Standard flyscreens should not be treated as a child window safety device. A normal insect screen is designed to keep insects out, not to stop a child falling through a window opening. NSW Government guidance says flyscreens are allowed only if they can resist strong outward pressure.
This distinction matters because many residents and owners assume that a window is safe because a screen is present. In practice, a standard flyscreen may pop out, tear, bend or fail under pressure. If the window is a high-risk window, a proper child safety device such as a lock, restrictor or suitable limiting device may be required.
For strata and property managers, the safest approach is to inspect the actual device. The report should record whether there is a lock, restrictor or limiting device, whether it appears to operate correctly, whether there is damage, whether the opening is restricted and whether any flyscreen has been incorrectly relied on as the safety measure.
Haven Compliance regularly identifies windows where a screen is present but the proper safety device is missing, loose, damaged or disengaged. These issues are especially common in older apartment buildings, coastal properties and rental units where maintenance history is unclear.
Where a device needs replacement or installation, Haven can support rectification through its partnership with Remsafe, the largest window lock supplier in Australia.
If you are unsure whether a window is properly protected, book a window safety device inspection with Haven Compliance.
Why this question keeps coming up
Flyscreens are visible, familiar and common, so residents often assume they provide safety protection. In many cases, they do not. A standard flyscreen is not designed to resist a child’s weight or strong outward pressure. It may look secure until pressure is applied.
This creates a real communication problem for strata and property managers. Residents may resist additional hardware because they believe a screen is enough. A clear inspection report helps managers show the difference between a screen and a proper safety device.
What should be inspected instead
The inspection should identify the actual child safety device: a lock, restrictor, limiting device or other suitable safety hardware. It should also assess whether the device appears securely fixed, whether it operates as intended, whether it restricts the opening and whether there are defects that need attention.
If the only visible barrier is a standard flyscreen, the report should flag that this may not be enough and recommend appropriate follow-up. Haven can then support rectification through its Remsafe partnership where required.
How to explain this in owner communications
Use simple wording: “A normal flyscreen is for insects. A window safety device is for limiting the opening and reducing fall risk.” This distinction is easy for owners and tenants to understand and helps reduce arguments about why an inspection or rectification work is needed.
What property managers should do next
If a property relies on flyscreens or has unclear window safety records, book a proper inspection. The inspector should check the actual locks, restrictors or limiting devices and record whether the relevant windows appear to have suitable safety hardware. If no suitable device is present, the report should say so clearly and recommend rectification.
This is especially important after tenancy changes, renovations, painting, window repairs or resident complaints. Any of those events can affect the condition or operation of a window safety device. A quick inspection gives the manager a current record instead of relying on old assumptions.
How to write owner-friendly advice
Use plain wording in owner communications: “A flyscreen is not automatically a child safety window device. The window needs appropriate safety hardware that limits the opening and remains securely fitted.” This avoids technical confusion and helps owners understand why an inspection or repair may be needed.
Why Haven is useful here
Haven Compliance can inspect the window, document the device condition, photograph defects and help managers organise practical follow-up through Remsafe where hardware is required. The goal is a clear answer, not a debate about whether a screen looks strong enough.
