Pelican Pool Safety Inspections
E1 Swimming Pool Certification Submission
Please find some comments and thoughts on the proposed new class of accreditation for inspecting swimming pool
barriers in NSW.
My background is as follows:
I have trade certificates in the following areas, all obtained in the late 60’s and early 70’s, in NSW.
Fitting/Turning, Maintenance Fitter, Heat Treatment of Metals, Tool Making
In the mid 80’s I was the proprietor of my own fencing company servicing the Tweed/Coolangatta area and worked
in both NSW and QLD which was the outcome of a metal fence extruding company that I was working for going into
receivership.
Since then I have re-entered the industry as a Pool Safety Inspector in QLD with a licence accredited to undertake
repairs.
I believe the current system in QLD works satisfactorily but with a few flaws. The unfortunate part about it was the
timing of the introduction where several govt funded schemes were started up due to the GFC. E.g. batt funding,
solar funding, green certificates for housing etc and some people saw it as an opportunity for easy money and
attracted unskilled people with little industry knowledge.
Currently I think there are over 700 inspectors in QLD but many are starting to leave as the cost of fees/insurance
and low volume of work makes it unviable.
To make it viable it has become an extra service to related businesses such as Pool Shops/Fencing Contractors/Real
Estate Agents etc. This leads to a conflict of interest and a very grey area around the Code of Conduct. There is just
not enough work to sustain a full time income as a Pool Safety Inspector.
Personally my income is supplemented by the additional work I can undertake as being a condition of my licence. I
think this is a very important condition that should be allowed in NSW.
This is also an area that can be improved in QLD. Currently there is conflict by two departments. The PSC says to be
qualified to undertake repairs you must have a BSA Licence but you can only undertake repairs up to $3,300. If you
notify the BSA they don’t care about anything undertaken under $3,300.
Lic:101453
Mobile 0487 228 902
Email: [email protected]
ABN:36700359218
Website:www.pelicanpoolsafetyinspections.com.au
Pelican Pool Safety Inspections
The PSC puts all sorts of restriction on my licence such as only be able to do 5 meters of fencing yet the customer can
employ Joe Blow the Handyman down the street and he can do whatever he likes up to $3,300 yet I have more
knowledge and skill and commitment to the industry and my employment.
Most of my repair work is replacing self-closing hinges, adjusting latches and filling or shielding excessive gaps and
some sort of recognition of the ability to undertake these repairs should be part of the NSW system.
In QLD when I initially applied for a BSA licence to allow these repairs the dept was very enthusiastic to help me as I
had prior skills but unfortunately had lost my trade papers and when I owned my own contracting business there
were no licence requirements,
I put an extensive resume together with references, photos and Statutory Declarations, Cert IV in Management etc
but the BSA failed to recognise any of it. Basically they would be granting me a building licence when all I wanted to
do was some basic fence repair work and I can understand their reluctance.
Luckily I made this submission to the PSC and they accepted the paperwork and endorsed my licence. A bonus really
as the additional burden of BSA fees would have made my business unviable.
The NSW proposed fees of $1500 are way too high for what will be a low turnover service. It may be sustainable in a
high population area as Sydney but I can’t see it working anywhere else
I operate on the southern end of the Gold Coast so would like to operate in the northern NSW area but the fees
would outlay the small amount of additional income.
The Tweed/Coolangatta area is unique and will be the only place in NSW where discrimination can occur against
people just over the border and restrict the market to them. I have extensive experience and knowledge in the area
and this should be recognized nationally and not be additional cost to an already marginal business.
What are the proposals for training/insurance and yearly CPD points and recognition of people that have already
undertaken this in QLD? I hope I don’t have to undertake and pay for everything twice.
In Summary
1)
2)
3)
4)
5)
6)
Allow repairs/rectification up to $3,300 to be undertaken by the inspector.
Recognize QLD qualifications
Accept current $1mil insurance that QLD Inspectors have.
Accept QLD annual CPD training points
Reduced Fee or No Fee for people that work in a unique area that has an imaginary line running through it.
Recognize the fact it will never be a full time job except maybe in Sydney and that they will have to
supplement their income. E1 Certifiers will reduce the cost to the consumer as the other higher grade
Lic:101453
Mobile 0487 228 902
Email: [email protected]
ABN:36700359218
Website:www.pelicanpoolsafetyinspections.com.au
Pelican Pool Safety Inspections
Inspectors and Councils will be charging a lot higher fee and it will encourage the public to make sure the
pools are compliant.
Thank you,
Gary Scott
Lic:101453
Mobile 0487 228 902
Email: [email protected]
ABN:36700359218
Website:www.pelicanpoolsafetyinspections.com.au