Inspections

Schedule Inspection

• Seek information from the owner or council register regarding the relevant applicable barrier standard
• Identify documents that must be reviewed prior to the inspection and identify how these are to be sourced. These documents include council documents, previous inspection documentation and relevant version of the standard
• Read and interpret plans and drawings (including interpreting performance solutions) if required
• Undertake inspection in a competent manner to a professional standard on pool barriers (excluding newly constructed pool barriers)
• Identify whether a conflict of interest exists, and the inspection cannot proceed
• Ensure required insurance coverage is still in place

Carry out Inspection

• Present VBA registration card to the land owner and/or occupant prior to inspection
• Inspect pool and/or spa barrier for compliance, against the applicable barrier standard
• Determine compliance or non-compliance of the barrier against the requirements of the applicable barrier standard
• Use suitable tools in the course of the inspection, such as measuring tools, checklists, smart phone/tablet, tools required for tests (examples include strength tests, cylinder tests, etc.)
• Where the barrier is determined to be non-compliant, determine whether the barrier could be made compliant on the day of inspection by brief work that can be done on the spot
• Produce a record of the inspection (checklists, photos, videos, etc.) and keep such records for a period up to 10 years

Determine Compliance

• Issue the Certificate of Barrier Compliance using the correct form (Form 23) and, as soon as practicable, give it to the land owner
• Explain to the land owner their obligations regarding lodgement of the compliance certificate
• Explain to the land owner that they will be required to have their barrier inspected in approximately four years, and that the council will confirm with them the date by which the next certificate must be lodged
• Undertake inspection in a competent manner to a professional standard on pool barriers (excluding newly constructed pool barriers)
• Identify whether a conflict of interest exists, and the inspection cannot proceed
• Ensure required insurance coverage is still in place

Determine Non-Compliance

• Issue Certificate of Barrier Non-Compliance if the barrier can't be made compliant on the day of inspection
• Give written notice with a list of non-compliant matters dated not more than 60 days from the initial inspection to the owner
• Explain to the land owner why the barrier is not compliant and explain the next steps to them (including any requirements from the relevant council) and relevant timeframes for rectification
• Respond to complaints about the outcomes of the inspection in a professional manner
• Demonstrate conflict resolution skills if the landowner disagrees with the non-compliance
• Provide supporting documentation for determination of non-compliance in the event of a dispute and upon request by the landowner or council