Certifiers to meet as NSW pool and spa barrier compliance regime kicks off
The NSW pool and spa barrier compliance regime kicked off on April 29 amid persistent industry concerns relating to interpretation of the new requirements.
To address these concerns, SPASA NSW & ACT has organised a meeting of private pool certifiers to discuss compliance and certification issues.
CEO Spiros Dassakis says he sent out invitations last week and the response has been overwhelming, requiring SPASA to move the meeting to a larger venue at Rydges Hotel, 116-118 James Ruse Drive, Parramatta.
The meeting will be held on Tuesday May 24 at 5:30pm.
The meeting has been called to raise and discuss issues associated with the barrier inspection and certification regime, including reports of difficulties getting consistent and timely answers from the Office of Local Government to questions relating to compliance; varying understanding of interpretations by certifiers and uncertain channels to receive decisive answers; and the potential need for a comprehensive guide for certifiers.
Dassakis says all non-members and members of SPASA who are Private Accredited Pool Certifiers (category A1, A2, A3 and E1) are invited to attend this important industry meeting where like-minded certifiers will be able to discuss a range of topics
Those topics will include but not be limited to:
1. Clarity of pool safety standards and legislation
2. Swimming pool register
3. E1 Training
4. Certification requirements
5. Compliance and enforcement
6. Supervision, education and training of pool owners and users
7. The Swimming Pool Barrier Review 2015 (Lambert Report)
8. Proposed amendments to the Building Professionals Regulation 2007
He says the purpose of the meeting is to provide an open platform for Accredited Private Pool Certifiers to raise concerns alongside practical solutions and allow SPASA to better represent this expanding and important new certification sector to government.
For more information, please contact Spiros Dassakis at spiros@spasa.org.au or (02) 9630 6300.
Certificate requirements
From 29 April 2016, properties sold with a pool in NSW must have either:
- A certificate of compliance;or
- A relevant occupation certificate and a certificate of registration; or
- A certificate of non-compliance.
When you buy a property with a non-compliant pool, you will have 90 days from settlement to fix any areas of non-compliance.
From 29 April 2016, properties leased with a pool must have either:
- A certificate of compliance; or
- A relevant occupation certificate and a certificate of registration.
More information is available at the Office of Local Government and from SPASA NSW & ACT.
