Building and Energy is urging parents of young children to be extra vigilant about potential hazards as youngsters spend more time at home due to COVID-19 coronavirus.

“Parents and carers keeping their children out of schools and day-care facilities has meant they are often looking after children all day while juggling working from home and other commitments,” Building and Energy Executive Director Saj Abdoolakhan said.

“Many children do not have the maturity or experience to understand hazards and their potential consequences. Lack of adult supervision for even a moment can result in disaster.”

Mr Abdoolakhan encouraged parents to have a fresh look at risk areas around the home and implement precautions where possible. One source of potential danger is the backyard swimming pool and spa.

To help residents gauge the effectiveness of their swimming pool safety barriers, Building and Energy has released a simple checklist covering key aspects of the required measurements, operation and condition for the barriers: www.dmirs.wa.gov.au/poolsafetychecklist

“There is no substitute for close adult supervision, but simple checks and steps can add an extra layer of protection,” Mr Abdoolakhan said.

“If your home has a swimming pool or spa, or if you have a portable pool set up, it is essential that the safety barriers are effective, well maintained and compliant with Western Australian regulations.

“Drowning is one of the leading causes of accidental death for children under the age of five. Even in cool weather, keep a close eye on the pool gate to ensure it self-closes properly, it isn’t propped open and it doesn’t have objects nearby that a small child could use to climb over into the pool area.

“Also speak to older children to help them understand the risks for their younger siblings and never rely on older children to supervise younger children around swimming pools.”

The Building and Energy website (via dmirs.wa.gov.au) has a range of other useful information on home safety including rules for pools and spas, safe use of electricity and safe use of gas.

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Media contact: Sarah Roberts – 0466 409 828 (media queries only) or BEmedia@demirs.wa.gov.au