Changes to Swimming Pool Barriers

David Kearsley Stuart McLennan

Overview

Why Change? Research Data History of changes BCA 2010 Volume 1 and 2 Changes AS 1926.1 - 2007 - Major Changes Existing Pools built Prior to 1991 Guidance Information and Documentation Contact details

Why Change ?

Why Change?
The primary question of interest:

Are the probabilities of drowning different for the different types of pool barriers and how can this be quantified?

Research Data

Research Data

The Studies cited Pitt and Balanda (1991) Queensland: Fenced verses Non fenced pools Stevenson et al (2002) WA: Four sided versus three-sided pool fencing Barker et al (2003) Queensland: Isolations pool fencing (four sided) versus three sided pool fencing (with child safe doors and windows)

Research Data

Pitt and Balanda (1991) This paper looked at the difference in rates of unintentional immersion in pools located in Brisbane for children up to 13 years of age with fences and pools with no fences. Period covered 1984 to 1988

Stevenson et al (2002) The subject of this study was the difference in drowning rates between pools with four sided fencing and pools with three sided fencing where there was no requirement for child safe doors or windows in the residence. Period covered 1988 - 2000

Barker et al (2003) The report analysed Queensland data report by QISU aimed to disentangle the causes of the difference in safety between three and four sided fencing. Period covered 1992 - 2001

Research Data

Each of the reports compares the safety performance of the two types barrier by using relative risk ratio Relative Risk Ratio is the ratio of probabilities of the occurrence of drowning with one type of fence and a second type of fence respectively Given by the expression RR = d2 / d1

Research Data
Study Pool Fence Type 1 Pitt and Balanda (1991) Stevenson et al (2002) Non Fenced Three sided unknown status of doors and windows Three sided + child safe doors and windows Three sided + child safe doors and windows Type 2 Fenced Four sided 3.76 1.78 Relative Risk

Barker et al (2003) Unintended access

Four Sided

2.88

Barker et al (2003) Primary Access Hazard

Four Sided

10.98
(Note: All children who drowned where allowed into pool area by parent)

History of change

History of change

The BCA currently references the AS 1926.1 1993 Fencing for swimming pools and AS 1926.2 1995 Location of fencing for private swimming pools. New editions of these standards were published in 2007 by Standards Australia. However the standards were not referenced in the BCA due to differing approaches between jurisdictions on whether childresistant doorsets are permitted to form part of a barrier for an outdoor pool.

History of change

ABCB National Technical Summit in 2009 discussed variations between jurisdictions for swimming pool barriers Included representatives from State and Territory administrations and leading Australian industry groups to progress the Variation Reduction Strategy (VRS). The NTS resolved that the decision on whether to allow the use of childresistant door sets in the BCA, was a matter of public policy This required the direction of the Board of the ABCB. At its meeting in July 2009, the Board adopted the position to:
Exclude the use of child-resistant door sets in barriers for outdoor pools in BCA 2010; and Adopt the 2007 editions of the Australian Standards 1926.1 and 1926.2

Victorian Legislation Overview

Building Legislation Hierarchy

STATE & TERRITORY BUILDING ACTS

STATE & TERRITORY BUILDING REGULATIONS ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS Administration Appeals Registrations Refurbishments Building standard

TECHNICAL STANDARDS

Building Code of Australia

Takes effect 1 May each year BCA is the communitys minimum standard for new building work Referenced in State & Territory building law Developed by Australian Building Codes Board (ABCB) Amended annually Not best practice To overcome market failure Solutions must be cost effective

Building Code of Australia (BCA)

Objective

Guidance
Functional Statement

Performance Requirement
Building Solutions

Mandatory
Methods of achieving compliance

DTS Provisions

Alternative Solution
Documentary Evidence Verification Method Comparative Analysis Expert Judgement

Prescriptive measures

Assessment methods

Changes to the Building Code of Australia Volume 1

BCA 2010 Volume 1

Performance Requirement GP1.2

a) A barrier must be provided to a swimming pool and must

i. ii. iii. iv. be continuous for the full extent of the hazard; and be of a strength and rigidity to withstand the foreseeable impact of people; and restrict the access of young children to the pool and the immediate pool surrounds; and have any gates and doors fitted with latching devices not readily operated by young children, and constructed to automatically close and latch.

BCA 2010 Volume 1

Vic G1.1 Swimming pools a) Safety barriers: A swimming pool associated with a Class 2 or 3 building or Class 4 part of a building or a children's service, with a depth of water more than 300 mm, must have fencing or other barriers in accordance with AS 1926 Parts 1 and 2. b) A child-resistant door set must not be used in a barrier for an outdoor swimming pool. c) A side-hung door forming part of the barrier for an indoor swimming pool must be hung so that, when opening, it only swings away from the pool area. d) A water recirculation system in a swimming pool with a depth of water more than 300 mm must i. for a spa pool, comply with AS 1926.3 except the specified distance between two outlets connected to a common line may be not less than 600 mm; and for all other swimming pools, comply with AS 1926.3.

ii.

