Is Your Child Care Centre Glass Compliant?
What Brisbane, Gold Coast & Sunshine Coast Centres Need to Know
The child care industry across Brisbane, the Gold Coast, and the Sunshine Coast has grown significantly over the past decade. With that growth comes a responsibility to ensure every child care centre is safe, secure, and compliant with Australian glass safety standards.
While many centres across Southeast Queensland follow the correct protocols, there are still some—due to oversight or a lack of understanding—that may not have brought their glass and glazing up to current legal requirements.
Why Glass Safety in Child Care Centres Matters
In regions like the Gold Coast, Brisbane, and the Sunshine Coast, we experience a mix of high temperatures, strong UV exposure, and severe storms. As a result, many centres rely on glass doors and windows for natural light and ventilation. However, unless this glass meets AS1288-2006, the Australian Standard for glass in buildings, it could pose a serious safety risk to young children.
Children are naturally curious and active, and windows and glass doors located at low levels are particularly vulnerable. If a child care centre hasn’t installed compliant glass—or taken proper safety precautions—the consequences can be severe.
What Are the Australian Standards for Glass in Child Care Centres?
The AS1288-2006 standard outlines how glazing should be handled in settings like schools, hospitals, and child care centres. For early learning centres, the regulation states:
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Any glazed area (including windows and glass doors) that is accessible to children—typically defined as one metre or lower from the floor, or 0.75 metres for centres approved before June 18, 2014—must be fitted with Grade A safety glass.
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Grade A safety glass is a toughened material designed not to shatter into sharp shards if broken, reducing the risk of cuts or serious injuries.
However, there is an alternative option that makes compliance both practical and cost-effective: 3M Security Window Film.
Not Using Safety Glass? 3M Security Film Is the Approved Alternative
If your centre’s glass isn’t Grade A safety glass, you must either:
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Install 3M Security Film to bring the glass up to compliance, or
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Fit protective barriers that prevent children from reaching the glass.
From a cost, time, and aesthetics perspective, applying 3M Safety & Security Film is the most effective solution for most child care centres across Southeast Queensland.
What Is 3M Security Window Film?
3M Security Film is a multi-layered, optically clear window film designed to hold shattered glass in place. If a pane breaks due to impact, the film bonds the fragments together—significantly reducing the risk of injury.
This film can be installed on:
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Sliding doors
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Hinged doors
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Low-level windows
Two Options: With or Without Solar Control
3M offers two main types of security film:
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Standard Security Film – Purely for impact protection and glass compliance.
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Security Film with Solar Control – Provides all the benefits of security film, while also reducing heat, glare, and harmful UV rays, making it a great choice for Queensland’s hot climate.
Both versions are compliant with the Building Code of Australia and ideal for child care centres wanting to create a safe, cool, and comfortable learning environment.
Is Your Child Care Centre Compliant?
If your child care centre is located in Brisbane, the Gold Coast, or the Sunshine Coast, and you’re unsure whether your windows and doors meet Australian safety glass standards, now is the time to check.
A simple inspection and the installation of 3M Security Film can bring your centre up to compliance—protecting children and your business.
Get Expert Advice Today
At Alcom Tint & Security, we’ve been working with child care centres, schools, and NDIS-funded organisations across Queensland for over 32 years. We specialise in glass compliance, Crimsafe security solutions, and 3M Window Films.
📞 Call us today on (07) 3801 4500 Brisbane, (07) 5529 9929 Gold Coast, (07) 5443 8100 Sunshine Coast to arrange a free site assessment and compliance check.
Email us commercial@alcomsecurity.com.au
Or visit our website to learn more: www.alcomsecurity.com.au