#17974
Remedia One
Flatchatter

    Of course most BCA amendments are not retrospective.  This is mostly as it should be.

    However, schemes may be forced to consider their risk-management profile to address the issue of openability and child protection.  For example, a Lot with no toddlers ever visiting may not need the same level of protection as one that contains two sets of triplets and sleep deprived parents! 

    On another note, should an individual Lot have its window opening restricted to a maximum of 125mm (or 100mm if AMA recommendations are taken aboard, considering the demographic at risk: https://www.news.com.au/lifestyle/parenting/call-to-change-law-over-balcony-falls/story-fnet085v-1226561736827), then ventilation requirements of the room may be constrained to below what the BCA requires.  This may necessitate improvements by way of mechanical ventilation systems to offset the lost natural ventilation (in new-build or refurb projects).

    In closing, I would certainly NOT like to be the consultant who recommended against installing opening restriction devices in an existing Lot if asked to assess the risks, if later a toddler did find their way through a window opening.  

    It’s an interesting (strata) place to work!