SAMMY THE SEAL'S SWIMMING POOL & SPA SAFETY GUIDELINES · The state government has now 'out sourced' the presentation of swimming pool & spa safety fencing rules to the Australian

SAMMY THE SEAL'S

SWIMMING POOL & SPA

SAFETY GUIDELINES

TO HELP YOU GET STARTED

Sammy's Guidelines are not AS 1926.1. Always check AS 1926.1 if more details are needed. 1 / 15

* NEWSFLASH - NEW - MORE STRICT - POOL & SPA SAFETY REGULATIONS NOW IN EFFECT IN

VICTORIA

A Kid Safe Home is a Happy Home

PRODUCED BY THE OPEN CARE ASSOCIATION

A NON PROFITCOMMUNITY AIDE INITIATIVE

01 MAY 2010

WHERE DO THE POOL & SPA SAFETY BARRIER RULES COME FROM ?

The Rules in Victoria are a product of two (2) documents

(01) PART 3.9.3 OF BUILDING CODE OF AUSTRALIA (BCA) 2010 - VICTORIA APPENDIX.

(02) AUSTRALIAN STANDARD AS 1926.1 SAFETY FENCING FOR SWIMMING POOLS 2007

HOWEVER - ONLY PARTS OF AS 1926.1 APPLY - AS NOT ALL OF IT APPLIES IN VICTORIA

- THE RULES IN VICTORIA ARE NOW MORE STRICT THAN THOSE NOTED IN THE STANDARD -

BY DEFINITION A 'SPA' IS A 'SWIMMING POOL'

SPAS WITH LOCKABLE LIDS ARE NOT EXEMPT FROM THE RULES

Australian Standards Association (ASA)

The state government has now 'out sourced' the presentation of swimming pool & spa safety fencing rules to the Australian Standards Association (ASA).

As such, the Australian Standards Association (ASA) may also claim 'copyright' on such documents.

They are no longer freely available in the public domain. Expect to pay about $90.00.

Copyright & Fair Use

For any community groups or the like that would like to reproduce relevant sections of AS 1926.1, they may be able to do so under the 'fair use' provisions of the copyright rules without infringing copyright, however, to be on the safe side, it is recommended that such groups seek & obtain permission in writing from the Australian Standard Association (ASA) before reproducing any of the content or sketches contained therein from;

Australian Standards AssociationGPO BOX 476

SYDNEY NSW 2001

Copies or Extracts of AS 1926.1 cannot be Supplied by this Association to the Public (so please do not ask)


For more details, please obtain a copy of the relevant sections of Australian Standard AS 1926.1 Safety Fencing for Swimming Pools 2007 - a proprietary document that cannot be freely distributed -

for specification details before commencing work to help avoid making mistakes - not all sections are relevant in Victoria as noted above -

CAUTION - ANY REFERENCES IN AUSTRALIAN STANDARD AS 1926.1 TO USING SELF CLOSING AND LATCHING DOORS LEADING TO OR FROM A HOUSE OR OUTBUILDING INTO A SWIMMING

POOL OR SPA AREA MUST BE DISREGARDED AS THEY DO NOT APPLY IN THE STATE OF VICTORIA DUE TO THE OVERRIDING REQUIREMENTS OF PART 3.9.3 - SWIMMING POOL ACCESS -

OF THE BUILDING CODE OF AUSTRALIA 2010 - VICTORIA APPENDIX.

01 MAY 2010

BIG CHANGE TO POOL & SPA BARRIER SAFETY RULES DOORS LEADING TO OR FROM HOUSES AND OUTBUILDING INCLUDING GARAGES & WORKSHOPS

AND THE LIKE INTO SWIMMING POOL OR SPA SAFETY BARRIER AREAS ARENOW BANNED IN THE STATE OF VICTORIA

SWINGING, FOLDING & SLIDING DOORS ARE NOW OUT

Specification of minimum heights and clearances noted on the following pages ►


HOUSE OR OUTBUILDING

DOORS LEADING TO OR FROM THE POOL OR SPA SAFETY BARRIER AREA NOW BANNED BY THE STATE

GOVERNMENT OF VICTORIA

EVEN IF THEY ARE SELF CLOSING AND SELF LATCHING

Swinging Doors ?

