Window Safety Devices In Strata Buildings

To prevent children falling from windows, strata schemes must have window safety devices installed on all applicable windows. Strata building windows must be fitted with safety devices where the internal floor is more than 2 metres above the external surface outside and within a child’s reach (less than 1.7 metres above the internal floor). When the safety device is engaged, it must restrict the window opening to be less than 12.5cm and the device must be able to withstand a force of 250 newtons (which is equal to 25 kilograms of force).

If a strata scheme does not have devices installed, the owners corporation is leaving young children vulnerable to falls from windows. Owners corporations can be fined up to $550 for non-compliance if convicted by a court. Owners who obstruct an owners’ corporation can also be fined.

To report a strata scheme that is not complying with the window safety device requirements, send an email to windowsafety@finance.nsw.gov.au along with the following information:

• your name and contact details
• the address of the strata scheme
• the managing strata agent’s name and contact details (or Secretary’s details, if there is no managing agent).

For more information, visit the Window safety device requirements page on our website, or call 13 32 20.