SCREENS | NEWS
A MESSAGE TO ALL
NSW STRATA SCHEMES:
TIME IS RUNNING OUT!
Act now to make your windows kid-
safe with KidScreen™ technology
W
ith only months to go, all
residential strata schemes in New
South Wales, whether old or new,
need to understand and comply with their
obligations under restricted window opening
regulations. Across New South Wales, all
residential apartment buildings will need
to be assessed to ensure they meet the
new safety standards designed to protect
children from the dangers posed by open
windows. Thankfully, there is more than
enough time to consider installing a product
like KidScreen™, which specifically addresses
the new requirements.
COUNTDOWN TO COMPLIANCE
In response to growing concern over the
number of accidents involving children
falling from windows, regulations for new
developments came into force in 2013
under the National Construction Code
(NCC). These regulations required all new
apartments to install child safety devices on
openable windows.
While these rules initially applied only to
new builds, subsequent amendments to the
Strata Schemes Management Act by the
New South Wales government extended
coverage. Now, all residential strata
buildings, both old and new, have until the
deadline of 13 March, 2018, to comply or risk
penalties under the Act.
WINDOW RESTRICTION OPTIONS
The key feature of the regulation is that
windows two metres above the ground
floor must have their openings restricted to
125 mm or have the opening protected in a
way which withstands a 250 N outward force.
This means home owners face a choice of
installing restrictive devices such as locks
56 Summer 2017
or bars, or installing window screens which
offer comprehensive fall protection, such as
KidScreen™.
For some, the idea of simply restricting
all window openings appeals – it seems
straightforward and might be cheaper,
but there are other issues to consider.
The maximum permitted opening under a
restrictive device of 125 mm may be fantastic
for safety, but does not do much for airflow.
There are many reasons for wanting to
open your windows fully, not least taking
advantage of prevailing breezes to provide
passive cooling.
A window screen, such as that specifically
developed by KidScreen™, means you
can avoid the need to restrict the size of
the opening. The window can continue
to be opened to its fullest, views are
maintained, and as an added bonus, it keeps
out pesky insects. It is important to note
that KidScreen™ is not simply a standard
flyscreen – it has been designed to exceed
outward force as required in the NCC, which
is what will act to prevent a potential fall.
WINDOW SCREEN MESH TO SUIT
YOUR BUILDING AND YOUR BUDGET
KidScreen™ mesh comes in two types – a
heavy reinforced polyester material or a
high quality 316 stainless steel, both of which
are highly corrosion resistant and extremely
strong. The appropriate mesh for your
solution will depend on factors such as your
prevailing climate conditions, budget and
visual preferences.
With its built in UV-inhibitor, the polyester
mesh may be the best option in urban and
coastal environments where exposure to
high levels of salt and extreme temperatures
is more likely. It is also a more cost-effective
solution, without compromising durability,
thanks to the strength which comes from the
weaving process.
The 316 stainless steel mesh offers additional
benefits, such as greater visibility, air flow
ventilation and bushfire attack levels (BAL)
compliance. KidScreen™ sources and uses
only the highest quality mesh, consistently
quality controlled and accredited.
Both options not only meet but exceed the
standard required (i.e. the ability to resist
a minimum force of 250 N as set out in the
NCC 2013 (D.2.24)). In addition, KidScreen™
has been independently certified to comply
with the AWA Industry Code of Practice
ICP.005 and AS 5203:2016, providing further
assurance as to the quality of the product.
CHOOSE A LOOK THAT WILL LAST
Whether being fitted to an existing home,
or factored into a new build, KidScreen™ is
not only a safe but an attractive addition.
The KidScreen™ surrounding frame is
constructed from Alspec’s high grade
aluminium, which has the advantage of being
able to be colour powder-coated to blend
in with a home’s existing scheme, or even
finished in a timber-look design. The screens
come with a seven year warranty, providing
further assurance as to the quality of the
product.
While the screens can be fitted to existing
windows, it is important to note that to be
compliant, the fitting must be completed by
an accredited professional installer.
ACT NOW!
With time running out, make sure you act
now to get your strata plan on board with
these life-saving changes. After all, who
can argue with something as important as
keeping kids safe?
Contact KidScreen™ now to find out more
about their smart window safety solutions on
1300 ALSPEC or visit www.kidscreen.com.au