Overview
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) has published a fact sheet setting out mandatory record keeping requirements for licensed Pool Safety Inspectors (PSIs). The requirements apply under Chapter 8 of the Building Act 1975 and the PSI Code of Conduct.
What records are required
Every time a PSI inspects or reinspects a regulated pool, the rules require records that are clear, legible, and objective, and that are sufficient for a third party to assess whether the pool meets the pool safety standard.
Records must include a combination of the following:
- Time- and date-stamped photographs or videos
- Contemporaneous notes or reports
- Diagrams covering pool details, barrier layout, gate operation, and measurements
What the records must cover
The fact sheet specifies that records must address:
- Pool details and barrier layout
- Gate operation, including from all positions within the arc and resting on the latch
- Self-closing and self-latching effectiveness
- Measurements including heights, gaps, and climbable objects
- CPR sign location
- Non-compliant sections
- Any exemptions, variations, or performance solutions applied
- Date, time, location, and inspector details
- Non-compliance zone (NCZ) assessments
- Any certificates or notices issued
- A checklist confirming all pool safety standard requirements were considered
- Reasons supporting the inspection decision
Storage and retention
The rules require all records to be securely stored, regularly backed up, and easily retrievable for at least 5 years.
Effective date
The fact sheet is effective May 2026.
Key actions stated in the fact sheet
- Download and read the full fact sheet (guide-psi-record-keeping.pdf) from the QBCC website at https://www.qbcc.qld.gov.au/resources/guide/record-keeping-pool-safety-inspectors-psis to confirm current record keeping practices meet every requirement listed.
- Check that every inspection record created from May 2026 onward includes time- and date-stamped photos or video of gate operation, self-closing and self-latching effectiveness, plus written notes covering all required details.
- Audit the storage system to confirm all inspection records are securely stored, regularly backed up, and can be retrieved for at least 5 years - if the current system does not meet this standard, update it before May 2026.
- Ensure contemporaneous notes include a checklist confirming all pool safety standard requirements were considered, plus reasons supporting the inspection decision.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.