No! Not Allowed Any More

Folding of Sliding Doors ?


Minimum recommended distance of 1.00 metre (3 feet) all around pool or spa to provide a rescue path in an emergency

Required 1.80m (6') min. high perimeter boundary fences.

Please also see the boundary fences & internal barrier climb over restriction requirements section further on ►

Separate Dividing Fence With Self Closing & Self Latching Gate Now RequiredSwinging gates used as part of a swimming pool or spa bath safety barrier must swing outwards away

from the pool or spa area (not inwards) so that if the self closer fitted to the gate does not quite push hard enough & so does not quite latch the gate correctly (such as may occur when a strong wind may be

blowing) and a toddler were to lean up against the gate - then the gate will simply snap shut - rather than open inwards and allow the child ready access to the pool or spa area.

Hi. My name is Sammy the Seal.

Let me show you how you the basics behind the new State Government rules...........

POOL OR SPA

CAN SOLID GLASS INTERNAL FENCES BE USED ?Only if they are supported laterally and in filled with thick shatter proof

laminated safety glass designed & properly certified & documented by a Specialist Registered Engineer in Compliance with AS 2208 (Human Impact) & AS 1170 (Loading Code) while also meeting the AS 1288 (Glazing) & AS 1926.1 fencing specification requirements & with permanent mid height glass decals clearly defined to show the

existence of glass to help stops kids running into it.

Internal fence & self closing & latching gate opening outw ards now required ►

SWINGING & SLIDING OR FOLDING DOORS OR WINDOWS ARE NOW OUT

Where the placement of furniture is restricted so children cannot move it to within 1.20 m / 3' 11 1/4” of the window and the height from the sill of the lowest opening panel of the window measured from the inside floor is less than

1.20 m / 3' 11 1/4” the openable portion of the window must comply.

Where furniture can be moved, all windows must be restricted. Effectively this means that all windows

MUST MEET ONE OF THE FOLLOWING THREE (3) REQUIREMENTS I.E. ITEM 01, 02 OR 03

01 * Security Screens May Be Used

Fit a security screen in a manner that cannot be removed without a drill i.e. pop rivets for aluminium windows or for timber windows countersunk recessed or capped screws. Such screens must be like that used on spatterned security doors with no gaps over 100mm / 3 7/8” (3 7/8”) wide or may security fly mesh type made out of high strength stainless steel or bronze mesh or the like. Ordinary flimsy lightweight fibreglass or aluminium fly screen mesh designed to simply keep out insects is no good.

02 * Fix Window Permanently Shut

Fix windows permanently shut in a manner that cannot be removed without a drill i.e. pop rivets for aluminium windows or for timber windows capped countersunk recessed screws.However, the ventilation rules require that the amount of window opening available must be equal to a least one twentieth of the floor area (5%) of the room it serves. So this option can only be used if there is plenty of other windows servicing or sharing the room or else powered exhaust fans are required to be fitted to make up for the restricted window.

03 * Restrict Window Permanently So it Cannot Open by More than 100mm / 37/8”

Fix windows in a manner that permanently restricts the window from opening more than 100mm / 37/8” with devices that cannot be removed without a drill i.e. pop rivets for aluminium windows or for timber windows capped countersunk & recessed screws. For horizontal / vertical sliding windows restrictor plates or the like may be used fixed into the top or bottom or side sliding channels as applicable to restrict window movement. Awning windows must have two solid chains bolted & capped on each side to restrict window movement (flimsy chains are nogood) or for chain driven openers, the chain may shortened with a chain cutter and capped accordingly.However, the ventilation rules require that the amount of window opening available must be equal to a least one twentieth of the floor area (5%) of the room it serves. So this option can only be used if there is plenty of other windows servicing or sharing the room or else powered exhaust fans are required to be fitted to make up for the restricted window.

