Dangers of Propping Open Pool & Spa Gates
August 26, 2021
Addressing Common Pool Safety Compliance Questions
It’s amazing when we turn up to properties to conduct a pool barrier inspection, we see gate’s propped in the open position almost on a daily basis.
When it comes to discussing safety concerns with pool safety fence or barrier, we commonly jump straight to discussing the gate’s, door’s and or access points. The reason is that they are the most venerable component of the barrier system as they have moving part/s and require ongoing maintenance and repair to ensure the operation of the gate or door unit is as per the intended use. To remain closed and secure to prevent entry by a young child,
“ALL GATES MUST NOT BE ABLE TO BE OPENED BY YOUNG CHILDREN AND IF OPEN, DOORS AND GATES MUST RETURN TO THE CLOSED POSITION WHEN RELEASED AND REMAIN SECURE”.
This is considered a very important issue, as a large number of the pool drowning cases in Australia occur because the gate or door access point does not have suitable protection and/or has been left PROPPED open.
Its because of this issue that some of the rules and regulations are implemented. Here is some important information to remember when you are considering propping the gate open with that rock or paver.
Building Regulations
Swimming pool and spa barrier gate must remain closed.
- An occupier of the land on which a swimming pool or spa is located must take all reasonable steps to ensure that any gate or door forming part of a barrier restricting access to the swimming pool or spa remains closed except when a person is entering or leaving the part of the land on which the swimming pool or spa is located. Penalty: 50 penalty units
- A person who opens a gate or door forming part of a barrier restricting access to the swimming pool or spa must ensure that the gate or door is closed immediately after entering or leaving the part of the land on which the swimming pool or spa is located. Penalty: 50 penalty units.
These small steps can potentially save lives.
As Pool Barrier Safety Inspector’s, we see pool gates propped open on a regular basis, even some properties that are not occupied and gates held open with rocks. So, we strongly recommend be responsible pool owners and
STOP the PROP!!
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