Pool Inspector Visual Library -

Image shows on of the options for a fence that is using material with apertures 13mm or greater.

If a fence has larger than accepted apertures, the height of the fence then becomes critical due to the ease of using the larger apertures to climb.

Perforated, Cranked, Cranked top, boundary, climbable

Standards -

Australia

Section(s)

Image shows the minimum height of a balcony that protrudes into a pool area

If a balcony intrudes into a pool area, a young child must not be able to use the balcony as a way of entering the pool area. If less than specified off the ground, then the balcony itself must be seen as the barrier

overhang

Standards -

Australia

Section(s)

Windows that open into a pool area must be a certain height off the ground or be fitted with secure mesh, bars or be not able to be opened more than 100mm in order to stop access to the pool area.

Windows leading into a pool area can easily be forgotten about in regards to being an entry point to the pool. If a window is not high enough off the ground then screens, bars or mesh can be used to secure no entry. Another option is to limit how far the window can be opened.

Window, Windows, Bars, Mesh, Screen

Standards -

Australia

Section(s)

Image shows the three Non Climable Zones that any barrier less than 1800mm must adhere to

There are three basic NCZ's on a barrier less than 1800mm in height that are all designed to stop children climbing the barrier or using other items near or around the barrier to assist climbing

Non Climbable Zone, No Climbing Zone, NCZ 1, NCZ 2, NCZ 4

Standards -

Australia

Section(s)

Retaining walls less than 2400mm high must comply as a standard barrier in regards to Non Climbable Zones. Other barrier elements may be needed to make them comply.

Retaining walls need to be looked at under the same scrutiny as any other barrier type. Non-Climbing Zones are an essential part of a retaining wall being compliant.

Retaining Wall Fence

Standards -

Australia

Section(s)

Image is showing how a retaining wall 2400mm or higher can be considered an effective barrier but must not slope more than 15 degrees

Retaining walls need to be looked at under the same scrutiny as any other barrier type. Non-Climbing Zones are an essential part of a retaining wall being compliant.

Retaining Wall

Standards -

Australia

Section(s)

Retaining walls between 1800mm and 1200mm must comply as a standard barrier in regards to Non Climbable Zones. Other barrier elements may be needed to make them comply.

Retaining walls need to be looked at under the same scrutiny as any other barrier type. Non-Climbing Zones are an essential part of a retaining wall being compliant.

Retaining Wall Fence

Standards -

Australia

Section(s)

Image is showing the Non Climbable Zones on a barrier that has indentations or projections that could be used as a handhold or foothold to assist climbing

Any projection or indentation in a barrier can be used for climbing. Projections and indentations do not only appear on a brick wall, any horizontal surface of 10mm or more on any barrier type is classed as a foothold

Indentation, Projection, Protrusion, NCZ, Non Climbable Zone, No Climbing Zone

Standards -

Australia

Section(s)

Image shows an appropriate solution for the placement of the latch release mechanism

If the latch release mechanism cannot be a minimum of 1500 above the ground then the latch must be shielded in some way. See Latch Shielding

Latch Height, Lock Height, Latch Release Height

Standards -

Australia

Section(s)

Image shows the four basic measurements that a barrier fence and gates must adhere to.

All panels and gates including glass panels must comply with all of these basic measurements

Fence Height, Vertical Members, Gap Under Panels, Horizontal Members

Standards -

Australia

Section(s)

Image shows an appropriate latch shielding when the latch is less than 1500mm above the finished ground level

The latch release mechanism if lower than 1500mm off the ground needs to be unable to be reached by a small child, so must be sheilded and at a height where a child cannot reach over in order to access

Latch Height, Latch Release, Minim Latch height, Minimum Latch height

Standards -

Australia

Section(s)

The image shows how measurements must be taken perpendicular to the sloping surface, not vertically.

The NCZ 1 and the effective height of the barrier must be maintained when a barrier is sloping, so in order for measurements to comply they must be measured perpendicular from the top of the barrier.

Sloped, Sloping, Perpendicular, Fence

Standards -

Australia

Section(s)

Image is showing the effect that the weight of a child could possible have on perforated material. The height of the barrier must not be less than 1200mm even when a weight is applied to the top rail.

Perforated materials used in a barrier are much more likely to be able to be climbed so special attention needs to be taken to the size of the perforations and the rigidity of the panel overall.

Perforated, 13mm

Standards -

Australia

Section(s)