NOTE Self Closing and Self Latching Windows, Timber Window Shutters or the like MUST NOT be Used

State Government Directive. They are now out. No exceptions. None.


Awning & Sliding Windows ?


Unless you Do the Following ... *

Swinging, Folding & Sliding Doors ?


POOL OR SPA

HOUSE OR OUTBUILDING

Required 1.80m (6') min. high perimeter boundary fences.

Please also see the boundary fences & internal barrier climb over restriction requirements section further on ►

Internal fence & self closing & latching gate opening outw ards now required ►

BOUNDARY FENCES LESS THAN 1.80M (6') TALL ARE NOW OUT

This means that if the existing fences are too low, they must be raised with good solid well fixed trellis extensions or the like at the full cost of the person with the pool or spa (not the neighbour). However, if the next door neighbour (owner) does not want it - the Fences Act 1968 applies - which means you cannot extend the fence - which means you will have to use a separate fence within your own property at least 1.20m (4') away from the boundary fence to comply. Best to talk with your neighbour first rather than bolt up any trellis extension or the like and invite a problem for yourself. It no longer matters which side the fence rails are on just as long as it is at least 1.80m / 6' tall - except where they may intersect with a perpendicular safety fence - as noted further on in the 'Climb Over Restrictions' section...

BOUNDARY FENCES & INTERNAL BARRIER STEP OVER RESTRICTIONS

* Return Side for at least 300mm / 1 foot

T RESIDUAL SAFETY DEVICES (SAFETY SWITCHES) TO POOL PUMPS & USE LOW VOLT LIGHTS

AVOID ELECTRIC SHOCK Recommended to help avoid electric shock by means of a fault occurring in the pool / spa pump circuit.

Have the Electrician place an external waterproof BIG RED EMERGENCY STOP BUTTON adjacent to the pool or spa so it can be quickly punched off in an electrical or suction emergency.

It is no fun being electrocuted or drowned ...

AVOID DROWNING BY HAVING YOUR HAIR SUCKED INTO ANY UNDERWATER SUCTION POINTS Do not wear long hair in a pool or spa without using a bathing cap and avoid duck diving near suction points.Many horrid deaths have occurred in recent years by this means ... Newspaper extract attached ...

AVOID HAVING YOUR INSIDES SUCKED OUT BY ANY POOL OR SPA UNDERWATER SUCTION POINTS Ensure any inlet points suction point dome covers remain in place and do sit on or place your bottom anywhere near a pool or spa inlet suction point. Not nice to mention. But fact. Several horrible deaths have occurred across Australia in recent years ... Newspaper extract attached ...

LOCATE CPR SIGNS IN A WATERPROOF CLEAR DISPLAY ENVELOPE RIGHT NEXT TO POOL OR SPA Free and available for Ambulance Victoria members. A4 size version attached ...

No use fumbling around in an emergency ...

AVOID BACTERIA GROWTH IN WARM SPAS Change the water after each use.No point getting a serious lung, skin or belly infection ...

APPLY SAMMY'S GUIDELINES & USE COMMON SENSE All the rules in the world are no good if competent adult or parental supervision is absent ...


If the boundary fence rails are on your side then * Vertical boards the height of the fence are required to cover each of the horizontal fence rails within the return & approach sides as noted in the sketch above to help

stop kids using the horizontal rails to step over the intermediate safety fence. Please the example on the following pages....

Pool / Spa

* From the Approach Side by at least 900mm / 2 foot 111/2 inches

Rest of Backyard

Internal fence

Kids have a low body oxygen reserve to brain ratio ... they can be brain damaged

or dead in under 5 minutes .....

