Swimming pools provide a source of enjoyment for many Australian families, but they also pose a significant safety risk, particularly for young children. AS 1926.1:2024, Swimming pool safety – safety barriers for swimming pools, establishes important guidelines for the design, construction, and maintenance of pool safety barriers. These barriers play a key role in helping prevent young children from accessing swimming pools unsupervised, significantly reducing the risk of drowning.
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What’s changed in AS 1926.1:2024

AS 1926.1 has undergone a revision in 2024 to address potential ambiguities and stay relevant to modern practices. Key changes include:

• Clearer definitions and diagrams: The updated standard includes clarified definitions and improved diagrams to aid understanding and proper implementation by homeowners, pool builders, and inspectors.

• Non-climbable zones: The standard provides detailed guidance on the positioning of objects and plants within non-climbable zones, helping ensure barriers remain effective and are not compromised by external factors.

• Gate components: Requirements around gate latches and hinges have been updated, focusing on long-term reliability and effectiveness to help pool barriers maintain their protective function over time.
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Understanding the scope of AS 1926.1:2024

The standard outlines comprehensive requirements for pool barriers, covering critical areas such as:

• Non-climbable zones: Special attention is given to the placement of objects or structures near the pool to reduce opportunities for children to climb over barriers.

• Gate components: Revised marking and design requirements for gate latches and hinges aim to support safety by helping these key components remain secure and reliable.

• New definitions and diagrams: Updated terms and diagrams to help assist pool owners and industry professionals in understanding how to implement compliant safety barriers.
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Supporting safer swimming environment

Henrietta Tan, Engagement Manager at Standards Australia, commented on the release of AS 1926.1:2024. " This revision provides important guidelines aimed at improving the safety of Australian backyard pools, particularly for young children. The updated requirements seek to make it easier for homeowners and pool professionals to understand and apply the standard effectively, reducing the risk of accidents."
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Benefits of implementing AS 1926.1:2024

Potential benefits of implementing AS 1926.1:2024 include:

• Enhanced child safety: The standard provides guidelines that can contribute to preventing accidental drownings by helping ensure that pool barriers remain effective.

• Industry alignment: By aligning with current safety practices, the standard promotes uniform safety measures for pool builders, inspectors, and homeowners.

• Simplified implementation: The updated language and diagrams aim to make it easier for homeowners and professionals to understand and apply the safety requirements outlined in the standard.
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Who should use AS 1926.1:2024?

AS 1926.1:2024 is relevant for:

• Homeowners: Helps guide pool barrier design in line with current safety requirements to protect families.

• Pool builders and inspectors: Looks to provides clear guidance for the construction and inspection of pool safety barriers, supporting compliance with updated safety standards.
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AS 1926.1:2024, Swimming pool safety – safety barriers for swimming pools is available via the Standards Australia Store and our distributor partners.

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