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Pool and spa safety saves livesWellington Shire Council is issuing a timely reminder to those with an outdoor pool or spa to ensure it meets safety requirements. By Wellington Shire Council - 1st August 2006 - Back to News "Drowning is the most common cause of preventable death for children under five years of age in Victoria" said Peter Hogan, Wellington Shire Council’s Municipal Building Surveyor.
"We want to remind people that not only are safety barriers required by law for pools and spas also play an important role in keeping children safe," he said.
State Government regulations for pools and spas include:
• Gates and doors giving access to the pool or spa area must be self-closing
• Fences, barriers, gates and doors to pools and spas need to be regularly maintained to ensure they operate effectively at all times
• Building permits are required for pool barriers for pools and spas capable of a water depth of more than 300mm (regardless of the volume of water)
"If people are unsure of the requirements I would encourage them to call and I can clarify the regulations that impact on them" said Mr Hogan.
Failure to comply with the regulations is not only potentially life-threatening, but carries the prospect of incurring an on-the-spot fine of $220, and a possible penalty of $5,000 plus court costs.
As part of Council’s ongoing pool and spa safety program, Building Services Officers will be carrying out periodic inspections of pools and spas including using aerial photography if necessary to identify pools and spas that require inspections.
"We want to make pools and spas in Wellington are as safe as possible" said Mr Hogan.
The Building Commission’s brochure called ‘What you need to know about swimming pool and spa safety barriers’ can be downloaded from Council’s website. (Go to www.wellington.vic.gov.au and search on ‘Building Services’.)
For more information about the requirements for pools fences contact Wellington Shire Council’s Municipal Building Surveyor Peter Hogan on 1300 366 244.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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