House or Outbuilding


PURPOSE BUILT INTERNAL SAFETY FENCE

(No Good for Boundary Fence Use)

CLIMB OVER INTERSECTION TREATMENT WHERE

BOUNDARY AND INTERNAL FENCES MEET

Radius of 900 m m m in. now OK as per

AS 1926.1 - 2007

NOTE

Typical of all types of construction for internal fences used for pool / spa enclosures.

No object to be within 900mm / 2'11'' radius of the top of a pool / spa safety fence so that the object cannot be readily used to gain ladder type access to the pool / spa enclosure area.

GATESelf closing & locking gatem ust open outw ards aw ay

from the pool / spa area.It must shut firm ly from the

alm ost closed position.

These Basics Sketches are OK and are all You Need for Most Applications...

If you have an unusual or difficult site please see AS 1926.1 for more complex details if necessary...

Approach Side

Building or buying a purpose made internal fence too hard or expensive ?

Then simply build a 1.80m / 6' high ordinary solid boundary type fence and fit a self closing &

latching gate opening outwards away from the pool / spa area instead.

300

Intersecting Fences

All pool / spa enclosure fences where they intersect must have the horizontal rails covered with vertical boards like this for a distance of at least 900mm / 2'11” from external approach side & at least 300mm / 1' internally from the pool / spa area side to help restrict ladder or step over type access.

900

SPECIAL NOTES ABOUT ABOVE GROUND POOLS & SPAS

POST 01 MAY 2010

Clause 2.10 of AS 1926.1 Above Ground Pools / Spas

Technically this provision - at first observation - allows for above ground pools with smooth non climbable sides at least 1.2m / 3' 111/4” high to be unfenced, however, there is a special proviso that states;

Note: “Above ground pools / spas pose a particular hazard because of the tendency to install climbable objects against the pool / spa which may be used for access into the pool / spa”.

This effectively means that smooth non climbable sides at least 1.2m / 3' 111/4” high only complies ONLY while there is no ladder against it or anything else near it within 900mm. However, a ladder or the like is required to access such pools.

So - as such a 'barrier' cannot comply all the times - this provision is effectively null & void.

Is a special cage built just around the ladder with a complying self closing gate & latch opening out away from the pool ladder access area OK to use then?

Yes, but in part only, as it does not stop older kids leaving items leaning up against the sides of an above ground pool or within 900mm such a as make shift diving or bomb platforms, such as card tables, chairs, surfboards or whatever.

This has been proven by research into backyard drownings.

So effectively this provision may still be considered null & void in such cases even if a special cage is built around the ladder access area & such items were positioned up against any part of the remaining sides of such pool / spa.

Research has shown that unlike the 900mm / 2'11” exclusion zone around a 1.20m / 3' 111/4”pool fence, the sides of an above ground pool / spa are an open invitation for older kids to place items against the side of the pool for all sorts of odd reasons.

Then when the older kids leave, a little kid has a ready access path to death or serious injury.

OK then, what about building a complying fence or cage all the way around on top of an above ground pool?

This is definitely a NO. Such fences or cages are a death trap as they prevent ready access to a child in trouble. Although not specifically mentioned in the AS 1926.1-2007 (the pool & spa safety code), the implementation of such a fence or cage would be a serious breach of the Safety Objectives of the Part 101 (g) of Building Regulations of Victoria 2006 and cannot be accepted as an Alternative Solution Pursuant to Section 1.0.8 of the Building Code of Australia 2010.

So what does this provision mean? Well, this provision has been identified as confusing & unworkable for the reasons noted above and it is expected to be dropped altogether with the next code revision.

So, in the mean time, effectively this may be considered as a 'non provision' - so it may be best to forget about trying to use above ground pools with smooth non climbable sides at least 1.2m / 3' 111/4” high as part of a swimming pool or spa safety barrier, even if you elect to use a ladder cage and you can find a Building Permit Issuing Authority who is prepared to issue a building permit for one i.e. circumstances would have to particularly unique for a competent Building Permit Issuing Authority to entertain such an idea in today's litigious environment.

