Owning a swimming pool in Queensland comes with the responsibility of adhering to specific safety regulations designed to protect all users, especially young children. A critical aspect of these regulations involves the proper display of Cardiopulmonary Resuscitation (CPR) and warning signs.
CPR Signs
Every pool owner must prominently display a CPR sign that meets the following criteria:
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Visibility: The sign should be attached to the pool's safety barrier or positioned near the pool, ensuring it is easily seen by anyone nearby.
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Dimensions: A minimum size of 300mm x 300mm.
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Durability: Constructed from materials that are both durable and weatherproof.
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Emergency Instructions: Must include clear instructions on how to act in an emergency, such as calling Triple Zero (000), staying with the injured person, and providing first aid.
The CPR procedures displayed should align with the guidelines set by the Australian and New Zealand Committee on Resuscitation (ANZCOR). Notably, the CPR technique involves starting with 30 chest compressions followed by 2 breaths.
Warning Signs During Pool Construction
For those constructing a new swimming pool, it's mandatory to display a warning sign before construction begins. This sign must:
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Content: Clearly warn that a swimming pool is under construction and highlight the danger to young children accessing the area (e.g., 'Danger. Swimming pool under construction. Keep children out.').
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Placement: Located within 1.5 meters of the property's road frontage, with the bottom of the sign at least 300mm above ground level, ensuring visibility from the road.
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Specifications: Made of weatherproof material, with the warning text in bold letters at least 50mm high.
If the property has multiple road frontages, a warning sign is required on only one. It's important to note that this requirement doesn't apply to portable pools that don't require building approval.
Adhering to these regulations is not just about legal compliance but also about ensuring the safety of all pool users. Proper signage can provide crucial guidance during emergencies and prevent unauthorised access during construction. For comprehensive details on these requirements, refer to the Queensland Government's guidelines on CPR and warning signs.
