bca 2010 changes to swimming pool barriers
TRANSCRIPT
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 = ρd2 / ρd1
Research DataStudy Pool Fence Relative Risk
Type 1 Type 2
Pitt and Balanda (1991)
Non Fenced Fenced 3.76
Stevenson et al (2002) Three sided – unknown status of doors and windows
Four sided 1.78
Barker et al (2003)
Unintended access
Three sided + child safe doors and windows
Four Sided 2.88
Barker et al (2003)
Primary Access Hazard
Three sided + child safe doors and windows
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 child-resistant 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 child-resistant 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
TECHNICAL STANDARDS
ADMINISTRATIVE MATTERS•Administration•Appeals•Registrations•Refurbishments•Building standard
Building Code of Australia
Takes effect 1 May each year
BCA is the community’s 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)
Building Solutions
Performance Requirement
Functional Statement
Objective
Alternative SolutionDTS Provisions
Guidance
Mandatory
Methods ofachieving compliance
Documentary Evidence
Verification Method
Expert Judgement
Comparative Analysis
Prescriptive measures
Assessmentmethods
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. be continuous for the full extent of the hazard; and
ii. be of a strength and rigidity to withstand the foreseeable impact of people; and
iii. restrict the access of young children to the pool and the immediate pool surrounds; and
iv. 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 1Vic 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 poolmust 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
ii. for all other swimming pools, comply with AS 1926.3.
BCA 2010 – Volume 1Energy Efficiency – J7.3 Swimming pool heating and pumping
a) Heating for a swimming pool must be by—i. a solar heater not boosted by electric resistance heating; or
ii. a heater using reclaimed energy; or
iii. a gas heater; or
iv. a heat pump; or
v. 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. a cover other than when located in a conditioned space; and
ii. 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.
BCA 2010 – Volume 1Energy Efficiency – J7.4 Spa pool heating and pumping
a) Heating for a spa pool having a capacity of 680 L or more must be by—
i. a solar heater; or
ii. a heater using reclaimed energy; or
iii. a gas heater; or
iv. a heat pump; or
v. 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 spa pool must have—
i. a cover; and
ii. a push button 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 spa pool having a capacity of 680 L or more.Does N
OT apply to Class
2 or 4 until 2
011
Changes to the Building Code of Australia Volume 2
BCA 2010 – Volume 2Performance 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 2Clause 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 2Energy Efficiency – 3.12.5.7 – Heating and pumping of a swimming pool or spa
a)Heating for a swimming pool other than a spa pool must be by a solar heater not boosted by electric resistance heating.
b)Heating for a spa pool having a capacity of 680 L or more must be by –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).
c)Where some or all of the heating required by (b) is by a gas or heat pump, a spa pool must have –
i. a cover; and
ii. a push button and a time switch to control the operation of the heater.
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.
Does NOT apply u
ntil 2011
Major changes to AS1926.1Safety 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 SafeCommunities 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), KidsafeNational, National Injury Surveillance Unit Office of Fair Trading NSW Consumer Protection Agency, Planning South Australia, Royal LifeSaving 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
Fencing Height
– 2.3.1 effective fencing height shall be not less than 1.2m
AS 1926.1 – 2007
Fencing Height
– 2.3.1 minimum height of 1200mm will remain but changes to non-climbable zone have been made
Major changes AS1926
AS 1926.1 – 1993 Figure 2.2 Perpendicular fencing on sloping ground
AS 1926.1 – 2007 Perpendicular fencing dimensions
Major changes AS1926
AS 1926.1 – 1993
2.3.2 Perforated material or mesh
– Chain wire fencing height not less than 2.4m with crank where apertures are greater than 13mm
AS 1926.1 – 2007
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
Major changes AS1926
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
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
AS 1926.1 – 2007
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 AS1926.2Locations of Swimming Pool Barriers
Major changes AS1926.2
Clause Proposed Change Justification Potential implication due to
changeTitle Remove Fence
and replace with Safety Barrier
Use of the word fence in title is misleading as it is not the only element used to enclose the pool
Clarity to user
Preface General revision of Preface. This includes a list of changes to the Standard
To describe the major changes and the objective of the Standard
Clarity to user
Scope Remove notes 1 and 3
Both notes are superfluous and add nothing to the new Standard
Clarity to user
Major changes AS1926.2
Clause Proposed Change Justification Potential implication due to
changeScope New note 1
added To explain the dynamics of Public Swimming Pools
Clarity to user
Section 3 Addition of definitions for different pool barrier configurations and locations
To clarify the different barrier configurations and locations
Clarity to user
Clause 4.3
Placement of OPTION C into a Normative appendix Entitled Barriers with child-resistant door sets
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 AS1926.3Water 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 buildingrequirements 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 pool’s 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 it’s 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 u
pdate
d
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 self-latching devices or allowing climbable elements to be located within NCZ
Guidance Information and Documentation
To obtain a copy of the standard:
Phone: 131 242Fax: 1300 65 49 [email protected]://infostore.saiglobal.com/
MelbourneUnit 3, 18 Salmon Street Port Melbourne VIC 3207
This ends the Swimming Pool Barrier Changes Section