So what does this all mean? Simply that if your cannot be bothered trying to find a Building Permit Issuing Authority that will go along with it and you do not want to try & explain yourself at any Coronal Inquiry in the event of a beach of the rules caused by make shift diving or bomb platforms such as card tables giving access to a younger child as noted above, then just comply with the simple free standing fence provisions on noted on the previous pages.


Above Ground Pool

NO FENCE OR CAGE SHOULD BE USED ON TOP OF A POOL OR SPA AS THEY ARE A DEATH TRAP

Use a simple free standing pool or spa safety fence as shown on the previous pages instead...

SAMMY'S FINE PRINT

The proceeding pages are adequatefor most applications

i.e. they contain all the information you really need to know

However, If you have nothing to do on the weekend or you have some special situation you may need to address on your particular site you may like to

read on ....


SAMMY'S FINE PRINT

The proceeding pages are adequate for most applications

i.e. they contain all the information you really need to know.

However, If you have nothing to do on the weekend or you have some special situation you may need to address on your particular site you may like to read on ....

DESIGN & CONSTRUCTION

Fencing shall be designed and constructed so that at any point the outside of the fencing will present an effective barrier to young (under 5) children. The fencing shall be a permanent structure.

MATERIALS

Fencing may be constructed from any type of QUALITY DURABLE material, and the the finished fencing complies with the requirements of these rules.

FENCING HEIGHT

Boundary fences 1.80m / 5'11”minimum Standard Design OK

Internal safety fencing 1.20 m / 3' 111/4” minimum Special Design Needed

The height shall be considered to be effective if a quadrant of radius 1.20m / 3'111/4”, provides a clear span of 1.20m / 3' 111/4” to finished ground level, or to any projections from, or objects on, the ground, except for non-climbable objects which are able to be positioned within the 1.20m / 3' 111/4”radius.

Perforated material or mesh Fencing using perforated materials or mesh with apertures not greater than 13 mm / 1/2”, shall have an effective fencing height not less than 1.20m / 3'11 1/4”.

Fencing using perforated material or mesh with apertures greater than 13mm / 1/2” but less than 100mm / 37/8” shall comply with one of the following:

✔ The effective fencing height shall be not less than 1.80m / 5'11”.

✔ The vertical section shall have an effective fencing height of not less than 1.80m / 5'11” with any apertures less than 100mm / 37/8”. Fencing using mesh shall include a strainer wire or rail at the top and the bottom of the fencing.

RETAINING WALL OR OTHER SUCH BARRIER

A retaining wall or other such barrier on the high side of the pool shall be an effective barrier if it complies with the following:

It has an effective height of not less than 1.80m / 5'11” and an outside complying non grip surface.

✔ It does not slope away from the pool by more than 15° to the vertical. A retaining wall or other such barrier on the low side of the pool shall be an effective barrier if it does not slope towards the pool by more than 15° from the vertical and complies with either of the following:

✔ It has an effective height of not less than 1.80m / 5'11” from the outside surface.

NOTE It is recommended that a 1.20m / 3' 111/4” high fence with rails 100mm / 37/8” max that will prevent people from falling off the retaining wall or some other such barrier should be installed on top of the wall or barrier 1.2m / 3'111/4” high.

GROUND CLEARANCE

The height of any opening between the bottom of the fencing and the ground level shall not exceed 100mm / 37/8”.

OUTSIDE SURFACE

Projections from or indentations into the outside surface of the fencing, or any combination of projections and indentations, shall not form a substantially horizontal surface with a depth greater than 10mm / 3/8” unless they are spaced not less


than 900mm / 2'11” apart and provided that the lower projections or indentations are at least 1.10m / 3'71/4” below the top of the fencing. Projections or indentations which form a substantially horizontal surface must not act as a hold for climbing. The fence shall be designed to be vertical, or where specifically designed to lean towards the pool, it shall not do so by more than 15° to the vertical.

