Reply To: New window lock inspection regs

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12/09/2026 at 8:44 am #85262
Jimmy-T
Keymaster
    LoveTheView wrote:

    I can see both sides of this argument. As a Tassie owner, I’m curious about what the actual standard is that the locks must comply with. Is it a national standard or a state one? Does anyone have that link?

    This from AI:  Treat with caution and refer to original quoted sources.

    Australian building codes require childproof window locks or safety screens on high-risk windows where a fall is possible from a height.
    The rules are set out in the National Construction Code (NCC) and apply across Australia to prevent accidental falls by young children. [1, 2]
    Where Window Locks Are Required
    A window safety device is legally required if the window can be opened, the bottom of the opening is less than 1.7 metres above the indoor floor, and: [1, 2]
    • In bedrooms: The internal floor is 2 metres or more above the ground outside.
    • In other rooms: The internal floor is 4 metres or more above the ground outside. [1, 2]
    Technical Requirements for Locks
    According to the ABCB Advisory Note on Protection of Openable Windows, approved devices must meet strict performance standards: [1]
    • Opening limit: The lock must restrict the window opening to a maximum of 12.5 cm (125 mm) so a young child cannot fit through.
    • Strength test: The device must withstand an outward horizontal force of at least 250 Newtons (25 kg).
    • Release mechanism: If the window can be opened fully past 12.5 cm, the lock must feature a child-resistant release mechanism. This requires a key, a tool, or a coordinated two-handed action to release.
    • Exclusions: Standard insect or flyscreens do not count as safety devices because they cannot resist enough outward pressure. [1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6]
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