Balconies, windows and railing safety
Balcony regulations
If a balcony around your home is more than one metre above the ground surface, it must have a railing which is also at least one metre tall.
Importantly, the opening of railings should not be larger than 12.5cm to prevent children from squeezing through or getting stuck. This is also the same maximum distance that a home window should be opened to prevent accidents.
Every year, young children are seriously injured from balcony falls. Most of these accidents happen in the home and can be prevented.
Balconies should have strong railings, to prevent children from falling to the ground below.
To help keep your child safe on balconies:
- make sure railings are at least 1 metre high from the floor
- railings should have vertical bars no more than 12.5 cm apart
- avoid horizontal railings that children can climb
- move climbable objects like chairs, tables or toy boxes away from the railing
- always watch young children when they’re on the balcony
- keep balcony doors closed or locked when not in use.
For more information on laws and standards for balconies and windows see NSW Planning Window safety and the National Construction Code for Safe movement and access.
Did you know?
Almost all falls from balconies occur within the child's own home. These falls tend to occur more frequently during the summer months and children who present to the hospital as a result are typically under the age of 5.