HORIZONTAL CLIMBABLE MEMBERS

Where fencing components provide a substantially horizontal surface, such as rails, rods, wires or bracings, that could be used as holds for climbing are located on the outside of the fencing, or where vertical members are spaced such that they provide clear openings of more than 10mm / 3/8” width, the following requirements shall apply:

✔ Horizontal members shall be not less than 900mm / 2'11” apart. Where there are two or more horizontal members, this measurement shall be made from the top surface of the highest lower member to the top surface of the lowest upper member. Where the fence is for a sloping site, the distance between the top surface of the highest lower member and the top surface of the lowest upper member shall be not less than 900mm / 2'11” measured perpendicular to the finished ground level.

✔ The top surface of the highest lower horizontal member shall be at least 1.10m / 3'71/4” below the top of the fence.

NOTE: Substantially horizontal surfaces such as rails, rods, wires, or bracings that could be used as holds for climbing, and which comply with the above.

HORIZONTAL NON - CLIMBABLE MEMBERS

As an alternative to the horizontal members such as rails, located on the outside of the fencing shall not act as a hold for climbing if they comply with the following requirements:

✔ Horizontal members comply with spacing rules

✔ Vertical members are spaced to provide a clear opening of not more than 10mm / 3/8”.

HORIZONTAL SURFACES INSIDE THE FENCING

Where any nearby horizontal surfaces that could be used as holds for climbing are permanently located near the inside of the fencing and where the spacing between vertical members is greater than 10mm / 3/8”, such surfaces shall be separated from the fencing by a distance of not less than 300mm / 1'.

VERTICAL MEMBERS

The clear space between any adjacent vertical members, such as palings, rods or wires, shall not exceed 100mm / 37/8” at any point.

GATES AND FITTINGS

Direction of opening gates shall be hung so that they only swing outwards i.e. away from the pool area.

A self-closing device shall be fitted to all gates that will return the gate to the closed position and operate the latching device from any position with a stationary start without the application of a manual force. The self-closing device shall be capable of complying with these requirements with the gate at any position from resting on the latching mechanism to fully open.

NOTES

The self-closing device may require a cushioned back-checking operation to prevent shock when the gate is closing.

Self-closing devices subject to wind loading (which may prevent their closing), may require special consideration.

The latching device shall not be able to be inadvertently adjusted during operation, and shall not be able to be adjusted without the use of tools. When in the closed position, the latching mechanism shall not be able to be released by the insertion of any implement between the 10 mm / 3/8” gap particularly from below the mechanism.

Location of the latching device. Where the release to the latching device or the latch is located at a height less than 1.50m


/ 4'111/8” above the finished ground level or 1.40m / 4'7/8”above the highest lower horizontal member and is capable of being released at the latching mechanism, the location of the release of the latching device shall;

✔ not be on the outside of the fencing;

✔ be in such a position that to release the latching device from the outside it will be necessary to reach over or through the fencing at a height of not less than 1.20m / 3'111/4” above the finished ground level or not less than 1.10m / 3'71/4” above the highest lower horizontal member; and

✔ be at least 150 mm / 6” below the top of the gate if a hand-hole is not provided, or at least 150mm / 6” away from the edge of any hand-hole opening if a hand-hole is provided.

