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Pool And Spa Safety ReminderWellington Shire Council is reminding residents that outdoor pools and spas must have barriers to ensure they meet safety requirements. By Wellington Shire Council - 12th December 2006 - Back to News "Drowning is the most common cause of preventable death for children under five years of age in Victoria" said Leigh Collings, Wellington Shire Council’s Acting Municipal Building Surveyor.
"We want to remind people that not only are safety barriers required by law for pools and spas they also play an important role in keeping children safe," he said.
State Government regulations for pools and spas include:
- A building permit is needed to install or alter a pool or spa capable of containing a water depth exceeding 300mm (regardless of the volume of water), as well to install or alter child resistant safety barriers. Permits must be obtained from a private building surveyor and these are listed in the Yellow Pages;
- Gates and doors giving access to the pool or spa area must be self-closing and self-latching and at a height of at least 1.5 metres.
- Fences, barriers, gates and doors to pools and spas must be a minimum height of 1.2 metres and need to be regularly maintained to ensure they operate effectively at all times.
"If people are unsure of the requirements I would encourage them to call and building officers can clarify their obligations" said Mr Collings.
Failure to comply with the regulations is not only potentially life-threatening, but carries the risk 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 as safe as possible to save lives" said Mr Collings.
For further information see the Building Commission's brochure Swimming pool and spa safety barriers or contact Leigh Collings, Wellington’s Acting Municipal Building Surveyor on 1300 366 244.
Source: www.gippsland.com Published by: news@gippsland.com
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