Fencing Standards in Australia
Each country has its own rules and regulations when it comes to erecting fences. In Australia, there is such a thing as fencing standards. Standards Australia, a non-government organization is the unit tasked to set, review and further research on standards in Australia. If you are planning to construct or renovate an establishment, you are going to have to erect fences for security, safety and privacy purposes.
One of the most important and talked about fence is the pool fence. Pool fences that have been constructed out of standards are more likely to cause higher cases of drowning, especially in children. According to Australian Standards AS2820, AS2818 and AS1926, pool gates should be constructed in a way such that it swings out away from the pool zone and be self- closing. The latches of the pool gates should be at least 1.5 meters above the ground; otherwise enclosed if it’s lower than such. The height of the pool gates and fences should be at least 1.2 meters with a 100mm. gap between each vertical picket.
Standards don’t only apply to public places like pool areas but also applies to fences in your home. Dividing fences that separate your house from your neighbour’s are also regulated by state laws and standards. These laws and standards cover topics from sharing the costs with your neighbour to how to handle disputes. A few examples are WA’s Dividing Fences Act of 1961, the Neighbourhood Disputes Resolution Act 2011 of Queensland and Victoria’s Fences Act of 1968.
The materials used for fencing are also regulated. Examples are AS1397 and AS2728 which tackles zinc and zinc alloyed fences in terms of coated mass and paint film thickness as well as AS1604 which deals with timber, plywood and other wood-based products.
The height of a fence is also under regulation wherein it must have a maximum height of 1.5 meters and a maximum of 2 meters if the property is facing a main road.
If you would like to know more about these Australian Standards when it comes to fences, contact Smarter Fencing.