This Supplementary Order Paper amends clause F9.3.4 in the consequential amendments to the Building Regulations 1992 (SR 1992/150) set out in the Schedule to tighten safety issues regarding access from within a building to a pool area when the building forms all or part of an immediate pool area barrier.

Clause F9.3.4 does not adequately ensure safety, particularly that of children. The primary concern is that it allows there to be an ‘audible warning’ such as an alarm when doors between the building and the immediate pool area are opened as an alternative to automatic closure of the doors. Reliance on alarms or other aural warning systems is concerning, because the circumstances that give rise to drownings of children (such as the distraction of caregivers) also mitigates against their hearing any alarm and acting. Consequently, this amendment deletes the ability to use an aural warning as an alternative to an automatically closing door.

This amendment would also remove the word “readily”, and require any doors to, not only close automatically, but also latch to ensure higher levels of safety.