The Building Code has updated the fall prevention requirements, which is good news for Australian families living in multi-storey homes and apartments. To prioritize the safety of children, the code now mandates that some windows must have openings that prevent a 125mm sphere from passing through and can resist an outward, horizontal force of 250N (approximately equal to a 25kg weight under the force of gravity).
Fall Prevention Standards
For new buildings, fall prevention measures are only required on some windows. Please visit the Fall Prevention Compliance page for more information.
However, in New South Wales all Strata buildings must be fitted with devices that enable windows two metres above ground floor to be in compliance by 13 March 2018.
Read the NSW Fair Trading Window Safety Device Requirements here.
Compliance Considerations
For existing apartment buildings, a simple key locking device is the obvious choice, but it severely restricts airflow into the room and may be the cheapest option. The Building Code of Australia allows the use of a restriction for natural ventilation and energy efficiency, as the openable area is measured on the sash size rather than the actual opening area.
However, the occupant may experience a very different reality. A typical-sized bedroom with a standard 1200mm high and 1800mm wide sliding window and a key locking restriction may have as little as 1.2% ventilation to floor area, which is below the typical requirement of 5-10%.
How much ventilation as a % of floor area?
Please refer to the graph below which shows the % of ventilation to floor area a keylocked sliding window has in comparison to the % required by the Building Code for a new building.
Natural Ventilation to Floor Area
A typical keylocked sliding window may have an opening area of 0.15m2 which provides 1.2% ventilation as a % of floor area.
Lack of natural ventilation can lead to unhealthy air quality, excessive air conditioning costs, potential mould problems and discomfort for unit owners or tenants. This option may also lead to end users unlocking the window and negating the fall prevention rule.
Breezway’s Solution
If your existing windows are deteriorating, you may consider replacing them with Breezway Louvre Windows. Breezway’s Altair Louvre with the Stronghold System meets fall prevention requirements and provides ventilation and safety to occupants, even with restricted openings.
The Stronghold System mechanically retains blades and is an ideal solution for apartment buildings with limited window openings and cross ventilation.
Other benefits include:
- Maximise airflow in comparison to other window types.
- Easy to operate and clean the outside of the window from inside the building.
- Modern, patented design seals tight to reduce noise and provides protection from the elements.
- Variety of sizes and blade options for privacy or shading.
- Option available to have the window screened from the inside if required.
- Can be customised to match existing décor for window replacements.
- Also ideal for enclosing balconies for additional safety and extra year round living space.
Read our White Paper on Ventilation here.
