Safety Window Films for Childcare Centres

With more and more parents working longer hours and choosing to pursue careers, childcare centres remain a popular and convenient method parents can rely on to look after their children. When we leave our children at childcare centres, we trust they are in an environment that not only facilitates their engagement but most importantly their safety. As such, there’s an extensive range of regulations stipulated within the National Education and Care Services Regulations that all childcare providers must abide by.  

When childcare centres choose not to comply with these regulations, children’s lives can be at risk. A case in 2002 involving a 2-year-old who lost his life from falling through a glass window really highlighted the need within Australia to adhere to these standards and the hazards when facilities choose not to.

As mentioned, Glass within childcare centres must meet the Australian Standard requirements (AS 1288) as specified within the National Education and Care Services Regulations. Like all laws and regulations, these can be quite complicated however having them in place ensures safety right across the board within child care centres.

The Building Code of Australia requires grade A safety glass be fitted within body height of the floor. Grade A safety glass is required because unlike regular glass it won’t shatter into thousands of pieces therefore reducing the risk of serious harm when it breaks.

Alternatively, a childcare provider can have a barrier in place that prevents the children from accessing the window – this option might be intrusive though and will come with its own set of regulations. The best and most cost-effective option to meet Building Code of Australia standards is safety window film.

If a childcare facility chooses to install safety window film over their regular glass, they aren’t required to have grade A safety glass installed as well.

Not only does safety film present optically clear and undetectable – safety window films such as Armorcoat® are made of high-tensile polyester and aggressive adhesives that hold the glass fragments together making them super resistant upon impact.

This means if a child does happen to fall into the glass, instead of the glass shattering everywhere it will stick together. While it may break the glass its highly unlikely that a child will be hurt in the process pending of course the level of impact.

Safety window film can also be applied to all sliding door, windows and glass panels in doors. This option clearly provides a quicker, easier and more cost-effective solution rather that having to systemically replace all the windows in a childcare centre.

Safety is a paramount feature for childcare centres Australia-wide. When we leave our children at childcare and day-care facilities, we not only expect there to be sufficient light and fresh air but we hope the windows don’t present an added danger to children. Whilst the rules and regulations surrounding windows in child care centres can be difficult to navigate, we know safety window films are a great way to reduce the risk of accidents with glass fittings.

ALLCOOL Window Films offer an extensive range of safety window film options – most of which block UV light and help moderate your indoor temperatures too. If you’re interested in fitting safety window films for your childcare facility get in touch with our team of specialists today. ALLCOOL Window Films has 35 years of industry experience and promise to deliver on time and on budget.