#brisbanearchitects

 Are you window wise?  

When it comes to windows there are a range of compliance standards that are required.  In the design phase, clients are often surprised about what the requirements are in relation to the protection of openable windows. The Building Code of Australia outlines the requirement to protect certain openable windows against the risk of a young child falling from them.  The new measures included in the BCA require protection for openable windows in bedrooms where the floor below the window is more than 2m above the surface beneath.  The affected window must be fitted with either a device to restrict the window opening, or a suitable screen, so a 125mm diameter sphere (representing the size of a young child's head) cannot pass through.  The device or screen must also be able to withstand an outward horizontal force of 250 N.*

Your building specialist or designer must be aware of these regulations and should ensure that only windows that meet these standards are purchased through reputable suppliers.  If you don’t, it could end up becoming a costly error.