18/02/2015
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) last week issued a media
statement regarding compulsory pool safety compliance by homeowners by 30
November. Please find below a copy of the media statement for your information.
MEDIA STATEMENT
12 February, 2015
Pool safety compliance compulsory by 30 November
From 30 November, all Queensland swimming pools will be required to meet a new,
swimming pool-barrier standard, which has been phased in over the past five years.
Commissioner of the Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC),
Steve Griffin, said the new single standard was designed to increase pool safety and
simplify pool safety laws, which previously included 11 different safety standards.
Drowning is one of the leading causes of death in Queensland for children under five,
and effective fencing and associated safety measures, along with supervision and
learning to swim can save lives. The new standard covers such things as the height and
strength of barriers, mandatory non-climbable areas, gate-latching requirements and
preventing direct access from a building into a pool area.
The standard applies to new and existing pools in houses, unit complexes, hotels,
motels, backpacker accommodation, caravan parks and mobile van parks. Mr Griffin
said it was the responsibility of all pool owners to ensure their pools complied with the
new standard by 30 November, or earlier if the property is sold or leased.
“Pool owners have had five years to prepare for the new standard and if they are not sure
if their pool is compliant, they should contact a pool safety inspector as soon as
possible,” Mr Griffin said.
He said there was also information on the QBCC website to help
home owners to assess their pools, and owners could also make enquiries 24/7 to the
QBCC by phoning 139 333. Mr Griffin said the QBCC and local council authorities would
undertake random compliance audits of swimming pools to ensure pool owners are
complying with safety standards.
ENDS
Need more information contact:-
[email protected]
or 0457256285
