Familiarising Yourself with Australian Fencing Standards

Australia has different fencing standards for different kinds of fencing purposes, from fences that surround a pool to brush fences that protect class 1 and class 2 properties. There are important safety regulations for each fence and establishment. There are a lot of different types of fences -from standard security fences and gates to high security fences. This article will highlight two different kinds and give you basic information on regulations that you need to be familiar with. It will also guide you to other sources for more detailed information to suit your needs.

What are the types of fencing available to you?

Brush fences: Brush fences that are in close proximity to houses are fire hazards and risk the lives of the occupants. Buildings must be protected from fire, and your brush fence must qualify for safety reasons.

The fire resistance level or FRL of the brush fence must be up to code. It must have structural adequacy, integrity, and proper insulation. A rebuilt brush fence must meet the same requirements as a new one. You may not install a brush fence within 3 metres of a class 1 or class 2 building. The back wall of the building facing the brush fence must also be fire resistant. The side door next to the back wall on the structure must be fire resistant as well. Certain encroachments are aloud within the 3-metre distance between the building and brush fence. This includes down pipes, gutters, and rainwater tanks. Eaves with non-combustible roof cladding and lining are accepted as well.

Moreover, you may have an unroofed terrace, landings, steps, and ramps not more than 1 metre in height. For more detailed information on fence regulations, please visit this website here.

Safety barriers:  Children under the age of five are considered to be the most at risk of drowning according to a study done by the centre of disease control in the United States. Even the Australian Bureau of Statistics has stated that 80 percent of the deaths reported of children drowning over a 5 year period were children under the age of five. About 78% of them drown accidently in a swimming pool. The Australian standards for pool safety are requiring pool owners to have a safety barrier to make it difficult for children to access the pool without adult supervision.

Pool owners who constructed pools or spas prior to 1 January 2003 are required by the Community Safety Standard to immediately declare that they own one. They have also been required to build a safety barrier to prevent children from gaining unsupervised access to these areas.

For pools constructed after 1 January 2003, pool and spa owners must adhere to the Modified Australian Standard. This regulation states that they must have a safety wall installed within 7 days of completion of their pool or spa once it is filled with water of at least 300mm. Neighbours of the pools and spa owners must receive written notification of a pool or spa installation. Finally, they must know if a shared wall is being utilised as a pool or spa barrier.

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