What this guidance covers
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) has updated its guidance for licensed Pool Safety Inspectors (PSIs). The updated guidance takes effect in June 2026.
The core rule
Under the Building Act 1975, a pool safety inspection occurs whenever a licensed PSI physically inspects a regulated pool barrier - including measuring it, testing gates or latches, or forming a view on whether it complies. This applies regardless of what the visit is called.
Once a physical inspection of a pool barrier takes place, the PSI is required to issue either a pool safety certificate or a nonconformity notice under sections 246AA and 246AB of the Building Act 1975.
What the label of a visit does not change
Describing a visit as a 'consultation', 'advisory check', or 'informal check' does not change the legal obligations that apply. If the PSI assesses the existing pool barrier during that visit, the statutory outcomes are triggered.
When obligations are not triggered
General advice about proposed pool fencing designs, future works, or legislative requirements in general terms is still permitted without triggering the certificate or nonconformity notice obligations, provided the PSI does not assess or measure the existing pool barrier during that visit.
Key actions
- Review the updated Guideline for Pool Safety Inspectors at qbcc.qld.gov.au to confirm practice aligns with the June 2026 changes.
- Check every client engagement - if a visit involves measuring, testing gates or latches, assessing barriers, or forming a compliance view, a pool safety certificate or nonconformity notice is required under sections 246AA and 246AB of the Building Act 1975.
- Update any service agreements, marketing materials, or booking systems that describe inspections as 'advisory visits', 'informal checks', or 'consultations', as these labels do not change legal obligations.
- To offer a genuine advisory service without triggering statutory outcomes, limit that service strictly to general advice on proposed fencing, future designs, or legislative requirements in general terms, and do not assess or measure the existing pool barrier during that visit.
- Contact QBCC directly via qbcc.qld.gov.au for questions about whether a specific activity constitutes a statutory inspection.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.