BCA 2010 Volume 1

Energy Efficiency J7.3 Swimming pool heating and pumping
a) Heating for a swimming pool must be by
i. ii. iii. iv. v. a solar heater not boosted by electric resistance heating; or a heater using reclaimed energy; or a gas heater; or a heat pump; or a combination of 2 or more of (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv)

b) Where some or all of the heating required by (a) is by a gas heater or a heat pump, the swimming pool must have
i. ii. a cover other than when located in a conditioned space; and a time switch in accordance with Specification J6 to control the operation of the heater.

c)

A time switch must be provided in accordance with Specification J6 to control the operation of a circulation pump for a swimming pool.

d) For the purpose of J7.3, a swimming pool does not include a spa pool.

11 BCA 2010 Volume 1 20 Energy Efficiency J7.4 Spa pool heating and pumping til n umust be by a) Heating for a spa pool having a capacity of 680 L or more r4 o 2 ss la C to b) Where some or all of the heating required by (a) is by a gas heater or a heat pump, the ly spa pool must have pp a T O N esswitch must be provided in accordance with Specification J6 to control the c) Ao time D operation of a circulation pump for a spa pool having a capacity of 680 L or more.
i. a solar heater; or ii. a heater using reclaimed energy; or iii. a gas heater; or iv. v. a heat pump; or a combination of 2 or more of (i), (ii), (iii) and (iv) i. a cover; and ii. a push button and a time switch in accordance with Specification J6 to control the operation of the heater.

Changes to the Building Code of Australia Volume 2

BCA 2010 Volume 2

Performance Requirement P 2.5.3 A barrier must be provided to a swimming pool and must a) be continuous for the full extent of the hazard; and b) be of a strength and rigidity to withstand the foreseeable impact of people; and c) restrict the access of young children to the pool and the immediate pool surrounds; and d) have any gates and doors fitted with latching devices not readily operated by young children, and constructed to automatically close and latch.

BCA 2010 Volume 2

Clause 3.9.3.0 a) Subject to (b) and (c), Performance Requirement P2.5.3 is satisfied for a swimming pool associated with a Class 1 building, with a depth of water more than 300 mm if it has safety barriers installed in accordance with AS 1926 Parts 1 and 2. b) A child-resistant door set must not be used in a barrier for an outdoor swimming pool. c) A side hung door forming part of the barrier for an indoor swimming pool must be hung so that, when opening, it only swings away from the pool area.

A child-resistant door set is defined as a door set that comprises a door, door frame, self-closing device and self-latching device, that is designed to provide an access way from the building to the swimming pool.

BCA 2010 Volume 2

11 be by a solar heater a)Heating for a swimming pool other than a spa pool must 20 not boosted by electric resistance heating. til L or more must be by b)Heating for a spa pool having a capacity of 680 un ly pp a T O N c)Where some or all s the heating required by (b) is by a gas or heat pump, a of spa pool must have oe D
i. a solar heater; or ii. a gas heater; or iii. a heat pump; or iv. a combination of 2 or more of (i), (ii) and (iii). i. a cover; and ii. a push button and a time switch to control the operation of the heater.

Energy Efficiency 3.12.5.7 Heating and pumping of a swimming pool or spa

d)A time switch to control the operation of a circulation pump for a swimming pool other than a spa pool with capacity of less than 680 L.

Major changes to AS1926.1

Safety Barriers for Swimming Pools

Major Changes to AS1926

The following are represented on Technical Committee CS-034

Australian Building Codes Board, Australian Industry Group, Australian Institute of Building Surveyors, Australian Safe Communities Foundation, Australian Wire Industry Association, Consumers Federation of Australia, Department of Local Government, Housing and Sport (NT), Department of Local Government, Planning, Sport and Recreation (Queensland), Kidsafe National, National Injury Surveillance Unit Office of Fair Trading NSW Consumer Protection Agency, Planning South Australia, Royal Life Saving Society Australia Swimming Pool and Spa Association of NSW, Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Victoria, Swimming Pool and Spa Association of Western Australia

AS 1926.1 - 2007

Title change
Using the word fence in the title is misleading as it is not the only element used to enclose a pool. 1993 version Swimming pool safety Part 1: Fencing for swimming pools 2007 version Swimming pool safety Part 1: Safety barriers for swimming pools

Major changes AS1926

AS 1926.1 1993

No definition of what a pool area is.

AS 1926.1 2007

Defines pool area as the area surrounding the pool that is separated from the rest of the allotment by a safety barrier.