SHIELDING OF LATCHING DEVICE

Where the release to either the latching device or the latch is located at a height less than 1.50m / 4111/8” above the finished ground level or 1.40m / 4'7/8” above the highest lower horizontal member and is capable of being released at the mechanism, the latch and its release shall be so shielded that no opening greater than 10mm / 3/8” occurs within an area bounded by;

✔ an effective radius of 450mm / 18” from the operating parts of the latch; and

✔ the top of the fence, if this intersects the area described above

Where it is necessary to have a hand-hole in a gate, the bottom of the opening shall be not less than 1.20 m / 3'111/4” above the finished ground level or 1.10 m / 3'71/4” above the highest lower horizontal member, and the shielding shall be extended up to a horizontal line through the top of the hand-hole, or 150 mm / 6” above the top of the latch, whichever is the higher. The shield shall be free of sharp edges and the edges of the adjacent parts of the shield on the gate and the fence shall be rounded or chamfered to prevent a hazard when the gate closes.

BALCONY

Where a balcony projects into a pool area and where the distance from the floor of the balcony to the pool surround is less than 1.80m / 6', the balcony shall include a balustrade which complies with the requirements for a fence in these rules.

STRENGTH OF POSTS AND FOOTINGS

There shall be no permanent damage to any post, the footings shall not loosen to impair the effectiveness of the barrier and any gate shall meet the requirements of all the requirements noted above.

STRENGTH OF FENCING COMPONENTS

Rigid Components structural components, such as panel infills, top and bottom rails, rods, palings, pickets and the like, shall be capable of;

✗ sustaining a force of 300 N applied in any direction, without any component✗ breaking,✗ showing signs of fracture, or ✗ becoming permanently deformed by more than 10mm / 3/8” over its length; and ✗ sustaining a force of 250 N applied in any direction without any component becoming permanently deformed.

CLOSING AND LATCHING OF GATES

The gate unit shall comply with be manufactured properly.

The gate shall close and latch from any position from resting on the latching mechanism to fully open, under both of the following conditions:

✔ Under the natural weight of the gate.

✔ After a mass of 25 kg supported by the top rail is placed at a point 100 mm from the outer edge of the locking stile of the gate.

✔NOTE This requirement is intended to indicate whether the automatic closing and latching mechanism is likely to remain


effective after the gate has been subject to deflection, either under its own weight or as a result of children swinging on it. The latching device and posts of the fencing to which the gate is attached shall be capable of retaining the gate in a closed position when pushed hard at 250 N applied load.

TYPICAL FENCES

Significant dimensional requirements that need to be met to enable a fence to comply with these rules.

POST & RAIL CONSTRUCTION

For fences constructed of palings, galvanised steel, fibre cement (fibro), aluminium or similar profiled or flat wall material, the significant dimensions are as follows:

✔ The rails, if located on the outside of the fencing, are to be not less than 900mm / 2'11” apart when measured between the top surfaces of the rails.

✔ The top surface of the lower rail is to be at least 1.10 m / 3'71/4” from the top of the fencing.

✔ The effect of these similar requirements in Items (c), (d) and (e) is that there should be a height of at least 900mm / 2'11” clear of any potential handholds or footholds, and that any foothold at the bottom of this clear distance should be at least 1.10 m / 3'71/4” from the top of the fencing.

Picket fences also meet these requirements if the pickets are spaced not more than 100mm / 37/8” apart & the rails are on the pool side (not the approach side) as long as they meet the above horizontal spacing requirements.

PERFORATED MATERIALS, WIRE MESH OR FABRIC FENCES

For fences of this type, the significant dimensions are as follows:

Where the material has openings greater than 13 mm / 1/2 “, the fence height is to be increased to 1.80 m / 6'.

Materials with openings greater than 100 mm / 3 7/8”are not to be used. To meet the requirements of these rules it will generally be necessary for the material to be firmly fastened and tightly strung.

FABRICATED METAL FENCES

For fences fabricated from small section steel, aluminium or other suitable metals, the significant dimensions are as follows:

✔ Vertical members are to be spaced not more than 100mm / 3 /8” apart.

✔ Horizontal members are to be placed a minimum of 900mm / 2'11” apart vertically.

