VBA endorses first RTOs to deliver swimming pool and spa barrier inspection course
The endorsed RTOs are the Institute of Research and Learning (IRLearning), Short Courses Australia and Masters in Building Training (MIBT).
IRLearning is a subsidiary of SPASA Australia, while MIBT is the preferred RTO partner for SPASA Victoria.
The VBA is continuing to receive and review applications from other RTOs seeking to deliver the newly developed training course, which is VBAISP2020 – ‘Course in swimming pool and spa barrier inspection’.
Information on all endorsed RTOs is available on the VBA website.
Anyone interested in pursuing a career as a swimming pool and spa safety barrier inspector is encouraged to enrol once course dates are available.
With the deadline for property owners to register their swimming pools and spas closing on 1 November 2020, many owners will be preparing to have their pool and spa barriers assessed for compliance with relevant safety standards.
In Victoria, pool and spa owners must have an appropriately registered building surveyor, building inspector or pool safety inspector certify the compliance of their safety barrier every four years.
There are currently around 1040 building inspectors and surveyors qualified to inspect and certify swimming pool and spa barriers across Victoria, with an additional 25 people registered as pool safety inspectors.
The Victorian Government introduced the class of Building Inspector (Pool Safety) on 1 December 2019 to enable widespread inspection of swimming pool and spa barriers.
Registration as a Building Inspector (Pool Safety)
Qualifications required for registration in this class of work include an Advanced Diploma or Bachelor of Building Surveying, or completion of a VBA-accredited pool safety course and at least six months’ practical experience.
Practitioners with extensive knowledge of swimming pool and spa barrier inspection work and a record of supervision by a suitably registered practitioner can also apply for registration.
Having a compliant pool and spa barrier can help save lives. Since 2000, more than 20 young children have fatally drowned in cases where the non-compliance of a safety barrier has been a factor.
More information
To find out more about the Building Inspector (Pool Safety) registration process, call 1300 815 127 or email customerservice@vba.vic.gov.au.