Don’t Be Sill-y - Make Sure the Windows in Your Strata Building Are Ready For March 13

As the deadline for window locks on all NSW Strata buildings looms let’s take a look at what prompted NSW Fair Trading to introduce this legislation, what it is all about and what it means for strata managers.

What prompted the legislation?

​Records provided by the Children’s Hospital at Westmead found that over ten years, 91 of the patients admitted to the hospital were children who had fallen from a window or balcony. With an average of 50 children falling from balconies and windows each year in Australia, it was time to introduce new legislation that would see a reduction in these staggering figures.

What is it?

​This window safety legislation is applicable to all multi storey buildings throughout the state, requiring strata managers to ensure the installation of safety devices on all windows. While strata managers are not required to enforce the use of these devices, they must oversee the installation of locks that allow the windows to both open and close, but with a maximum opening of 12.5cm. In addition to this the lock installed should be able to withstand up to 250 newtons of pressure, which is equivalent to 25kg.  

What does it mean for strata managers?

The introduction of this legislation gives strata managers until March 13 to have openable windows, throughout the whole building, that are less than 1.7 m above the floor and more than 2m above the surface, fitted with locks. If these regulations are not adhered to the strata manager will be fined.  

This new legislation is definitely a step in the right direction for strata managers across the state, as it adds another layer of security and safety for tenants, which in turn leaves less room for incident and results in happier tenants. 

With the deadline just around the corner…are your windows ready?