Splash pad amendments included in new Western Australia Code of Practice for Aquatic Facilities

The latest Western Australia Code of Practice for the Design, Construction, Operation, Management & Maintenance of Aquatic Facilities includes expanded information on water spray grounds/splash pads, identifying that water spray grounds/splash pads are an 'aquatic facility' and must be issued regulatory approval by the Executive Director, Public Health before being constructed and opened for use.

Setting out design, construction and operation requirements for water spray grounds/splash pads amendments in the August 2013 Code of Practice cover construction and approval, location, design, materials, surfaces, water circulation and treatment, safety, cleaning, waste water and operation.

Other amendments appearing in the document include adopting/amending Royal Life Saving Society Pool Safety Guidelines for Starting Platforms (Section 2.14), Rescue Equipment (Section 2.24), Movable Booms (Section 8.2), Wall Design for Fibreglass Pools (Section 2.8.1), Colours of step edging (Section 2.13 Access & Egress & Appendix 1.2) and new competencies for Qualifications requirements under SIS Sport, Fitness and Recreation Training Package.

The Code of Practice has been prepared by WA Health to ensure public aquatic facilities are operated to consistently high health and safety standards, by minimising the occurrence of disease, injury and other health-related complaints associated with the use of these facilities.

The Code is divided into 12 sections, which include administrative provisions, design and construction requirements, water treatment, chemical safety, water quality, management and supervision, operational and sanitary requirements, plus requirements for special facilities such as spas, hydrotherapy pools, waterslides and water spray parks.

The Code is aimed primarily at designers, builders and operators of aquatic facilities, together with the agencies responsible for administration of the Health Act, such as State and Local Government, Environmental Health Officers and associated practitioners.

The Code is published by the Executive Director, Public Health (EDPH) under the provisions of section 344A(2) of the Western Australian Health Act 1911, and is to be read in conjunction with the Health (Aquatic Facilities) Regulations 2007. It replaces the previous Health (Swimming Pools) Regulations 1964.

Premises classified as aquatic facilities by the Health (Aquatic Facilities) Regulations 2007 are required to comply with these provisions.

As part of this mechanism for continuing change the EDPH has established an Aquatic Facilities Working Group (AFWG) comprising of government and industry stakeholders, which meet together bi-annually, to consider, discuss and make recommendations regarding various proposals, to provide the Western Australian Department of Health (WA Health) with an external source of advice and recommendation, which can then be considered by the EDPH when deciding to amend the Code from time to time.

For more information contact Llew Withers, Manager Applied Program/Senior Adviser Environmental Health Hazards Unit, Public Health and Clinical Services Division, WA Health on 08 9388 4964.

The Code of Practice can be viewed at www.public.health.wa.gov.au/3/914/2/code_of_practice.pm

Image courtesy of Waterplay Solutions.

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