BCA 2013 updated with new safety requirements for window placement and design

The Building Code of Australia (BCA) has been updated to incorporate changes to the design and placement of windows. These changes were brought into force to prevent falls from windows, particularly by children.

The changes are affective from 1 May 2013, and affect residential dwellings, including houses, hotels and apartments, and Class 9b early childhood centres. The changes affect windows in these types of buildings where the window is openable, the lowest openable part of the window is within 1.7m of the floor, and where the floor of the room is more than 2m above the surface below (outside the building).

The BCA changes mean that new structures that obtain building approval from 1 May 2013 will need to either:
– incorporate a window barrier or device fitted to the window to restrict its opening – anything that does not allow a 125mm sphere to pass through the opening is acceptable
– have a suitable screen fitted (again, so a 125mm sphere could not pass through). It is recommended that the screen have a child resistant release mechanism (for example, a key lock), to prevent opening by a child. This however still enables the screen to be removed by an adult, for cleaning for example.

These diagrams illustrate how the new building code affects various new build cases:

As quality Australian builders, we at RK Constructions have a duty of care to help prevent accidents. We take any code changes such as these into account with all of our domestic and commercial building projects.

We would be more than happy to discuss these new building code changes in relation to your home or commercial building or renovation project, and to answer any questions you may have. Contact Us