Where there are two or more horizontal members, the 900mm / 2'11” measurement is made from the top surface of the highest lower member (assuming the horizontals to be grouped at the top and bottom of the fence) to the top surface of the lowest upper member. (iii) The top surface of the highest of the lower group of horizontal members is to be at least 1.10 m / 3'7 1/4” below the top of the fencing.

INFILL PANEL FENCES

For fences constructed of glass-fibre reinforced plastics, reinforced glass, timber, plywood, exterior grades of hardboard or other sheet products in framed ledge or panel construction, the significant dimensions are as follows:

✔ Any potential climbing holds are to be at least 900mm / 2'11” apart vertically.

✔ The lower of any climbing holds between which the vertical distance of 900mm / 2'11” is measured is to be at least 1.10 m / 3' 7 1/4” below the top of the fencing.

✔ The width of any openings below a height of 1.20m / 3'111/4” is not to exceed 100mm / 37/8”.

✔ In addition, it will be necessary to ensure that the sheet material is sufficiently rigid and adequately fixed to its frame.

BRICKWORK OR MASONRY FENCES


For fences constructed of bricks, blocks or masonry, the significant dimensions are as follows:

✔ Any projections, indentations or combination of these having a depth greater than 10mm / 3/8” are to be spaced at least 900 mm / 2'11” apart vertically.

✔ The lower of any such projections or indentations is to be at least 1.10m / 3'71/4” below the top of the fencing.

BRUSHWOOD FENCES

For fences constructed of woven brushwood, the significant requirements are as follows:

✔ Wires on the outside of the fence are to be interwoven with the brushwood in order not to provide a foothold for young children.

✔ It may also be necessary to provide some sort of capping on the top of the fence to prevent birds from picking at the brushwood twigs.

FENCE FINISH

The fencing shall be free of sharp edges, sharp projections and similar hazards.

--------------------- WARNING --------------------

AS 1926.1 - 2007 MAY CONTAIN MISTAKES & / OR CONTRADICTIONS

WHERE CONTRADICTIONS EXIST, ALWAYS CHOOSE THE SAFEST MORE STRINGENT OPTIONSOME OF THE SKETCHES IN AS 1926.1 -2007 MAY ALSO NOT ACCORD WITH THE TEXT

ALWAYS READ THE TEXT FIRST AND WHERE CONTRADICTIONS EXIST, CHOOSE THE SAFEST OPTION

IF IN DOUBT,

PLEASE REQUEST FREE TECHNICAL ASSISTANCE FROM THE RESPONSIBLE STATE AUTHORITY NOTED BELOW

This is not a Building Commission of Victoria Publication

However, Additional Technical Information May Be Obtained From The Following Source

WEB http://www.buildingcommission.com.au

The Building Commission of VictoriaGoods Shed North 733 Bourke Street

Docklands Victoria 3008(Postal P.O. Box 536E Melbourne 3001)

Phone 1300 815 127 / FAX 9618 9062

_________________ LEGAL INFO _________________

01 CIVIL TORTS (Damages Claims)

In the event of any injury or death occurring as a consequence of the Owner/s failing to take action as noted above, the Owner/s may become subject to arrest & / or have property impounded & / or have damages awarded against them via Civil Court Proceedings on behalf of any aggrieved third party or appointed representative.

02 INSURANCE (Notice of Disclosure)

Insurance companies cannot, by law, pay out on claims related to a breach of the law. Building insurance policies generally require the Owner/s to advise the insurance provider of a breach of an Act or Regulations that may affect the ongoing validity of any such policy i.e. such as non complying pool / spa safety barriers.

I.E. Are you are a pool or spa owner who is prepared to loose everything if you get sued for negligence ?

______ HELP KEEP KIDS SAFE THIS SUMMER _____




Documents

SAMMY THE SEAL'S SWIMMING POOL & SPA SAFETY GUIDELINES · The state government has now 'out sourced' the presentation of swimming pool & spa safety fencing rules to the Australian