as a screw driver or allen key to release the Child Resistant Mechanism or
- A coordinated two handed release mechanism thereby allowing the window to open to it’s full extent. Use of a piece of loose doweling rod laid in the track, a carabiner or a hook would not comply.
What types of Safety devices can be used?
There are a range of solutions that will meet your needs.
Inexpensive Solutions:
Generally these involve fitting a restricting bracket or bolt that permanently prevents the window from being opened beyond the child safe limit. They can only be removed by use of a tool or allen key. They are inexpensive at around $35 per window (fitted, tested and Certified)
Premium Solution:
These units are key lockable allowing the occupant to easily unlock the restrictor and open a window to its full extent if children are not present.
