What Are the Rules for Pool Fencing in Queensland, Australia?
Queensland, New South Wales, Australia has adopted new standards for swimming pool safety fencing. New South Wales is the first to adopt the new standard. This new standard incorporates past experience and new research regarding swimming pool safety. New requirements and clarification of existing requirements add greatly to overall swimming pool safety and particularly to the safety of young children. Does this Spark an idea?
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Non-climbable Zone
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Cool waters beckon. The non-climbable zone applies to areas adjacent to the pool. Objects or structures that might allow access to a swimming pool area by climbing on them to jump over the fence must be at a greater distance from the fence. The zone has been increased from 900 millimeters to 1,200 millimeters. This applies to trees, balconies and other overhanging structures such as balconies, barbecue structures and utility buildings.
Boundary Fencing
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New height limits apply to swimming pool fences. The height has been increased from 1.2 meters to 1.8 meters. The maximum gap below the fence must not be more than 100 millimeters. The gap between all upright fence members must not be greater than 10 centimeters. There can be no climbing foot holds in the fence such as crossbars or horizontal struts.
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Gates
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Pool fencing gates must be the same height as the pool fence. All gates must swing outward and must be self closing and self latching. The latch is to be mounted at a distance of 1,500 millimeters from the bottom rail of the fence.
Construction Period Requirements
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During construction of a swimming pool, temporary fences that comply with the standards are allowed for a period of three months. Once completed, permanent fencing that complies with the new standards must be installed and maintained. Temporary and permanent fences require permits and inspections by the local council or private building certifier.
Portable Pools
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As of 2010, owners have to register their pools. Beginning in 2010 a new state law comes into effect. All portable pools with a depth greater than 300 millimeters are now subject to the swimming pool fencing standards.
Wider Applications of State Laws
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The new standard fencing requirements extend to indoor pools, hotel pools, motel pools, caravan parks and caretaker residences.
Registration and Certification
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Beginning in 2010 owners of backyard pools must register the pool to receive an inspection and compliance certificate that will be valid for two years. Shared pools in apartments, caravan parks, hotels and motels will require an annual certificate. Mandatory inspection for all pools is not included in new legislation.
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- Photo Credit come on in image by brelsbil from Fotolia.com swimming pool image by Wouter Tolenaars from Fotolia.com view from shantou image by Luisafer from Fotolia.com Kiddie Pool image by Leticia Wilson from Fotolia.com
