BCS Strata Management welcomes changes to keep kids safe

BCS Strata Management has welcomed new legislative changes passed by NSW Parliament making it mandatory to have window safety devices installed above the ground floor that allow windows to open no more than 12.5cm when the lock is engaged.

General Manager Sales and Marketing John Georgas, says the changes to the NSW laws are timely as the warmer weather means more people will be opening windows and potentially putting children at risk of falling.

“For some time BCS has been working with property developers to ensure before building construction starts that the building plans take into consideration the living needs of the eventual inhabitants,” he said.

“Since 1 May this year all new buildings have, under changes to the Australian Building Code, been required to install locks or barriers to ensure the safety of young future inhabitants.”

Now under the new NSW legislation owners corporations have until 13 March 2018 to retrofit locking devices to all windows above ground level.

“Individual strata schemes now have five years for owners to agree on a course of action, fund the implementation, complete a risk assessment on all windows and then have devices installed,” Mr Georgas advised.

“These devices are inexpensive and can be easily installed but it is crucial window safety devices are fitted correctly the first time. All owners corporations should already be acting on this and not waiting for the deadline in five years’ time.”

BCS has been educating its apartment owners about the dangers of children playing near windows which are unsecured.