Alliance for Regulatory Coordination: Backyard safety and pool safety encouraged

Contact: Robert DuPont, 608-712-2398, robertgdupont@gmail.com

MADISON – The Alliance for Regulatory Coordination joins the International Code Council in

encouraging greater awareness of backyard and pool safety during week three of May 2015,

Building Safety Month.

As families move outdoors to enjoy nice weather in spring and summer, special precautions

should be taken to ensure outdoor areas are safe from potential hazards. Swimming pools,

barbecue grills, gardening tools and fertilizers and lawn toys all pose risks to children and

adults alike. Here are ten important tips to remember for backyard and pool safety:

Pool and Deck Safety

1. Make sure all pedestrian gates in the barrier fence for your pool are self-closing and self-

latching. Other gates should be padlocked.

2. Remove all chairs, tables, large toys or other objects that would allow a child to climb up

to reach the gate latch or enable the child to climb over the pool isolation fence.

3. Reaching and throwing aids like poles should be kept on both sides of the pool. These

items should remain stationary and not be misplaced through play activities.

4. All pool and hot tub drains (suction outlets) should have a cover or grate that meets

industry standards for suction fittings marked to indicate compliance with ANSI/ASME

A112.19.8 2007. Check to see that these covers are not broken or in disrepair, and that

they are anchored firmly over the drain openings.

5. Install a pool alarm to detect accidental or unauthorized entrance into the water. While

the alarm provides an immediate warning, it does not substitute for the barrier fences,

door alarms and safety covers required by the code.

6. Install either an automatic or manually operated, approved safety cover to completely

block access to water in the pool, spa or hot tub. Never allow anyone to stand or play

on a pool cover.

7. Check for warning signs of an unsafe deck, including loose or wobbly railings or support

beams, missing or loose screws that connect a deck to the house, corrosion, rot and

cracks.

Grill Safety

8. Place the barbeque grill away from siding, deck railings and out from under eaves and

overhanging branches. It is also unsafe to use grills in a garage, porch or enclosed area

that could trap carbon monoxide. Never grill on top of anything that can catch on fire.

9. When grilling, have a fire extinguisher, a garden hose or at least four gallons of water close

by in case of a fire.

10. Keep children away from fires and grills. Establish a safety zone around the grill and

instruct the children to remain outside of the zone. A chalk line works great for this

purpose. Never leave the grill unattended.

The International Code Council is dedicated to developing model codes and standards used in

the design, build and compliance process to construct safe, sustainable, affordable and resilient

structures. Most U.S. communities and many global markets choose the International Codes.

The Alliance for Regulatory Coordination is a consortium of 17 business, professional, trade and

advocacy organizations involved in building design, construction and regulatory services in

Wisconsin. The Alliance seeks regulatory services provided in the most efficient manner possible

to promote the health, safety and welfare of Wisconsin citizens and visitors.