Window Safety Legislation?
NSW introduced child window safety requirements for residential strata schemes in December 2013 through amendments to the Strata Schemes Management Act 1996 and the Strata Schemes Management Regulation 2010. The legislation placed an obligation on Owners Corporations to ensure that complying window safety devices were installed on applicable windows within residential strata buildings.
The NSW Government is also considering proposed changes that would extend window safety requirements to high-risk windows in most types of homes, including older homes. The proposed requirements would use similar height thresholds: windows that can be opened, where the sill is less than 1.7 metres above the floor and the floor is 2 metres or more above the ground outside.
The proposed changes are still under consideration with proposed implementation for 2027 if approved. Home owners would need to retro-fit a compliant restrictor to existing windows that meet high-risk window requirement. New windows will be fabricated with restriction in place. There is currently no information on how compliance checks would occur however it is feasible that this would fall under home insurance requirements or when a property is being sold.
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Which Windows Are Covered by the Existing Strata Requirements?
The existing requirements apply to openable windows in residential strata buildings where:
- the lowest part of the window opening is less than 1.7 metres above the internal floor;
- the internal floor is 2 metres or more above the ground or external surface below the window; and
- the window is either within a residence or is on common property that can be accessed from a residence.
This can include a wide range of window types, including casement, awning, sliding, double-hung, louvre and other openable windows, provided they meet the height criteria above.
Fixed windows that cannot be opened are not subject to the window safety lock requirement.
The safety device must restrict the window opening to less than 125mm and be capable of resisting 250 Newtons of force (approximately 25kg). Where applicable, the device must also incorporate a child-resistant release mechanism
Does Your Building’s Existing Window Safety Still Comply?
Over time, restrictors can be:
- Removed during window repairs, painting or maintenance and not reinstated
- Damaged or broken through normal use
- Disconnected or incorrectly installed
- Missing altogether
- Correct opening restriction not set
A restrictor being present does not necessarily mean the window is compliant.
Window Restrictor Options
Window safety hardware has also evolved over the past decade. There is now a greater variety of window restrictors available, allowing the safety device to be selected according to the window type, configuration and aesthetic requirements of the property.
Window Restrictor Options
Window safety hardware has also evolved over the past decade. There is now a greater variety of window restrictors available, allowing the safety device to be selected according to the window type, configuration and aesthetic requirements of the property.
| Restrictor Type | Product Details |
|---|---|
Cable Restrictor Lock 
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Retractable Metrolite Cable Lock  
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Track Locks  
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Venlock  
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Venlock Mini  
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Strip Lock 
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Block Lock   
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Window Safety Compliance Inspections
Exitoso & Co can assist strata companies/Owners’ Corporations and homeowners with window safety compliance.
Window Safety Inspection
We assess applicable windows and inspect existing restriction devices, their condition, installation and operation.
Opening Restriction Testing
We check that the safety device restricts the window opening to the required 125mm maximum.
Force Testing
We test the restrictor’s resistance to forceful opening to assess whether it can withstand the required 250 Newton force.
Replacement & Remediation
Where restrictors are missing, damaged, faulty or non-compliant, we can supply and install suitable replacement devices. We can recommend devices to suit the specific needs of homeowner based on their specific window types.
Compliance Documentation
Following inspection and any required rectification works or installation, we provide window safety compliance documentation for your records.
Our service includes:
| Window Safety Inspection | Inspect existing restriction devices, their condition, installation and operation. |
| Opening Restriction Testing | Existing safety device withstands the required 250 Newton force (25kg). |
| Force Testing (if required) | Check safety device restricts the window opening to 125mm maximum. |
| Safety Device Replacement | Replace faulty, missing, non-compliant safety, new devices. |
| Compliance Certification | Provide window safety compliance documentation for your records. |
Not sure what device is suitable for your needs? Contact Exitoso & Co to enquire about the most appropriate approach for your property.
To speak to us please call 0477 006 654 today or email us for a quote
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