Developed in conjunction with industry feedback, the Pool Barrier Inspection Audit (Pilot) program aims to help ensure pool and spa barriers are well designed and built to last, helping keep Victorians safe.
This forms part of the VBA's commitment to protecting and securing lives and livelihoods through proactive, best-practice regulation.
Members of the VBA's Inspection Services team will go out in the field alongside Building Inspectors who issue Form 23s to inspect pool barriers, to guide practitioners on best practice pool barrier compliance.
The pilot program aims to:
- Ensure Building Inspectors meet their responsibilities and functions under the Building Act 1993 (the Act).
- Identify education opportunities for Building Inspectors.
- Engage with industry to build trust.
In the coming weeks, the VBA will approach pilot program candidates. All practitioners approached to take part in the program are expected to participate.
As part of the Act, the VBA can ensure Form 23s are only issued for barriers that comply by:
- Requesting a Council's Swimming Pool Register that details Form 23s issued by Building Inspectors and Building Surveyors.
- Requesting photographic evidence of the inspection relied upon to issue a Form 23.
- Onsite inspections of work performed by Building Inspectors.
Many Building Inspectors are doing the right thing and upholding their regulatory obligations. The VBA will continue to support these practitioners, while holding those doing the wrong thing to account.
