Reducing Child Falls from Windows
Windows in new residential buildings will be designed to enhance window safety and reduce the risk of child falls under changes to national construction standards announced by the Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB). The department sought support from the ABCB to take measures to reduce the problem of children falling from windows. The changes, which take effect from 1 May 2013, will require the installation of a barrier to the window or a device to limit the opening to no more than 12.5cm for bedroom windows located 2m or more above the ground. Adults will be able to fully open the window in an emergency or for other purposes. The board decided to further examine measures to reduce child falls from other habitable rooms, balconies and balustrades in future amendments to the Building Code of Australia (BCA).