For strata managers, child window safety compliance is a coordination problem as much as a technical one. You need resident access, common area access, accurate inspection notes, photos, defect tracking, committee updates and repair follow-up. If any part of that chain is missing, the building may not have a clean compliance record.
The first step is knowing the scope. How many lots are there? Which windows are relevant? Are there previous inspection records? Were all units accessed last time? Are any devices known to be damaged? Does the building manager hold keys? Has the committee approved rectification work?
The second step is inspection. A good inspection should not be rushed or vague. The inspector should record what was checked, what passed, what failed and what was unavailable. Devices should be checked for secure fixing, operation, missing parts, tampering and obvious condition issues.
The third step is reporting. The report should be clear enough for a committee meeting. It should show the property, date, inspected areas, defects, unavailable lots, photos and recommended next steps.
The fourth step is rectification and reinspection. Where defects are found, the manager needs a practical repair pathway. Haven’s partnership with Remsafe helps connect inspection findings with specialist child safety window hardware supply and rectification support.
The final step is ongoing record keeping. Haven supports ongoing maintenance and reinspection programs so strata managers can keep clear evidence that window safety devices remain fully compliant with annual inspection requirements.
If you manage a strata building and need a clear window safety compliance process, request a quote from Haven Compliance.
The strata manager’s practical problem
The manager is usually not the person installing the device, living in the unit or sitting on the committee. The manager’s job is to coordinate the process and keep the record. That is why the inspection provider needs to make the manager’s job easier, not harder.
A poor inspection creates more work: unclear notes, missing photos, no unavailable-access list and no obvious next step. A good inspection helps the manager brief the committee, organise repairs and close the loop.
What to send Haven before quoting
Send the building address, number of lots, number of levels, previous reports if available, known access issues, building manager contact, preferred inspection timing and whether rectification support may be required. This helps Haven quote accurately and plan the job properly.
What to send owners before inspection
Owners and residents should receive a short notice explaining the inspection purpose, access requirement, date, time window and contact person. Keep the language simple. Do not make residents guess why access is needed.
How to brief a committee
When briefing a strata committee, avoid technical clutter. Explain the inspection in four parts: what was checked, what failed, what could not be accessed and what needs approval. Attach photos where possible. Committee members are more likely to approve rectification when the issue is visible and clearly linked to a report.
How to brief residents
Resident notices should be short and direct. Tell residents that the inspection is for window safety compliance, that the inspector needs access to relevant windows, that the visit is not a general condition inspection and that missed access may require a second appointment. Clear communication reduces resistance and makes the inspection day smoother.
How to manage annual records
Keep one central folder for window safety records. Store the current report, previous reports, rectification quotes, completion evidence, reinspection notes and resident access records. This makes future annual inspection programs easier and reduces the risk of losing important compliance evidence when managers or committee members change.
What a good provider should make easier
The provider should reduce the manager’s workload. That means clear booking, clear reporting, defect photos, unavailable-access notes, practical rectification support and reinspection reminders. If the manager has to rewrite the report for the committee, the provider has not done enough.
