Recall of G8Safe pool fence latches

SafeTech Hardware Australia has recalled the following products (non-compliant latches):
• SafeTech Top Pull Pool Gate Latch (Key Lockable)
• G8Safe Top Pull Pool Gate Latch (Key Lockable)
• SafeTech TriLatch (Key Lockable)
• G8Safe TriLatch (Key Lockable)

The non-compliant latches were sold separately and also in the following kits:

• SafeTech Trade Packs (Key Lockable)
• G8Safe Megapack (Key Lockable)

What is the issue?

The non-compliant latches do not comply with AS 1926.1-2012 (even though the labelling suggests the latches are compliant) because their design allows the non-compliant latches to be locked in the 'open' position. This is a breach of clause 2.4.2.1 (b) of AS 1926.1- 2012.

An investigation was commenced by NSW Fair Trading following a referral from a local council inspector in Sydney.

Advice to consumers?

The Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has advised consumers about how the barrier can be made compliant. This advice and further information about the product recall is on the ACCC’s Product Safety website.

What should A1, A2, A3 and E1 certifiers and councils do?

When certifiers and councils inspect swimming pool barriers they should check if the non-compliant latches are fitted. If the barrier has a non-compliant latch, the lock on the latch should be disabled immediately in accordance with the consumer advice given by the ACCC.

If the lock on the non-compliant latch is not disabled for any reason, you should immediately issue a certificate of non-compliance for the barrier because the barrier will not be compliant with AS 1926.1-2012.

When councils and certifiers inspect swimming pool barriers they should also check if there are any other products (which form part of the barrier) that do not comply with AS 1926.1 -2012. If you identify a non-compliant product, you should first issue a non-compliance certificate for the relevant barrier and second, you should advise Fair Trading about the non-compliant product as soon as possible by lodging an enquiry online or calling 13 32 20.

Certifiers need to ensure the accuracy of information they enter on the Swimming Pool Register

The NSW Swimming Pool Register is the central record for all swimming pool certificates of compliance and non-compliance and is used by the NSW Government, real estate industry, local councils, home buyers and pool owners to verify the existence of certificates for properties in NSW.

It is important that all information contained in the register is accurate and up-to-date. Many inaccuracies in the register have been brought to our attention recently.

As certifiers, you must take all reasonable steps to ensure that you enter accurate address details for the pool inspections that you conduct. If you make an incorrect entry on the register, this may amount to unsatisfactory professional conduct and may also constitute the provision of false or misleading documentation or information, which is an offence under the NSW Crimes Act.

The Swimming Pool Register relies on data from the NSW Spatial Services Address database. Please note that the Register search results default to the closest numbered property. Please be diligent when checking the chosen property number and address.
When updating the Swimming Pool Register if you cannot find the address on the Spatial Services SIX Maps viewer this means the address cannot be entered. You should not then input an alternative incorrect address.

In these circumstances, you or the property owner should contact the local council and request that the address is updated with Spatial Services via SS-Addressing@finance.nsw.gov.au.