Essential Guide to Child Safety in Strata

With the higher cost of housing, more young families are choosing to live in strata. Families with children take up a large proportion of the population present in strata schemes which is why child safety is a topic of interest to all strata residents. Many families choose strata living for convenience – being closer to the city and schools, low maintenance, reduced utility costs and designated play areas such as garden spaces, pools and games rooms. With children living in strata, it does raise additional safety concerns for parents and the community. Some strata schemes have by-laws to protect children from harm, particularly in areas such as driveways and car parks. Check what by-laws are in place for your building as each building is unique. By-laws should be enforced and respected to ensure children remain safe. Here at Archers, we have created an essential guide to child safety with tips to minimise harm and prevent child-related accidents.

Pools and Ponds

• Pools can pose a serious risk to small children if they are not correctly fenced, secured and locked
• It is important to have an expert regularly check the pool fence, lock and latch to make sure it in good working condition
• Make sure to remove any objects or branches children could use to climb into the pool area
• Light-weight pool furniture needs to be secured to the ground to prevent children from dragging them towards the fence
• Ensure that the pool displays a cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR) sign by the Australian Resuscitation Council within eye-sight of the water
• All shared pools must have their pool safety certificate displayed – the pool safety certificate is valid for 12 months
• Always watch your children around the pool and do not allow them to swim unattended. Young children should not be left under the supervision of older siblings
• Make sure children using the pool are aware of the rules and restrictions within your scheme
• Children can also drown in small bodies of water such as ponds and water features. These should have barriers to prevent children from accessing the water and accidentally falling in

Balconies

• Never leave a child to play unattended on a balcony
• Remove all furniture, pot-plants and other climbable objects from the edge of the balcony
• Keep balcony doors closed and locked so children cannot gain access to them
• Report any maintenance concerns to your body corporate manager as soon as possible

Windows

• Windows can have latches or locks fitted to stop them from being opened beyond a certain width
• Security screens can be installed in place of fly screens. Parents should not rely on screens to prevent children from falling out of a window
• Beds and furniture should be kept away from windows. Light-weight furniture which could be dragged and climbed on should also be removed from children’s bedrooms

Driveways and Car Parks

• Ensure young children are supervised when playing outdoors
• Check by-laws to find out which activities may be restricted in or around the building: this could include skateboarding, rollerblading, bike riding and scootering
• Never speed in or around a strata scheme and always check rear mirrors when reversing from driveways and car parks

Members of the strata community should always work together to ensure child safety in strata living. If you have a safety risk to report please contact your body corporate manager.

This article was contributed by Grant Mifsud – Partner, Archers the Strata Professionals