|
|
|
News>Time to check pool and spa safety barriers
| With summer fast approaching, Corangamite Shire is reminding pool or spa owners to check safety barriers.
Drowning is the most common cause of preventable death for children under five years of age in Victoria.
Municipal Building Surveyor, Neil Povey said State Government regulations required any swimming pool or spa fence, barrier, gate or door to be maintained in good working order. “Reminder letters will be sent to pool owners across the Shire in the coming weeks and we will also be carrying out random inspections in the lead-up to summer,” he added.
Anybody who owns or lives at a property with a swimming pool or outdoor spa must ensure that any fence or barrier restricting access to the pool or spa is operating effectively at all times. “A barrier could be a door, gate, lock, latch, catch, bolt or fly screen,” Mr Povey said.
Safety barriers must comply with Australian Standard 1926.1. Covers are not considered a safety barrier and do not comply with the law.
Mr Povey said residents needed to obtain a building permit to install pools and spas holding more than 300mm of water and also to install or alter safety barriers – including windows, doors, fencing and gates that provide access to the pool area. This includes portable and inflatable pools.
To maximise the safety of your swimming pool, there are some important points to remember:
1. Make sure there are approved safety barriers (fencing) surrounding the entire swimming pool.
2. To make sure children cannot enter the pool area without supervision, gates that self close from any position should be installed. Furthermore, gates should never be propped open by any object.
3. It is important to remove any overhanging tree branches or objects surrounding the fence that could allow children to access the pool. Pumps and skimmer housing are some examples.
4. Make sure you inspect your pool area on a regular basis and always ensure children are supervised around the water.
Mr Povey encouraged residents to contact Council on 5593 7100 if they were unsure of any permit or legal requirements regarding pools, spas and safety barriers.
“There are very stringent requirements around pools and safety barriers, so if there are any doubts or questions, residents need to contact Council’s Building Department.”
| |
| |
|