How to safely comply with BCA requirements and open your window more than 12.5cm
May 21st, 2026
About the BCA legislation
In 2011, the Children’s Hospital at Westmead documented an increase in injuries caused by falls from windows. The hospital established a working party and produced the report Kids Can’t Fly, which states: “An increasing number of children are admitted to hospital each year as a result of falling from windows and balconies. These falls are often in their own home and can result in death or serious injury.
The Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) later altered the Building Code of Australia (BCA) in 2013. The BCA has since been incorporated into the National Construction Code (NCC), the current name for these requirements, though the underlying rule remains the same. The new requirements relate to childcare centres, bedrooms within buildings two storeys or more, and bedrooms within single storey buildings on steep sloping blocks where the fall from floor to ground is greater than 2m.
Existing buildings within strata schemes and early childhood centres are required to fit an appropriate device to windows to prevent them opening more than 12.5cm (representing the size of a young child’s head), or a robust screen to resist an outward force of 250N (approximately 25kg).
Note: as a duty of care, most second storey windows in newly constructed buildings are fitted with devices to restrict the window opening beyond 12.5cm.
This diagram illustrates the requirements for windows where the fall height from floor to ground is 2m or greater:
In some cases, the device or screen may be removable if there are no climbable elements below 760mm from the floor, but if so must have a child resistant release mechanism. For more information on the code and the class of buildings it relates to, visit Australian Building Codes Board.
Fully open your window with Kids Fallsafe Screens
Our Kids Fallsafe Screens are a great choice for bedrooms and high traffic areas where you’d like to fully open your window while kids play. When installed by a licensed installer, SecureView EclipX and Xceed security screens comply with the BCA code, and both are independently tested to meet Australian Standards AS5039-2023, providing safety and home security together.
Kids Fallsafe Screens are custom made in Australia and suitable for any window setting that allows for a fixed security screen. With the option of two security screen window systems, you can be confident in finding a fixed security screen to suit your home, whether modern or traditional, your security needs and your budget.
For more on window fall protection and emergency egress, read our guide to window fall protection and Kids Fallsafe Screens.
Explore our full range of security screen windows to find the right fit for your home.
Frequently Asked Questions
What does BCA stand for and what does it require?
BCA stands for Building Code of Australia. It requires windows 2 metres or more above ground level to open no more than 12.5cm or be fitted with a screen that resists an outward force of 250N (25kg), to prevent falls, particularly by young children.
Can a Kids Fallsafe Screen be removed?
A removable screen or device is only permitted where there are no climbable elements below 760mm from the floor, and it must include a child-resistant release mechanism.
Do Kids Fallsafe Screens meet Australian security standards as well as BCA requirements?
Yes. SecureView EclipX and Xceed, when fitted as Kids Fallsafe Screens, are independently tested to AS5039-2023 and comply with BCA window fall prevention requirements, giving you both safety and security in one product.