Major changes AS1926

AS 1926.1 1993

AS 1926.1 2007

Fencing Height
2.3.1 effective fencing height shall be not less than 1.2m

Fencing Height
2.3.1 minimum height of 1200mm will remain but changes to nonclimbable zone have been made

Major changes AS1926

AS 1926.1 1993 Figure 2.2 Perpendicular fencing on sloping ground

Major changes AS1926

AS 1926.1 2007 Perpendicular fencing dimensions

Major changes AS1926

AS 1926.1 1993

AS 1926.1 2007

2.3.2 Perforated material or mesh

Chain wire fencing height not less than 2.4m with crank where apertures are greater than 13mm

2.3.3 Perforated material or mesh

Chain wire fencing height not less than 1.8m with no crank where apertures are greater than 13mm

Major changes AS1926

AS 1926.1 1993

Major changes AS1926

The clear span radii has been changed from 1200mm to 900mm A non climbable zone is defined as a zone consisting of a barrier as well as the associated space within 900mm of the barrier intended to inhibit climbing of the barrier by children. This includes any point along the length of the barrier and its associated space.

Major changes AS1926

Boundary Fencing Clause 2.3.1 General

The location of the NCZ shall be on the outside of the fencing, except for a boundary fence. A boundary fence shall be not less than 1800 mm high. The NCZ may be located at the top on the inside of the fencing (see Figures 2.1, 2.2(a) to 2.2(c), 2.3(A) and 2.3(B)).

Major changes AS1926

Retaining walls AS1926.1 1993

2400m Height Not more than 15 from vertical

Major changes AS1926

Retaining walls AS1926.1 - 2007

1800m Height Includes non climbable zone Not more than 15 from vertical Where fence intersects a retaining wall:
Must have 900mm return; or Overhang by 900mm

Major changes AS1926

Balconies AS1926.1 - 2007

Height now 1800mm Now includes non climbable zone If balcony balustrade within NCZ must comply with AS 1926.1

Other Major changes AS1926

AS 1926.1 2007

Section 3 Restructure Now performance based on the loadings applied to each section of a barrier when tested. Allows the appendices to be informative and give guidance on how barriers can be tested.

Appendix A - Restructure New testing procedure for pool barriers. Bringing the testing procedure up to date.

Allows qualified testing companies to test the pool barriers using the same loads on the elements of the pool barrier using an approved suitable method other than the same testing regime that can only be completed by one or two companies.

Other Major changes AS1926

AS 1926.1 2007

Above ground pools Further clarified For aboveground pools, including inflatable pools, the walls of the pool shall be considered an effective barrier provided they comply with Clauses 2.3.1, 2.3.3, 2.3.4 and 2.3.5. A barrier shall be placed around ladders at the access point to an aboveground pool. Ladders and filters shall be located away from the non-climbable zone (NCZ) so as not to compromise the barrier. NOTE: Aboveground pools pose a particular hazard because of the tendency to install climbableobjects against the pool, which may used for access into the pool.

Other Major changes AS1926

AS 1926.1 1993

AS 1926.1 2007

Appendix D Strength Test For Flexible Materials And Components has been deleted and replaced with Section 3 under clause 3.3.2 Bringing into line with the new performance based Section 3

New Appendix D Examples Of Pool Fences Broad guide to some of the main constructional criteria that some of the more common types of fencing will have to meet in order to satisfy this Standard

AS1926.1 2007 Testing In Situ

Strength of Posts and Footings

Each post and footing shall withstand a horizontal 330 N force at 1200 mm above finished ground level. After loading, 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 Clauses 2.5.3, 2.5.4 and 3.4. This test can be conducted in the field by fastening one end of a calibrated spring balance to the post 1200 mm above ground level and pulling on the other end of the balance until a load of 33 kg is achieved. After application of the load, inspect the post and footing for any looseness or damage.

AS1926.1 2007 Testing In Situ

Operation of Gates

The gate shall close and latch from any position from resting on the latching mechanism to fully open, under both of the following conditions: (i) Under the natural weight of the gate (ii) 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

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

AS1926.1 2007 Testing In Situ

When undertaking final inspections of pool barriers Building Surveyors and Building Inspectors may request evidence of the in situ testing or may also required to be present to witness the testing to ensure that the construction of the barrier meets the structural adequacy criteria and that the gate operates correctly.

Changes to AS1926.2
Locations of Swimming Pool Barriers

Major changes AS1926.2

Clause Title Proposed Change Remove Fence and replace with Safety Barrier General revision of Preface. This includes a list of changes to the Standard Remove notes 1 and 3 Justification Use of the word fence in title is misleading as it is not the only element used to enclose the pool To describe the major changes and the objective of the Standard Potential implication due to change Clarity to user

Preface

Clarity to user

Scope

Both notes are superfluous and add nothing to the new Standard

Clarity to user

Major changes AS1926.2

Clause Scope Section 3 Proposed Change New note 1 added Addition of definitions for different pool barrier configurations and locations Placement of OPTION C into a Normative appendix Entitled Barriers with childresistant door sets Justification To explain the dynamics of Public Swimming Pools To clarify the different barrier configurations and locations Potential implication due to change Clarity to user Clarity to user

Clause 4.3

Regulative authorities can call up changes in their legislation as they see appropriate, with specific regards to this Swimming pool barrier orientation without compromising the rest of the document.

