There is a clause within the Australian Standard AS1926.1- 2012 for openable windows that open directly into the pool area. The Standard applies when the height from the sill of the lowest opening panel of the window to the ground level in the pool area is less than 1,800mm. Where this is the case, there are a couple of options to ensure compliance.
One of the options includes fixing the opening portion of the window to the building with fasteners that can only be removed by use if a tool so that the window remains closed or so it can open to a maximum of 100mm.
There are a number of options to restrict the opening that I’ve seen while undertaking pool barrier compliance inspections. These include modifying/replacing the window winder or securing a chain between the sill and the opening window pane. However, at a recent pool barrier inspection in Ocean Grove, the homeowner secured a bolt into the brick wall next to the window. The placement of the bolt restricted the windows opening to no greater than 100mm which resulted in the opening portion of the window inexpensively complying with this clause of the Standard.
