Overview
The Queensland Building and Construction Commission (QBCC) has published a fact sheet setting out record-keeping requirements for licensed Pool Safety Inspectors (PSIs) in Queensland. The fact sheet is effective May 2026.
Legal basis
The requirements sit under Chapter 8 of the Building Act 1975 and the PSI Code of Conduct.
Retention period
Every PSI is required to keep records of all pool inspections and reinspections for at least 5 years.
Quality standards for records
Records must be:
- Clear, legible, and objective
- Detailed enough for a third party to assess whether the pool complies with the pool safety standard
Acceptable forms of evidence
The fact sheet lists the following as acceptable evidence:
- Time and date stamped photographs and videos
- Contemporaneous notes
- Checklists
- Job logs
- Diagrams
What notes must cover
Notes are required to address:
- Pool details
- Barrier layout
- Measurements
- Gate operation
- Latches
- Hinges
- Climbable features
- Non-Climbable Zone (NCZ) assessments
- Any exemptions or variations
- Reasons supporting the inspection decision
Gate operation recording
The fact sheet specifically requires that gate operation is captured on video from all positions within the arc of operation, including from resting on the latch.
Storage and retrieval
Records must be securely stored, regularly backed up, and easily retrievable.
Key actions
- Download and read the QBCC fact sheet guide-psi-record-keeping.pdf from qbcc.qld.gov.au to confirm current record-keeping practices meet all requirements.
- Review inspection records to ensure every file includes time and date stamped photos or video, contemporaneous notes with measurements and NCZ assessments, and a checklist confirming all pool safety standard requirements were considered.
- Check that all inspection records are stored securely, backed up regularly, and can be retrieved easily - records must be kept for at least 5 years from the date of each inspection.
- Ensure gate operation is captured on video from all positions within the arc of operation, including from resting on the latch.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.