Clarity to user

Changes to AS1926.3
Water Recirculation and Filtration Systems

Water Recirculation and Filtration

NSW Coroners Report Summary

11 year old girl died 25 March 2006 Drowned caused entrapped on the cover of the main drain of spa pool within the apartment complex Entrapment was due to significant suction pressure as a result of a blockage in the main drain during the process of pebblecreting of the wall and floor of the spa during construction Blockage Soft reconstituted cement slurry, solid cement, a mixture of pebble blue chip, sand and dirt Estimated that blockage was a least 200mm in length

Water Recirculation and Filtration

NSW Coroners Report - Expert Report

Absence of an approved dual suction system on both spa pumps Non complying active main drain cover without secondary suction point and vacuum relief device An emergency stop switch for the spa pumps and alarm may have avoided the tragedy Only one pump was operating. Had both pumps been operating (spa jets) the hazard would have been sensationally increased. Active main drain concentrated all suction to centre of spa with suction pressure of -88Kpa or 350Kg (equivalent)

Water Recirculation and Filtration

NSW Coroners Report Recommendations

Action taken to prohibit the inclusion of an active main filter drain in the floor of spa pools in future Action taken to require the certification of pools and spa compliance with regulations by an independent and qualified expert prioir to handover for use by occupants Action taken where the pool/ spa form part of the property development an occupation certificate is not issued by the Principal Certifying Authority unless and until that authority has satisfied themselves the pool/spa has been constructed in accordance with statutory and other building requirements and is safe for use

Water Recirculation and Filtration

BCA Part 3.9.4 AS 1926.3

BCA compliance must be assessed prior to issuing a building permit Designers must be provide details to the RBS as part of a Building Permit Application for Pool / Spa An active main drain cover shall be dome shaped; and anti vortex. Apertures in the drain covers shall not allow the passage of an 8 mm circular rod A dome shaped outlet shall have a convex shape in elevation with a minimum height of 8 mm Openings in covers shall be not less than three times the cross-sectional area of the common suction line onto which they connect

Existing Pools

Existing Pools

Applies to pools built prior to 8 April 1991 with no requirement for fencing Building Regulations 2006 Part 7 Division 1 Regulations 701 to 705 - No change to regulations Can comply with AS1926.1 - 1993 Allows for the use of child resistant doors sets and windows and can continue to be used The Building Regulatory Advisory Committee (BRAC) is currently reviewing its policy around four sided fencing to existing pools built prior to 1991.

Guidance Information and Documentation

Guidance Information and Documentation

BCA Volume 2 Explanatory Information

A door must not be installed between a Class 1 or Class 10a building and an outdoor swimming pool enclosure of the door forms part of the swimming pool safety barrier, because the use of a child resistant door set described in the Standard is prevented under 3.9.3.0 (b)

Guidance Information and Documentation

Q. What if my barrier has been designed prior to 1 May 2010 but yet to be installed? A. No need to update design Section 10 of the Building Act Applies Q. Do I need to upgrade an existing barrier as a result of the changes? A. No. The changes to not apply retrospectively Q. I am doing maintenance and existing fence, do I need to apply the changes? A. No. The Regulations allow for maintenance and repair using like materials Q. I am replacing a barrier, do I need to apply the changes? A. Yes. This is a new barrier and will require approval.

Guidance Information Documentation

Practice Note No. 5

Current 2006-05 being Updated Will cover the BCA changes and why Is primarily aimed at Building Surveyors and Designers Will continue to have information on existing pools

To

be

da p u

ed t

Guidance Information and Documentation

Penalties

Enforcement - responsibility of the municipal council of the area where an allotment contains a swimming pool or spa. The regulations prescribe a fine in excess of $5,000 on an owner or occupier who fails to comply Local councils can also issue a $220 on the spot fine The Act contains penalties in excess of $10,000 for failure to carry out work in accordance with the building regulations. An example of non-compliance may be failure to install self-closing or selflatching devices or allowing climbable elements to be located within NCZ

Guidance Information and Documentation

To obtain a copy of the standard:

Phone: 131 242 Fax: 1300 65 49 49 sales@saiglobal.com http://infostore.saiglobal.com/ Melbourne Unit 3, 18 Salmon Street Port Melbourne VIC 3207

This ends the Swimming Pool Barrier Changes Section